Of That Day and Hour: A psychological thriller by Anthony O'Brien Page A

waking.”
    “And that’s normal?”
    “It can happen to anyone, at
any time in their life, and without the presence of any underlying disease.”
    “You have no idea what a
relief it is to hear those words.”
    “More comforting than the
alternative, I’m sure.”
    “Thank you.” Jeff smiles for
the first time since entering the doctor’s office. “You’ve eased my mind,
Doctor.”
    “That’s good news. Now
remember, relaxation is the key; too much stress and you’re asking for
trouble.”
    “I’ve been under a lot of stress
recently; I’m sure that will account for it.”
    “I’m sure it will. Do you
have any other questions?”
    “I believe that’s
everything.”
    “Good. Now I don’t wish to
alarm you, but if you have any further hallucinations, or any other symptoms,
you must come back.”
    “Of course. Thank you, Doctor.”
    “Have a good day Dr.
Davies.”
    It's with relief that Jeff
steps out of the doctor’s office and onto the busy sidewalk. He understands
what’s been happening to him. This isn’t the paranormal, and he isn’t slipping
into psychosis, or going mad. His apparitions are merely illusions at the threshold
of sleep; all symptoms are apparently normal. He can now concentrate on the
matter in hand. Casey’s words 'seek and ye shall find' are now the focus. He
believes this is a play on Matthew 7:7: ‘Ask, and it shall be given you, seek,
and ye shall find, knock, and it shall be opened unto you.’ There are no secret
tricks or magic to study. The world is based on verifiable knowledge, the most
noble pursuit. He'll need resources: books and people. This is where Jeff
intends to start his search.

CHAPTER EIGHT

 
 
    The un-imagined
delicacy of the Rocky Mountains, with erect fourteen thousand foot peaks, are
gently kissed by the breeze. This eternal beauty dwarfs the surrounding
landscape. Below, at the foot of this great erotic backbone, lies the city of
Fort Collins and the Colorado State University. This beating heart is cradled
within contemporary architecture and the designs of the past, with its
carefully crafted neoclassical oval. The architecture is comfortably surrounded
by lush elm trees, and a beautiful collegiate expanse of green space, populated
with the brightest of enquiring minds. Vast atria host libraries as inviting as
treasure chests; books patiently waiting to be discovered and opened. It’s here
that the key to unlock the burning questions in Jeff’s mind might be found.
Time is precious yet envious, always running away from us. Together Eve and
Jeff sit in the library, engrossed in literature.
    “It states here that ever
since records began, it’s been recorded throughout all cultures.” Eve raises
her eyebrows for effect. “That certain individuals have possessed the gift of
second sight.”
    “You also have to be aware
that they may have been delusional.” Jeff pauses; Eve notes he puckers his lips
whilst in thought. “The voices they claim to have heard from spirits, Angels or
God may have been the effects of herbal potions, or nothing more than the inner
workings of schizophrenic minds.”
    “Are you trying to tell me
that every miracle, religion, messiah, or prophet have all been built on
schizophrenia?”
    “No, I’m not saying that.
However we now know that it’s common place for people to have anomalous
experiences.”
    “Yes, and just how common is
it for people to accurately predict a future timeline of events; one you were
personally involved in?”
    “It’s not that common.” He
doesn’t like admitting defeat, although Eve does make a valid point.
    “Precisely. So let’s make a
start with the sixteenth century French seer: Nostradamus. One of the world’s
most widely known prophets, and has worldwide fame for his book Les
Propheties .”
    “You’re correct he’s one of
the world’s most widely known and read prophets. However, his quatrains have
been retrofitted to match past events, not ones foreseen