Free Beyond Life by Deb McEwan Page A

couldn’t think of one legitimate reason. She also knew she’d have to figure this one out without the help of Val – when it came to Gary Jamieson, her friend’s judgement could not be trusted.
    *****
    Mary didn’t notice the fine quality of the transparent white negligee she wore as Tamara led her to the room where she was to be taught her trade. She was shaking nervously and wondered if she would be allowed to leave when they discovered she wasn’t a virgin. She doubted it very much. It occurred to her that if she was no good, or if they discovered she wasn’t pure, they would get rid of her rather than returning her to the orphanage. Mary wanted to survive to inflict as much damage as possible so put her fears to the back of her mind and hurriedly thought of the first part of her survival plan.
    *****
    Claire tried her utmost not to panic as she fought with all her might. She knew it was a battle she couldn’t win but was determined not to go down without a fight. She’d dispensed with some of them but that gave her scant satisfaction as for every hand that she was able to get rid of, at least another two had appeared in its place. The teenager seemed to be directing proceedings but didn’t appear to be actively involved. Perhaps if she tried to get to him she’d scare off the weaker ones and have a better chance. He was very near to her face and smiling a triumphant smile. Claire thought for a moment that it was unlady-like but had been very effective when she’d seen it on a dramatisation once about one of the rougher places in England. She stopped struggling with the hands and returned his smile. He was confused for a second and she thrusted her head forward violently. The butt took him completely by surprise and he yelled and disappeared into the ether. Christ that hurt, thought Claire with satisfaction. She was still amazed that she could feel such horrendous physical pain even though she was dead. A few of the hands drifted away and she managed to gain some height. Her satisfaction soon disappeared when the teenager reappeared and ordered his minions to double their efforts. The hands multiplied and she was jolted as the direction changed and the journey downwards speeded up.
    The teenager knew exactly who she was and recalled the occasion when he’d encountered her before and because of her strong guardians, had run away with his tail between his legs. He’d also heard the rumours about her talents and knew that the rewards for presenting his catch to his masters would be innumerable. But before that he wanted to get his own back and Claire had to suffer the indignity of the teenager’s hands exploring regions that had not been explored since her final night with her fiancé, Jay. Her struggles were useless but she couldn’t let him humiliate her without making an effort to stop him.
     
    Gabriella took in the scene and wondered if they were too late, the evils were travelling quickly and the gates of Hell were in sight. The nearer they got the harder the task and the more likelihood of failure. She shook off the thoughts and concentrated on the job in hand. An idea was formulating and she turned to Raphael to give him instructions. He was way ahead and had separated from the rest, despite the risk to his own safety. Like a bolt of lighting he crashed through the atmosphere, determined to cause as much chaos as possible and to save the damsel in distress.
     
    The shock of the violence had initially forestalled her aggressors but had eventually strengthened them. Claire remembered the love circle she had shared with Raphael and Ron and despite the pain and discomfort, squeezed her eyes shut and tried to focus on only good memories of love and happiness. She felt a whoosh and a lessening of hands and tried to push down the smugness brought on by a faint hope that her plan was actually starting to work. Claire had a sensation of hovering between two worlds and realised that this must have been what