John Coyne - Fury

MS. WINTERS, THE HOTEL receptionist said, I believe we have a message for you. The small black man moved down the counter to the computer terminal and typed in a command, then waited for the response on the screen.

Jennifer glanced around the lobby of the Washington, D.C., hotel and spotted a printed sign that read:

Thats what she needed, Jennifer thought wryly, a change, especially in her love life.

Yes, here it is, the reception clerk said. Room twenty-three fourteen. Jenny, I have a two oclock appointment. See you at four. And its signed, T. The reception clerk looked up. Would you like a copy?

No, thank you. Room twenty-three fourteen, yes?

Thats right. Ill delete this message?

Yes, please. She bent down and picked up her briefcase.

And Ill have your luggage sent up, the clerk added, handing her a computer card. Your room wont be ready for another twenty minutes, at two oclock.

Jennifer took a deep breath. It was Tom who had also made sure his Justice Department meetings were scheduled for this Thursday so that they could spend the night together in the Washington hotel. She had not seen Tom in three days; they had not made love in a week. She wanted to make love to him so much now, she could taste it. Sometimes it seemed to her that all they had in common was good sex. They certainly did know how to make that work.

Turning away from the reception counter, she caught her reflection in the lobby mirrors and was pleased and surprised to see how thin she looked in her new Calvin Klein suit. The French blue color was right, she saw. It favored her fair complexion and her honey blond hair. But she wasnt happy with her lip gloss. The shade was too orange and exaggerated her lips. Her mouth was big enough as it was.

Jenny! Jennifer Winters! A womans high, sharp voice stopped her. Jennifer glanced around and spotted Eileen Gorman waving to her from deep in the lounge. Jennifer, is that really you! the woman said, rushing toward her.

Jennifer grinned and went to her. Eileen, I cant believe its you! She wrapped her arms around the smaller woman and briefly hugged her. Its so good to see you! What a surprise!

Are you here for the conference? Eileen asked.

Yes, the foundation conference. Who are you with, Eileen?

Foundation, no. Im here for Kathy Dart. Shes going to channel Habasha.

Who? What? Jennifer let go of Eileens hand and set down her briefcase.

You dont know who Kathy Dart is? Eileen asked, her green eyes widening.

She still looks like a cheerleader, Jennifer thought, smiling at her old friend. Eileen, you look wonderful! Do you live here in Washington?

No, Im still living on Long Island. She took a deep breath and sighed, then, still grinning, said, What a wonderful surprise! Its so good to see you, Jenny. She reached over and again embraced Jennifer. You look beautiful. Now, what do you do? Where do you live? she asked.

In the city. New York. Brooklyn Heights, really. Ive been there since law school.

I had heard you moved to California. Anita told me. You remember Anita?

Yes, of course. Yes, I did move to L.A., but

Some guy?

Jennifer nodded, then turned her thumb down.

Eileen laughed and asked, glancing at Jennifers left hand, Married?

No, just well, involved. She shrugged her shoulders. You know how it is.

Tell me! Eileen sighed, still smiling at Jennifer. Then she said, Its so good to see you, Jennifer. What is it that you do exactly?

Im a lawyer with the James Thompson Foundation. We give money to good causescivil rights outfits, that sort of liberal thing. I came down for a meeting. Now, who is this Kathy Dart?

Oh, you must see Kathy. Shes just wonderful! Eileens voice rose, and she beamed at Jennifer. Shes a channeler. A wonderful channeler!

What? Jennifer asked, laughing.

You know what a channeler is, dont you?

Jennifer shook her head, suddenly feeling foolish. Im sorry, but I

Channeling was written up in People magazine. There was a story about Kathys psychic powers. Kathy receives information from this prehistoric human called Habasha who has returned to help us with our lives today.

Are you into that stuff? Jennifer asked.

This is one of her few East Coast appearances this winter, Eileen went on.

Appearance? Does she do seances? Jennifer kept smiling at Eileen, amused by her overwhelming enthusiasm.

No! Shes a channeler. Eileen opened a pink folder. Its a special session called A Weekend with Habasha!

Who? Jennifer laughed out loud, and then touched Eileens arm and said, Im sorry to be so flippant.

Thats all right, Eileen answered. I cant blame you. I was the same way until I heard him.

Him?

Habasha. I know its confusing, but Kathy Dart is only the channel, you see. Habasha uses her body to speak to us. Its sort of like possession, but isnt. She channels him. He speaks to us through her body. What she doesKathy that isis to allow herself to set aside her waking consciousness to allow knowledgeHabashas knowledgethat lies beyond conscious awareness to flow into her mind and through her ability to speak.

A medium, you mean?

Yes, that, but more, Jennifer. Youll see.

Ill see?

Yes, come with me to hear Kathy. Shes about to have an introductory session. Its for, you know, spouses, friends. Cmon with me, Jenny, and then we can have a cup of coffee and talk, or maybe dinner. Are you busy tonight?

Eileen, I cant

Do you have plans?

No, but the foundation meeting opens tomorrow.

Its just a half hour, she said enthusiastically.

Okay, why not? It might be fun, Jennifer thought, and also shed have time to talk more with Eileen. Are you sure it will only take thirty minutes?

It will take your whole life, once you hear him, Eileen answered, linking her arm through Jennifers. Its so good to see you. How long has it been? Graduation, right?

Jennifer nodded. I think so. It seems like an age. I mean, so much has happened in my life.

Youre telling me?

They reached a bank of elevators, and Eileen pressed the down button. Its set to start in five minutes, she said. Kathy and Habasha are is never late.

Who is she, he or it? Jennifer asked, really confused now.

Hes prehistoric. A Cro-Magnon man.

What! Jennifer exclaimed, backing off.

Eileen laughed. I know, I know. It all sounds silly and strange, but really it isnt. Just wait! Keep an open mind. I was the same way until I heard Kathy Dart speak. Youll see.

When the elevator door opened, they stepped out into the lower lobby of the hotel. Through a set of open doors, Jennifer saw a crowd of people already gathered on at least a hundred metal folding chairs. It looked like any other hotel conference session she had ever attended.