The Peacock 1462

"This has turned us into money launderers", says Carl. "That does seem likely", concerns Melissa. "So, what are we going to do." "We had absolutly no say in any of this, we did not ask to be born into wealth. This is all totally unfair." "And right now", says Francois, "I want all three of you to stop beating yourselves up." "But what are we to do", says Carl. "There is nothing for any of you to do", says Francois. "As you already said, you did not ask to be part of any of this. And from what I can tell, you have only been using your inherited wealth to further and advance God's work." "How are we going to break the curses?" says Carl. Says Jeffrey, "I think first of all you guys need more information." "Agreed", says Jason. "This Cosme knows things that we need to and so if you guys can get hold of this Brother Bartholemew sooner rather than later, then I think we will be on the path." Jason suddenly goes quiet and a little bit pale. He closes his eyes, then says, wait a minute..."

The Peacock 1461

"It appears to me", says Cynthia, "that if you believe that curses can cause real harm, and I do believe this somewhat, then we also need to target the curse from indonesia, because this was a malediction over our great grandfather, and also on all his descendents, including us four, cousins Naomi, Carl and Melissa. "It does stand to reason says Carl." "Are their reparations that could be made?" says Naomi. "that would be too late", says Carl. "Everyone involved is long dead." "But we still carry the guilt", says Cynthia. "I would understand that your family home here was built on money extorted from some of my ancestors, and that was all made on their backs. They were enslaved, beaten, in the case of my great grandmother and many other women, raped." "What are you implying?" says Melissa in her monotone. "That something has to be done with that house." "And with our assets", sats Carl wearily. "It does seem unfair, doesn't it" says Cynthia...

The Peacock 1460

"That is never going to happen", says Melissa tartly. "The demolition of our house." says Carl. "I know this comes as a shock", says Naomi. "Please, I am only the messenger. I would also find that very hard to agree to." "Is it certain", says Carl. "Those weren't Grandfather Elliot's exact words. I think he said that something needs to be done about the house, because as long as it is standing it is going to impede the process." "From which", says Cynthia, "We could still imply demolition." And now all eyes are on their cousin. "We are talking here about curses from the island of Sumatra that were invoked over one hundred years go, along with the invocations launched by Naomi's nation." She shakes her head in disbelief and exaspertion. "I only wish there was some simple process...some way we could streamline everything and not have to bother about... about destroying a perfectly intact and servicable building as your mansion, Carl and Melissa." Carl says abruptly, "the house can go for all I care." "Carl!" barks Melissa abruptly. "We are talking about our home..."

The Peacock 1459

"You're not going to suggest that an exorcism needs to be performed." "That too", says Melissa, "but that wouldn't be a priority, at least not yet." "Then, what, pray tell." Says Naomi, "As part of the Truth and Reconciliation process that has been launched between First Nations snd white settler government, there needs to be truth and reconciiation over your house, Carl and Melissa. And I speak every bit as much as your sibling as a member of the Sumas First Nation. "How would that happen, or even begin", says Carl. "Before anything else, we would have to meet with my grandfather and the other elders and see if we can come to an agreement and draft out a plan." "What kind of plan?" "For a complete repatriation of your property to us the Sumas Nation and likely for the demolition of your house."

The Peacock 1458

It seems to me that our great grandfther never got to really live in that house, except for very brief intervals", says Melissa, "What with the two world wars and the depression demanding that he remain in the Netherlands to look after the family business." "That is correct", confirms Naomi. "On several occasions the place fell into disrepair, and even when it was a hunting lodge there were nothing but problems with guests constantly wrecking the place. And after that the nudist colony followed by that bizarre cult that we recently heard about..." "And we haven't even begun to scratch the surface", says Carl. "So", says Norma, "the curses took effect, and appear to be working to this very day." "I would imagine that using the place as a facility for Christian retreats, might have, shall we say, a redemptive effect on the place", muses Carol. "But that isn't the way God works", says Naomi...

The Peacock 1457

"I don't know", says Naomi. "Grandfather Elliot doesn't appear to know him personally, but more by hearsay. My auntie has also mentioned him and she might know more about him." "Brother Bartholomew to the rescue", says George of a sudden. "Oh, that's right", say I. "are they in contact?" "He will know how to contact him. Brother Bartholomew used to live at the monastery but now is staying with his mom in Burnaby. He has also mentioned Cosme by name, that he is living with his daughter somewhere in the Lower Mainland. But he would be able to help us get in touch with him." "This guy is Spanish, right?" says Carl. "That I do not know for sure, but I have seen and heard him on occasion around the abbey and he has a definite accent that could be Spanish." "We certainly need to ask him about his journal, if he could authenticate it", says Francois. "That would be a huge step in our favour if we could talk to him", says Sarah. "Quite", agrees Carol, so indefatigably British...

The Peacock 1456

It would be better if everyone were under the same roof", says Melissa. "But not everyone still wants to live together", says Carl, "And much less in the big house. I don't want to live there. Not any more." "But Carl", she says in her Asperger's monotone, "How could you possibly prefer living here?" "I like living with Chris. I like living with Francois. And I might even forgo the house in New west and let everyone else live there instead." "Are you serious?" say I. "Provided I will not be in the way of your little brother-in-law", and yes I hear in his tone both hurt and jealousy. "Carl, you will not be at all in the way. I was hoping, as a matter of fact, that you would go on living here with me. With us, I mean." "And by the way, little sister. What's this I hear just now about possibly preferring to live here. I happen to like small places. I have never felt so normal and human scale since coming here." Naomi speakes up, "Excuse me for cutting in, but we still haven't finished the subject about the mansion." Now all eyes are on her. Her light brown skin and dark hair contrast beautifully with the pale pink of her T shirt. "According to Grandfather Elliot, there is one person we need to talk to before any concrete decision can be made as to the future of the house. There is this gentleman, now in his eighties, who has been around the area since the late sixties or so. When he was a young man, he lived with some others in the house." "His name wouldn't happen to be Cosme", say I...