The Soul Collector - By Tamela Quijas Page 0,17
myself, have time for those who feel the paranormal is limited to the insane.”
“Beyond the credibility, would the classes offered at most universities be of any benefit on a resume?”�
“When I became an investigator, I found the newly offered courses the equivalent to attending hour after hour with an expensive psychologist. The classes are a blatant waste of money for what is truly within a person.”�
Eva winced, knowing there would be a few telephone calls to the station by morning. Every therapist on the Eastern seaboard would be up in arms, furious over this single person's televised observation.
“What other qualities would you deem important?” She questioned, hoping to salvage the moment.
“Physical and mental capacities are a necessity for any well trained investigator,” he responded unwaveringly. Angeles touched his fingertips to his forehead, emphasizing his point. “Paranormal investigating is mentally demanding. I can't stress the importance of the psychological strength essential for one who wishes to pursue this type of employment.”�
“Why would that be necessary?”�
“The active involvement a person has in this line of work draws on the numerous fears dwelling inside us. These fears must be confronted. Perhaps I should say conquered, whenever a situation arises. I’ve discovered, in the paranormal scene, it’s the hidden childhood fears that tend to dominate over innate common sense.”�
“Childhood fears?” She waited for him to continue.
“In a whole, humanity thrives on the fear of the unexplained. The ensuing adrenaline rush becomes a drug to many people, or a hindrance.”
“Would it be similar to the fascination one has, if they are fans of roller coasters, or horror movies?”�
He gave her an enigmatic smile, his eyes fathomless.
“Exactly, and the simplest of fears will always lurk within the subconscious. A human being either learns to embrace those fears, much as a roller coaster enthusiast does, or opt to avoid the terror with an all-consuming passion.”
“What fears do you find most prevalent in a person interested in paranormal investigating?”�
“There’s the primary fear we all obtain as children, which haunts us into adulthood,” he began seriously. “This fear, the unexplained and irrational fear of those lurking in the dark, always lingers.”
Eva controlled her urge to laugh. “That is, as you said, childish!”
“Nonetheless, it’s a rational fear.” He stressed with ease, which immediately swept her laughter away. Grateful the camera wasn't pointed at her, she grimaced. She longed to laugh at the absurdity of his statement, but found a grain of truth in his observation.
“Although humans advance into adulthood, fears from our past are difficult to ignore. These doubts a paranormal investigator must learn to overcome,” he frowned, his colorless brows furrowing. She stilled the cynical quirk of her lips and painfully bit at the inside of her cheek. “I despise the person who approaches a situation with a false bravado that may jeopardize the entire unit.”�
She caught the underlying note of censure and longed to stick her tongue out at him. Immediately, she felt she was beginning to lose control of her professionalism. “What if the novice investigator feels the need to hide these fears so he may fit in with your perception?”�
“All I ask of an investigator is an open mind, and to embrace their need to explore the unknown. Neither I, nor my crew, will ridicule anyone for his or her uncertainties. Reservations are a defining portion of our identity, and my investigators never go into a situation without divulging those idiosyncrasies.”�
“Tell me, in all honesty,”� she leaned forward, her gaze intent. “Do you suffer from any of these fears, Mr. Angeles?”
“My dear Miss Keyes, I’ll admit I suffer fears a normal human being would never comprehend,” he admitted in a low voice. “I embraced my fears many years ago.”�
“Have you?”�
“Ah, yes. Even though uncertainties linger beneath the surface of my persona, I won’t allow anxiety to interfere with my work.” The firmness of his response startled her. Eva expected the great Luke Angeles to be dauntless. He always projected himself as self-confident and stouthearted, even during the most bizarre of broadcasts.
As she mulled over her thoughts, he continued, his expression guarded. “There’s a fine line between having fears and being able to control them, or having them control you. Regardless of reasons driving you to become a paranormal investigator, there will be moments where you must control those emotions with a vengeance.”�
“What if the ability is missing?”�
“If one of my investigators fails to control his baser instincts, he jeopardizes the entire investigation. I wouldn't find it acceptable to have a crewmember endangering the safety, credibility, or