“I think it’s going to take a while anyhow. Okay then, I will call you when it’s ready,” said Kate.
A class of fifteen students, mostly girls about the same age as Sally and Jackie boarded the coach to Miami University. The coach being air-conditioned was a comfort in the hot weather and kept the class chatting during the two-hour journey. Around 5:30 p.m. they finally arrived at their destination. Sally and Jackie stayed together and followed the other students up the steps leading to their prepared rooms for an overnight stay. Sally was excited, stopping to admire the trophies and pictures while on the way to their room. She was amazed at the large scale of the university and how well organized the place is. What impressed her the most were photographs of ancient Indian sites. The pictures were taken in the late 1800s. The showcase stretching half the length of the corridor was filled with old photographs and drawings. Sally and Jackie could not believe how updated the anthropology classes are.
“These pictures are amazing, and the information written about each picture gets you thinking that someone went back in time to interview them,” said Sally.
Jackie agreed. “How I wish I can get transferred here,” she said.
The girls entered the room they would be sharing together.
“This is awesome. The room is huge compared to the other universities; we visited before. Wouldn’t it be great if we were staying a whole week, and not just a night,” Sally said.
“We better start unpacking. Don’t forget we have to meet Mr. Morgan in the assembly hall in half an hour.”
The girls headed to the hall after they freshened up, where they met with the other students and their lecturer Mr. Morgan. The hallways and corridors were all marked with directions, just like street signs.
“Well, you can’t get lost in this place,” Jackie said.
Mr. Morgan was the first to arrive. He had notes and a schedule ready for his class as they entered the large assembly hall. The ceiling was covered with pictures that the art class had painted throughout the many years. The rows of seats were upholstered in purple velvet and the floor of polished oak. In front of them was a massive stage with huge red curtains. The whole class stood mesmerized at the size of the great hall.
Mr. Morgan’s voice sounded over the microphone.
“Have a seat class, and let me introduce you to the Dean of Miami University, Mr. Fredrick Haynes.”
The Dean stepped forward. “Welcome class, I hope you found your accommodation satisfactory, and wish you the best of luck in your studies here. You will have some free time today to look around, and get settled in. At 8:00pm, dinner will be served in the school’s dining hall. Thank you for your visit and enjoy your evening.”
Mr. Haynes stepped off the large stage and went about his usual business. Everyone stood up to leave, but Mr. Morgan waved them to be seated again.
“For tomorrow morning we will meet precisely at 8:00am in the anthropology lecturing hall after breakfast, so don’t be late and remember we are guests here and want to make a good impression during this stay. Thank you. That will be all.”
Everybody was eager to leave the hall and begin exploring this incredible place.
Jason parked his car a block away from the tattoo shop, and walked the rest of the way. Danny entered first. The door chime notified the owner of their presence. A skinny man with a shaved head and tattooed body emerged from the back area with a mug of coffee in his hands.
“How may I help you gentlemen?” he asked.
Jason turned around and reached into his jacket pocket. He opened a picture containing the pentagram just like the two deceased girls have.
“My partner and I would like to ask you a few questions if you don’t mind,” said Jason.
He showed the picture to the weird looking guy.
“Yeah, sure. No problem,” he said.
Jason continued. “Has anyone over the past year or so came and asked for a tattoo like this?”
He looked carefully at the picture, saying, “why yes, I think it was about three or four months ago. A couple of kids insisted on having one just like it. I suggested something better, but they refused. They made it clear on having only that particular symbol.”
Danny spoke, “did they mention their names, or why it had to be that particular tattoo?”
“Mmm nope, I don’t recall their names. They were very quiet, as if they were high on smoke or something, like they were in a trance of some sort.”
Jason looked over at Danny.
“They must have smoked some weed on their way here,” Danny said.
“Has anyone else insisted on having that tattoo before the two girls?” Asked Jason.
“I believe maybe three or four other girls, and one boy, but it was some time ago, over two years I think,” said the tattooist.
“What’s so special about the tattoo?” asked Danny.
“It’s supposed to ward off evil, supernatural beings, to keep you safe,” he said.
“Oh my god, not more crap!” Said Danny.
“Well, thanks for the information. Be sure to give us a call if anyone else comes asking for that tattoo,” said Jason, as he gave the guy a business card.
The agents left the shop and drove back to the forensic lab.
“Hey Jason, do you believe in any of this bullshit, you know spirits and paranormal garbage?” Asked Danny.
Jason gave him a weird look.
“Hell no! Never seen a ghost yet, and don’t intend to either. Sally says spirits do exist, but if you don’t believe in them, you most likely will never see one.”
Suddenly Jason’s cell phone rang. It was Kate calling from the lab.
“Jason here. How are things going with the decoding?” He asked.
“I just managed to translate the last piece of writing. When can you get here? You’re not gonna believe this!” Said Kate.
“We’re on our way right now.”
Jason shifted gears, put his foot down on the pedal with tires screeching behind them.
Night was approaching, and the weather began to cool down. Sally and Jackie were in their room preparing to get ready for dinner. Both girls brought a change of clothes and dressed after taking a refreshing shower. Sally wore a soft silky dress with the hem just above her knees. She slid into a pair of comfortable sandals and arranged her makeup in front of the mirror. She had her mother’s fair looks but had her father’s green eyes. As for Jackie, she preferred plain jeans and a Bon Jovi T-shirt combined with a pair of sneakers. She dabbed on some eye shadow and listened to some rock music while waiting for Sally to blow dry her blond hair.
There was a knock on the door, and Sally went to see who it was.
“Be right there!” She shouted out.
Sally then opened the heavy oak door.
“Hi there, I’m Travis. Just to let you know dinner will be ready in ten minutes.”
Sally was lost for words. Her eyes remained fixed on this gorgeous looking guy with dark shoulder length hair, and having the brightest blue eyes she had ever seen.
“Okay, thanks.”
Sally closed the door without introducing herself.
Jackie said to Sally, “well that was polite, you practically shut the door in his face.”
Sally fumbled for words, “did you see him? Where did he come from?”
Jackie began to laugh, “hey! We came here to study, not meet the love of our life.”
They left the room and went down to dinner. The dining hall, like the rest of the place, was huge. The never ending rows of tables were all in a perfect line. Teachers and students of mixed nationality were eating and chatting away. There were all sorts of meals prepared in a buffet. Sally and Jackie stopped, awestruck at what they saw before them.