Temple: A New Journey Begins
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All three returned to the house and entered the kitchen. Sam glanced over to toward his mother who was having a cup of tea. There was a misty eyed look on her face. Not long after, her head began to nod and she was soon dozing in her chair. He waved the other two men to follow him into the living room.
"May I borrow your computer?"
"My computer's not working, but you can use my phone. It's in the study."
"I don't understand Sam, four deaths among the monks? What is going on? Who would want to murder four innocent monks?"
"They were more than just monks," Caine stated. "They were Shaolin priests."
"Priest? Who would target the priests and why?"
"I don't know, Vance," Sam shook his head. "Caine seems to know what's going on."
"You've got to tell the Sheriff," Vance stated.
"He won't touch it," Sam stated. "He's about as prejudice as a lot of other people in this town. Caine knows someone who might be able to help us with this. I'm going to take him to my study to use the phone. I'll fill you in later."
Sam led his adopted nephew down a narrow hallway that led to the back of the house. They entered Sam's study and he gestured for Caine to sit at the desk.
"The phone's next to the computer on the other side. What did you need my computer for?
Caine pulled out an old jewel case from his pouch, "To read this and to contact an old friend."
"I wasn't aware that you used a computer."
"My father taught me. He thought I should learn to use such things since Grandfather did not. He said it could come in handy one day."
"Smart man. Do you need the phonebook?"
"No, the number that I am calling is unlisted. I have it in my pouch."
"Well, I'll let you take care of things here."
"Thank you, Uncle," Caine bowed.
**
Kwai Chang Caine sat in front of the computer and picked up the phone. He dialed the number while Sam went back to the living room to fill Vance in on what was happening. Caine waited for someone to answer, but instead got the answering machine. He proceeded to leave a message for the party on the other line.
"Trouble, old friend. Father still missing. Priests dying in Braniff. Need your assistance. KC"
Caine knew he did not need to leave the number. The party on the other side had caller ID along with equipment that could trace any call. He did not know when he would get a reply. Usually the party would get back to him within minutes of receiving any message. While he waited for a response, Caine replaced the old CD back in his old brown pouch with a sigh. He them rested his left hand on the keyboard of Sam's computer and discovered something startling. He found himself concentrating and an image came to him of his father sitting at the computer typing a letter. His eyes narrowed, as this was something totally unexpected. It was as if he could sense his father's very essence in the keys. He allowed himself to focus further and to read what it was his father was typing on the screen.
"My dear son,
Please, do not come to Braniff. You will be in danger. The Temple is the key to what has happened. Be careful of the serpent's bite. I will contact you when I have learned more."
The letter ended there and the date revealed that it had been written days before his disappearance. After all these years, how did he know?
The phone chose to ring at that moment, bringing Caine out of his revere. Somehow he knew it was his friend calling him back and he quickly answered. Caine listened to the voice on the other end, and a slight smile appeared on his face. He received his answer.
Continues with Part 11
Alisa Joaquin Copyright@2004.
This story cannot be reprinted or sold in any other form without strict permission from
the author. It is being distributed here solely for your enjoyment.
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