Mystical Circles Read Online Free PDF Page B

Just what I need.”
    Juliet turned. The newcomer had a circular bald patch on the crown of his head, rather like a monk, but offset this effect by sporting a luxuriant, almost Parisian, moustache. Rising to her feet again, and facing him, she found herself the subject of an unnerving scrutiny.
    “Juliet, this is Edgar,” said Al.
    “Ah! Our media lady.” Edgar thrust out his hand. “Very happy to make your acquaintance.” His grip, too, was immensely strong, but swiftly released. “Edgar Swinton. In charge of Craig’s forecasts, five-year plans, and statistics. I also interview the new recruits. I know what you’re here for, Juliet. Craig prepared us well for your arrival last night at dinner. You’ll want to mingle with the group and be as it were, one of us. I’ve a number of questions to put to you which I hope we can deal with quite quickly, perhaps after lunch.”
    She winced.
    “Ah, you’re a little uptight about this,” smiled Al. “It’s OK. Edgar’s not from the FBI.”
    “Maybe not, but I hardly think it appropriate…” began Juliet. What would her fellow journalists make of this? How would they handle it?
    Edgar drove remorselessly on. “You’ll be thrilled by our little chat. I designed the questions myself. They cover every possible eventuality.”  
    Well, if he planned to include her in his ritual, she’d need to set him straight – without causing offence. She could be treading on eggshells here.
    “You’ve taken me aback, Edgar. What did you want to know?”
    “I’m simply curious to learn about your spiritual position.”
    “I have no position. None that’s relevant to you. I’m here as a journalist.”
    She’d stopped short at using the word objective . She knew it would be untrue.
    “None of us believe you’re objective for a moment,” said Edgar, “but even if you want to dispute that, I still need you to provide me with some information about yourself.”
    “But…”   She spoke courteously but firmly. “Afraid not. I’m here in a professional capacity.”
    Edgar ignored this. “To help you, I’ve put all the questions down in writing.” He handed over a clipboard securing a wad of A4 paper.
    A breathless hush followed. She sensed a power struggle. Perhaps she needed to try a different, lighter approach. “If I answer your questions, will you play your part, and give me an in-depth interview?”
    The other three were all watching with a strange intensity.
    “Very good, very good,” said Edgar. “I can see you’re trying to sidestep the issue.”
    “Don’t be afraid to reveal yourself, dear,” said Laura.
    Juliet met Laura’s gaze. “It’s not that at all, Laura. I’m sure you understand perfectly.”
    Feeling it best to humour him for the time being, she scanned Edgar’s top sheet.
    “We’ve all come here in need of healing,” said Edgar. “Don’t be proud. Pride has no place here.”
    Juliet swallowed the words that had been about to fly to her lips.
    She looked down at the form again. The first words that met her eye were: What is your age and sex? And then: Are you receiving any form of treatment or therapy?
    “Don’t delay lunch for it, there’s plenty of time.” Edgar reached for the Double Gloucester. “But I shall want it back for Craig by five.”
    Ah. A breathing space. Juliet helped herself to one of Al’s thick slices of bread. “You haven’t told me about yourself yet, Edgar. What’s your background?”
    He cleared his throat. “I used to systematically study man’s religious experience.”
    “ Used to ? Why the past tense?”
    “The unit I headed up closed down through lack of funding.” He cast a severe glance at her, as if she was personally responsible for it herself. Then he went on. “So I’m here instead. I devised this questionnaire for Craig. The idea is to get proper scientific evidence about human spirituality. I know others have gone before me. But I have a passion to pin down the evidence, starting