Page 5 of Wired Ghost

Connor gathered energy from within, centered himself, and leaped from the ground, performing a neat twist to land on top of the pillar. “You failed, Pi. You are not fit to lead the Yam Khûmk?n. Witnesses?”

Nine, and three more of the senior brethren, were stationed around the walls of the garden, watching through secret peepholes on ledges outside the walls. They rose to stand in their positions, and their heads appeared at the four compass points of the circular garden. They then ascended to stand on the parapet and look down into the sheltered bower.

“We witness, Number One,” Nine called out in a loud, ringing voice. “Pi is not fit to lead.”

Connor stood on one leg and, carefully using balance and the strength of his feet, eased down into lotus position on the top of the plinth. Seated with his legs folded on the narrow circle of the column, he shut his eyes. “Escort him from the compound,” he said quietly.

From behind his closed lids, Connor could still see Pi below him, emitting dark vibrations of hate and despair. The warm, bright energy signatures of Connor’s loyal followers on the wall moved as they walked to escort Pi to the outer wall of the compound, where he would be sent out onto the jungle road and into exile.

Pi darted suddenly toward the breakfast table.

Connor opened his eyes as his rival grabbed a knife off of the table, reversing the handle and pointing it toward his own throat.

Connor slowed time again. He floated down off the plinth and plucked the knife out of Pi’s fingers. Once more he stood in front of the man, close enough to touch him, this time grasping the means of Pi’s intended suicide.

Connor set the knife back down on the breakfast table as time snapped back into normal speed. Pi gasped and his empty hands touched his throat. His eyes fastened on Connor, filled with despair and rage. “How are you doing this?”

“I don’t really know. But time obeys my will. And I sense that it is not your time to go from this mortal plane.”

“I don’t want to live if I am not a part of the Yam.”

“I understand. And yet, live you must.”

A glimmer of hope in the man’s dark eyes. “But why, master?”

Connor didn’t correct him; the title of respect was merited. “I can’t see the future. Maybe I will be able to someday. I just know it’s not your time to die.”

The elders from the top of the wall had finally reached them, and they took Pi’s arms to escort him away.

“I will never forget what I’ve seen here,” Pi said.

Connor inclined his head. There was nothing more to say. The senior men escorted him away.

Connor sat and gestured to Nine. “Why don’t you join me for breakfast instead?”

Nine sat across from him. The man’s square, solid shoulders hunched forward, and his unreadable eyes met Connor’s. “Your powers are increasing, Number One.”

“Yes. But I don’t yet know what it means. I can now see the energy fields around people, and read their feelings. This was one of the Master’s gifts, although he did not explain that. Now that I have this gift, too, I realize that’s how he did so many of the things that seemed impossible to us.”

“A divine mystery.” Nine uncovered a dish and began eating.

Connor poured some more tea. His thoughts returned to Sophie and her daughter. What did it mean that his powers were increasing? Would they affect his ability to spend time with the only people he considered family?

His private island, Phi Ni, off the coast of Thailand, continued to be an open secret from the Yam Khûmk?n, and the place where he could meet Sophie and her entourage.

“I think you should reach out to the Master,” Nine said. “It’s time to find out what his plans are, why he has left you in charge, and update him on the situation with Pi. It would also be good to have news of your beloved Sophie’s mother, and her health.”

“We are not together like that. Sophie has another man in her life.” Connor needed at least one person he trusted like a brother. Nine had been that person.

“And yet she is your beloved.” Nine poured himself some more tea.

Connor paused to think that over. He and Sophie had had no physical chemistry when they’d last kissed, even filled with expectation and excitement at being together. And still, he had no doubt that she was the only woman he would ever love. “I guess you’re right, after all. There are many kinds of love.”

“And we explore none of them here at the Yam Khûmk?n,” Nine said. “Unfortunately.”

“That’s another question I have for the Master. Why the celibacy? What does it do for us? How does that aspect affect us as guardians and agents of Thailand? And yet, the Master himself is not celibate.” Pim Wat, Sophie’s deadly mother, had long shared the Master’s bed.

“My assumption has always been that focusing our sexual energy towards the work increases our power.”

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