Chapter 3
Stalking On The Suspect
In his free time, Ben was stalking Linda to obtain reliable information. On her day off, Linda was going home for a county visit in Buscony. Exactly, at the train station, when the train stopped, Ben boarded just a few steps away from where Linda was sitting.
The train was fully loaded and it happened that Ben was able to take a sit,
" There she is. Luckily she got a seat." Ben said to himself.
" Ticket, please ? " asked the train checker.
" Here it is," Ben said.
" Mr. Checker, how long does it take me to Buscony?" He asked.
" More or less one and half-hour from here. Depending on the speed of the train" He replied.
" I've never been there, that's why. Thanks !" He said.
Later, they reached the station at Buscony. Ben kept an eye on Linda, but because of the crowd, he almost lost her from his sight. He rushed to the bus station and tried to locate her.
He found it difficult to board the bus while Linda had already taken a seat at the rear side. Ben stood until the bus stopped at the designated area where Linda had to get off.
The place was so rustic and only a few old or antiquated houses could be seen at a distance with more tall and small trees and grown shrubs along the way. He let the bus go a few steps away from where Linda got off. He did not know that there were two husky men that got off also from the bus. One of the men noticed Ben and couldn't hold himself for a stranger to chat.
" Sir, it looks like you're going somewhere?" The man asked.
Ben was surprised walking along with two husky moustached men.
" Yes. I am just looking for a large tract of land for my client." Ben replied.
" So, you're on a real estate business. Oh, a real estate agent?" the other man asked.
" And it looks like there are lots of ideal land for conversion in this place?" Ben said.
However, he lost track of Linda's path as his attention was caught by chatting with the two men whom Ben did not know were Linda's brothers. He made some reasons to avoid them to follow Linda who got lost from his sight.
" I will get to see this way. There might be a pleasant view in that area" He said.
" If you wish, we can lead you to a more viable and ideal location on our way" the man urged.
" C'mon don't worry, we're from this area. We can show you how good this place is" the other man said.
Reluctant and somewhat confused Ben got no choice, but to follow them in order to see if Linda was on that way.
They walked a few minutes into the grassy and rough road with high grown weeds and no houses at all. Then, out of the tall grown weeds they walked through while sweeping them away with their hands emerged at least two adjacent old houses made of light materials under the trees.
" Come, don't worry this place is safe." the man said.
Ben went into the house with the two men. He was reluctant and getting anxious.
" Your house is nice and this place is so refreshing and peaceful" Ben with pretense.
" Yes. That's why we prefer to stay here." the man said.
" Where are you from?" the man asked.
" Belefalva," Ben replied.
" That's a distant place from here." the man said.
" Is this your settlement? Don't you have families?" Ben asked.
" Yes. But our families are not here. We left them in Valcea for our job" the other man replied.
" What's your job?" Ben curiously asked.
" We're freelancers" the man replied.
" I think I have to go now. Anyway, I have seen this place to tell to my client. I will just check it with the Assessor's office of the town's Municipality" He said.
" Just take it easy. Don't worry. Relax and rest for a while." said the man as he gave him a glass of water.
When taking a sip of water from the glass, Ben happened to see through the glass window the adjacent house.
" What's that house for?" He asked.
He was surprised when he saw Linda went out of the house.
" That's our Mom's house. The woman is our sister"
Linda approached them and called the two men, who introduced her as brothers.
" I didn't know that you have a visitor," Linda said.
" He was looking for a convertible land for his client along the way. We got him here" the man explained.
" So, you're a real estate man. Where are you from ?" She asked.
" He's from Belefalva " One of the two brothers replied.
" That's right and I've never been here that far," Ben said.
" It's where my cousin, Sophia lives. You should know her as she is popular in most places in Belefalva." She continued.
" Belefalva is a vast county. I never heard about her." He replied.
" Oh, anyway, forget about her," Linda said.
"By the way, I am in the chemical business. I supply certain stores and suppliers there."
" That sounds lucrative business," He said.
" Come to the house and I will show you some. You might get interested in this business" she invited.
Ben had a cropped up angst and felt hesitant to pursue his mission, but his courage persisted. The tour began. The house looked dark and old as its corners, beams, and ceilings were full of cobweb and seemed they never had any brush for years nor a taste of rug-rubbing the thick dust on the surfaces and of such cloudy glasses, mirrors, and window panes. Furniture and fixtures were apparently depreciated and obsolete. As they trod the corners and innermost part of the old structure they found themselves in what looked like a century-old laboratory.
Meanwhile, an old woman appeared that looked like the one concocting the chemicals as bickers and bottles were ready to be filled in for the process. What was more amazing was the existing stairs that took them down to a spacious room that looked like a storehouse.
" Look, these are the chemicals that we have. Our family has been in this business for a long time and we just got here five years ago since we came all the way from Valcea. " She explained.
" What are these products anyway?" Ben asked.
" There are different uses for these chemical products, but some of these are herbs that are being used as food aroma,
appeal and rubbing oil and herbs that would attract customers especially for men and women." She explained.
" Enchanters?" Ben asked
" Not really, but with good appealing and beneficial effects for the users," Linda replied.
" My two brothers are the ones looking for prospects to buy our products."
" I am interested to see the effect of the charming oil. How does this one work? " Ben asked.
" That's terrific and effective. If you want your woman stick with you for life, you could rub this oil in his hair or you can rub it in her legs and arms. After a day or two, you will see the difference. Effective ?" She explained.
" Really ?" Ben asked.
" Should you wish to sell these products you are most welcome" She convinced.
Ben became more inquisitive. " What if my girl does not prefer to apply this oil? Is there any alternative way to force her without physical struggle ?" He asked.
Linda became more talkative and exposing. " You must pay a good price for it." She said as she led and walked with Ben to another side to show some chemical concoctions. Ben was stunned when he saw the other paraphernalia in performing the alchemy.
" A ritual? He asked.
" It is necessary that a ritual is combined with oil and herbs in order to program his mind for you. Just simply apply these oil and herbs after this ritual and you will get the difference a few hours or day." She added.
" We can always provide services for others who need us. We have been doing this job in Valcea and it has been successful"
" Anyway, It looks like this is a really lucrative business," Ben said.
" Just when you need to join or partner with me in this business. Always get in touch" she extended her business card.
Ben hid his scared feelings and anxiety when he left the house, but in his perplexity, he could hardly trace his way out of the area. He passed through the same grassy roads to the fields, but he could never find the main road on his way back home.
He noticed that he was just walking around the same area, but would end up in the same place. He found hope but was panicky and shaken when he finally saw the bus coming his way. He didn't know what happened to him or he had just had an illusion that remained a mystery for him not to think and dwell about at all.
Exactly, at sunset, he got into the train station. Ben could not believe in his scary and illusionary experience in the place. Hence, his discovery that a form of witchcraft or alchemy still existed proved its reality in the modern day. He believed he was enchanted in the field while on his way home, but need not think but kept it himself.
At first, he thought of accepting the offer to sell the products, but could not realize to become an alchemist, too as he would not attempt going back to the place at all.
Chapter 4
Red's House, Dude's Home
Ben explained things to Nancy and her Mom about his scary experience and journey in Buscony. That according to him was a dwelling place of alchemist and witchcraft. But because of that experience Ben apparently tired and not feeling well and he needed some rest Before he left Ben gave them parting messages.
" I am afraid I could no longer do it for you, Mom, Nancy" Ben grieved.
" But why ?" Nancy asked.
" I have told everything I know and witnessed personally. I believe that they have been doing things on Red ." He explained.
" We understand you. But how can we repel those things and save Red from their influence.?" She continued.
" We're not really sure if Red is under that kind of enchantment and have gone chemical application already" Mom insinuated.
" Her cousin, Linda and her relatives are alchemists and not Sophia." Mom said.
" They are cousins and intimate in doing so. It is probable that Linda is helping Sophia do it" Nancy insinuated.
" I am sorry Mom. I am quitting this job. I still want to live for my family" Ben said as he went away in fright.
The revelation was kept the secret between Nancy and her Mom, but they kept an eye on Red to see if there was any unusual behavior taking place.
" He is restless and sometimes he is peevish for nothing," Mom said.
" What do you think? Is he being enchanted by the alchemists? Nancy worriedly asked.
" I just don't know. But, he looks so pacified and stays silent"
" How can we be sure he's getting mesmerized by alchemists?" Nancy continued.
" Let's observe him farther. For now, let's give them the benefit of the doubt" Her Mom insinuated.
In their bonding moment, Sophia would again re-open an issue about Red's property.
" I hope you don't mind if I ask you something that you might get fret, " Sophia asked in sweet and persuasive words.
" What about ?" Red asked.
" When will you bring us in the comfort of your big beautiful house ?" She continued.
" Let me think that over. My brother's family is there. My Mom and I decided that they stay in my house for the meantime while they are still preparing for their future" Red replied.
" Will you be willing to bring us home when they're gone?" She insinuated.
" Yes. But not now. I hope you know that my immediate relatives are opposed to this kind of relationship and they cannot accept such a kind of status." He said.
" I know. But they can't do anything if you wish and decide on it because you are old enough to decide for yourself. You are on your own."
" If it happens our relationship will never be the same again." He added.
" So what. We are on our own abode and not in their" she hissed.
" Let's forget about it for now. We will come to that issue in the right time" Red said.
" Until when ?" She asked.
" I will let you know."
" I will see that time soon" She replied with a smile.
Meantime, in Red's house at Brumville, Sarah and her son were enjoying their time with Amadeus on Skype.
" It's been one and half years now. I am scheduled for a vacation next week, so get ready for my homecoming" Amadeus said.
"I and Bob are happy to hear that Dude. We're so excited to welcome you home" Sarah delightedly said.
" Okay Dude, relax and keep up the good work " Her parting word for Amadeus.
After they talked, Sarah and her house helper resumed doing some chores when the phone rang.
" Is this the house of Red ?" the caller asked.
" Yes. Anything I can do ?" Sarah asked.
" Of course, yes. I learned that Red's house would be sold "She asked with antipathy.
" Who said that? I don't know anything about that nor did Red mention it to us" Sarah replied.
" By the way, how much is the asking price for the house?" She continued.
" I said I have no idea. I will check on Red when he comes" Sarah said.
Sarah was disappointed and restless after talking with the caller. She decided to get to the house to check on that matter.
" We have no idea about it ?" Nancy said.
" Red did not tell us anything about the disposition of his house. If ever that was Red's decision, why and what for when he does not need to sell it ?" Mom said.
" The caller was asking the price of the house. I just don't know where she got that information." Sarah explained.
" Don't worry Sis, we will talk to Red and clarify things with him?" Nancy said.
" Maybe somebody was just making an issue about his house or she is just creating an intrigue." Her Mom added.
While they were talking Red arrived and was surprised knowing about the issue of the query on the phone.
" No. Maybe someone was making a fool of you. I am not selling the house nor did I tell someone to sell it" He replied.
" Anyway, Sarah don't worry, just go home and stay as is. Just ignore or tell any prank caller to stop asking about the sale of the house." Red said.
" Thank you, Red for this clarification. I was just surprised when a caller asked me that way. " Sarah said as tears fell from her eyes.
When Sarah went home. Mom and Nancy began to say something with Red.
" Are you sure you don't know anything about it?" Mom asked.
" Yes, Mom. Why should I do that when we decided they would stay there?" Red replied.
" Do you think Sophia will not do something to annoy Sarah ?" Nancy asked.
" I don't know. Why should they do that?" Red explained.
" Red, we know your relationship with Sophia. Don't you ever present her to us as your wife? We are open to a decent and qualified girl but, not her" Mom said.
" We suspect and doubt that she was the one who called on the phone" Mom continued.
" I was just helping her kids because they have been close to me for years. She is just a close friend since her cousin is my client. I will not let her do that if ever and they won't do it. Why should they?" Red explained.
" Assure us Red or else, forget us being your Mom and Sister." Mom warned.
Red would reprimand Sophia for the incident that thwarted him.
" Are you accusing me of something I never did?" Sophia exclaimed.
" Who else did you think would do that stupid thing?" Red said with accusation.
" You can't prove that Red. And I would never do that because I had talked to you about it last time" She insinuated.
Red did not know what to say in anger but held himself from an emotional outburst. He stopped his accusation and without saying a word, left Sophia alone. He fixed himself to flaunt a pleasant image. On his way out, he came across Ben in a hurry to his workplace.
" Hi Red, how are you doing?" Ben asked.
" Good, heading to the job?" Red asked.
Red didn't notice that Ben's brisk walking made him follow his path while on an intimate conversation.
" I learned that you got a new car?" asked Ben.
" My car is three years old and never had any replacement yet" Red surprisingly replied.
" Sorry, someone told that you got a new car," He said again sarcastically.
" None. I have not thought of acquiring a new one yet." He insisted.
" Hey, Red. This is not meddling with your personal affair, but as a friend, I must tell you a strange story"
" What about ?" Red curiously asked.
" Everybody knows, not only your relatives that you are closely involved with Sophia, right?" Ben continued.
" Now that they know it, I cannot deny it anymore. Why? " He curiously asked.
Interesting and pleasing talks went all the way to the threshold of the office.
" I would be happier to make an appointment with you for further conversation" Red asked.
" Much better because I am too busy in the office now. However, I will just get in touch with you or I will visit you one of these days." Ben said.
Red became more curious with Ben's unfinished revelations, but he still bore in mind that the issue would involve Sophia 's reputation and their criticisms. For him, it didn't make any difference to be the cream of intrigues.