Page 81 of The Spirit Key
She smiled. “Yes, he would have your heart, just as you have his.”
Tim sighed. “Thank you.”
“But,” she continued, her gaze locked on Tim, “there will still be times you want to throttle him. Trust me, Vano had to pull back his anger more than once. I was… headstrong, like Scott. I don’t envy you in the future.”
That made Tim seem happier. “So, what about my mom? Why didn’t she help Alexander?”
Sofia sighed. “A lock and key can only help so many people. There are those who have waited for longer than you know, but the thing about being dead is that time doesn’t pass. Though a hundred years has elapsed in reality, for Alexander, only seeing you as an adult told him time had passed. If not for that, he would never be aware of the years that had gone by.”
That seemed to assuage Tim somewhat. “How many others are still waiting for help?”
“Numbers beyond counting. While my people think that you are only here to help the Romani, many others will come seeking your aid. And Timbo, under most circumstances it’s up to you whether or not you’ll help them. Without your permission, they should not be able to speak to Scott.”
Scott arched an eyebrow. “Okay, two things in there make me a little nervous. ‘Should be’ and ‘most circumstances.’”
She gave a Cheshire grin. “There are some spirits with very powerful wills. They will sometimes push their way past you and go directly to Scott. Or if Scott is not with you, they might attempt to contact him directly. The two of you must figure out your rhythm to ensure you’re both working as one.”
“It sounds like Tim has the hardest job. How is that fair?”
“You’re not mistaken. Timbo’s job requires a clear head and nerves of steel. Your life is literally in his hands.”
Tim waved his hands in front of him. “Hold on. What do you mean his life is in my hands?”
She gave him an indulgent smile. “When Scott is helping spirits, his body is left unprotected. During this time, spirits, like the one who inhabits you, will be drawn to Scott, with a desire to take over his body.”
“And how do I stop them?”
She moved closer to Tim and placed a hand on his arm. “With the strength of your body and heart. During his sojourn into my past, Scott saw my love, Vano, hold a ghost. While Scott can touch them, only you can physically hold them. It provides you the means to protect Scott.”
“And what about Scott?”
“As you will see, the key helps the spirits find peace. Most of them simply need to be heard before they can move on. Others need an unfinished task completed. The motivation of spirits is known only to them, and sometimes the key must discern them.”
“And what about the spirit inside Tim?”
Sofia growled. It was the first unfriendly sound I’d heard from her. “That vile thing should have been destroyed long ago. Not only is he responsible for far too many spirits that are unable to move on, but he has also destroyed the lives of so many innocent people.”
“Then how do we stop him?”
Her expression was like that of someone sucking a lemon. “I don’t know. There have been others who’ve tried. Timbo’s own mother, for example, fought him on two occasions, but he’s a slippery one. Just when you think you’ve got him beaten, he flees from the body, leaving that person to wonder how they could do what they believe they’re responsible for.” She pursed her lips. “If I’m honest, I’m surprised he continues to reside inside of you.”
Tim glanced back at the spot where Alexander had stood. “So my choices are to beat him or do my best to continue to contain him?”
“Oh no. You cannot contain him. Every time you experience a dark emotion, he will once again gain his power. As strong as you are, even you can’t hope to contain anger or jealousy.”
I could feel the frustration rolling off Tim. When I reached out and touched his arm, he turned and gave me a sad smile.
“So there’s nothing we can do?”
“I never said that. How you will deal with it is up to the two of you. I cannot tell you how to proceed, mostly because I honestly don’t have the answers.”
This whole thing about being secretive was getting on my nerves. “You said before we needed to find our own way. Every lock and key who came before us, with the exception of you and Vano, had a teacher. Why are we different?”
She walked around us, studying us as if trying to determine how much she should say. “Old prejudices die hard. The Romani are still reviled in many places, and having a key who isn’t of the people will have them turning their backs. It will be necessary to earn their trust and show them you are worthy of the title.” She sighed. “The two of you are much like Vano and I were. Though we were of the people, we still were the first lock and key. We had no one to lead the way, and everything we discovered came through trial and error. But that path brought us closer together, both as husband and wife and as lock and key. Showing your willingness to help, to learn, and to grow? That’s what you must show the Romani to get them to see you as family.”
Tim stood up straight. “But we’re talking about people’s lives. Well, afterlives, I guess. We don’t want to screw anything up.”
“You’ve both been doing fine thus far. I have no doubt that as the two of you learn more, you’ll be even better than those who have had training. There is one thing you must always remember, though. You’re never alone. Find your strength from those you trust.” She huffed a breath. “Timbo, I know you’re upset about the fact that the two of you might have shorter lives, but think how much you will accomplish in that time. You will save countless people, living and dead. Could anything be more noble?”
