Cain's Touch — Saul Wernick

THE POWER

Michael Hietala had it, and spread it like blood-stained shadow over quiet Adam's Cove. He left signs everywhere: the miraculous return of the lost fishing fleet…the sudden, shocking resurrection…the chain of silent, baffling deaths.

THE GLORY

The awed townspeople offered it to Michael, with a silent pilgrimage to his A-frame temple by the cold Atlantic, with an ardent vigil at his blasphemous shrine. In return, Michael promised them more than mere salvation. For a price -- he offered them a Second Life!

THE MARK OF CAIN

But suddenly the promise avenged itself on Michael Hietala…turned back on him… For deep within the tan, muscular body women craved…behind the eyes that held them fast…beyond the shrewd mind that offered lies for gold -- the restless spirit of a long-dead brother had come to claim his soul.