Story (Demon Hunters) The New Spectrum Goddess

[gonewacky]

Chapter Eight – Albert Goes to Rock Creek

​

Jim and Albert were at the Jail as a bad rain storm was moving through. Jim looked out the window and saw a rider. Then he announced, “Rider coming in. It looks like the Marshal’s messenger Boy.”

Jim opened the door and the boy handed him a folded note, “It’s for the Sheriff.”

Jim took the note and gave it to Albert. Opening it Albert announced, “It’s from the U.S. Marshal. He wants me to go check out the new Sheriff in Rock Creek. The Marshal heard he’s young, and wants me to see if he’s up to the job.”

Jim remarked, “You know Albert in the future there are stories about outlaws becoming Sheriff. Then they take over the town.”

Albert smiled, “Those are just stories James.”

Albert went to the Livery and got a horse. Then he went to the boardinghouse and made up his bed roll. Then he gave Bella a kiss and hugged and kissed Rebecca. Then he was on his way.

Albert reached Rock Creek and tied his horse to the hitching rail in front of the gambling hall. Then he hit the boardwalk on Main Street. It was almost noon, so he went hunting for a place to eat. The town was sort of showing a little wear and tear. Of course Rock Creek never had been a rich place, and the drought last year hadn’t helped much. Folks didn’t have much money for improving the real-estate. That’s except for the Jail. Albert couldn’t believe his eyes.

The Jail was all fixed up. It had fresh green paint on the outside, and new wooden steps leading up to the front door. It had real honest to goodness bars in the cell windows. The Jail sure was a different jail than Albert remembered.



Behind the bars was a face grinning out at Albert. That face hadn’t changed since the last time Albert was in Rock Creek.

Albert talked to Ben through the bars, “Say weren’t you in Jail last time I was here?

Ben replied, “That’s right Albert. I went over to Patty’s place last night. Some folks said I started it and the place got wrecked.”

Albert insisted, “It seems to me like you were in Jail when I had left Rock Creek a couple years back.”

Ben went on, “Normally it’s Saturday night or Sunday morning. I don’t know what I‘m doing here on a Wednesday, but you never know what will happen when liquor starts flowing. I like it better since the place got fixed up.

Albert replied, “At least you’re living in style. This Jail looks a lot fancier than it used to be.” ”

Ben explained, “The new sheriff fixed it all up.”

Albert said, “New sheriff.”

Ben kept going on, “I’m sure you heard about George Diamond being killed you know.

Albert asked, “Well what happened?”

Ben insisted, “Why don’t you come on inside and have a look around? I’ll tell you all about it.”

Albert mumbled, “Well I don’t know about that Ben maybe the new sheriff wouldn’t like it.”

Ben insisted, “Sheriff Barnett wouldn’t mind. He’d like you to pay a visit. Now come on in the front doors unlock.”

Albert agreed, “All right, solid mahogany desk.”

Ben bragged, “He had it shipped here all the way from Frisco.”

Albert declared, “Is that right?”

Ben went on, “Paid for it out of his own pocket he did. Town couldn’t afford a desk like this.”

Albert asked, “What about George what happened to him?”

Ben told, “Well like I said it was around 2 months ago the Droste brothers had been seen heading this way from Montana. When Sheriff George heard about it he got some men together, and started looking for them.”

Albert listened, “Mm-hmm.”

Ben just kept going, “Young John hadn’t been in town very long. He wasn’t obliged to join the posse, but he went anyway.”

Albert asked, “John Barnett?”

Ben agreed, “Oh that’s his name all right.

Albert was taking it in, “Mm-hmm.”

Ben went on, “It wasn’t a very big Posse. Then when one of the Droste brother’s shot the sheriff. If John hadn’t took charge. Why he managed to get off a couple of shots. The next thing you know both of them Droste boys surrendered. When they came back to town nobody else was very anxious for the job of sheriff, so he seemed to be the logical man for it. You know the way he handled the party. Sure some of the folks thought he was a little young for the job. He can’t be more than 20 to 23, but he’s got a good firm grip on himself. He ought to be showing up about now. He always turns me loose in time for dinner. Real nice young fella you’ll like him Albert.

Albert said, “I’m not sure what to think, but the U.S. Marshal sent me up here to check him out.”

Ben revealed, “He’s a southern boy.”

Albert said, “Oh yeah.”

Ben went on, “I don’t know why he came out west exactly. Good thing for the town he did though.

The new Sheriff came in and Ben informed, “Oh we were just talking about you this here is Albert Blocker.

John said, “Albert Blocker?”

Ben explained, “That’s right you’ve heard of him. He’s the County Sheriff.”

John insisted, “Oh sure, pleased to meet you Mr. Blocker.”

Albert replied, “Sheriff I was just strolling by and Ben asked me to come inside.”

John confessed, “Glad you did Albert. Well Ben I reckon you’d like to be on your way.

Ben replied, “Oh I don’t know Sheriff. This Jail is getting to be a darn sight more comfortable than my cabin. What with all your improvements.”

John inquired, “Well you want to stay?”

Ben gasped, “On second thought I’d better be getting home now. You headed my direction Albert?”

John cut in, “Mr. Blocker I’d like to talk to you just for a couple of minutes.”

Albert replied, “Sure Sheriff. Goodbye Ben.

John said, “I trust I’m not keeping you from anything sir?”

Albert replied, “No I was just thinking about eating a little dinner.”

John informed, “Maybe we could go to the Cotton Café. Its open and the place is right around the corner. They serve a pretty good meal.”

Albert confirmed, “That would be fine. I’ll give it a try.”

John went on, “You wouldn’t care to join me would you? We could talk while we’re eating. That is if you don’t have any other plans.”

Albert insisted, “Oh thanks Mr. Barnett. I’d like to join you.”

John remarked, “You see I’d been hoping you’d turn up in Rock Creek.”

At the Café

Albert commented, “Oh John, I got a nice tender part of the roast. Oh I ate too much.”

John replied, “I know my belt is cutting into me.”

Albert inquired, “What was it you had on your mind John?”

John explained, “My name's John Barnett Mr. Blocker.

Albert declared, “I know Ben told me.”

John asked, “The name doesn't mean anything to you?”

Albert replied, “No not offhand.”

John went on, “I heard a lot about you Mr. Blocker since I came to Rock Creek. Folks say you've traveled a lot around this part of the country. They say you’ve covered it all from one end to the other.”

Albert replied, “Well I’ve done my share of moving about.”

John asked, “What I wanted to know was if you have run into anybody else with the same last name.”

Albert offered, “Not that I can think of.”

John added, “Blake Barnett that's the full name. He’s a relative, My father. It's not a very common name if you heard it you'd be likely to remember it.”

Albert disclosed, “I don’t think I ever heard that name before.”

John answered, “Well I wanted to be sure.”

Albert asked, “Was your father in these parts?”

John replied, “I don't know. All I know is he was once. Not here in Rock Creek, but he was somewhere in this territory.”

Albert asked, “You haven't heard from him lately?”

John explained, “No I've never heard from him. The fact of the matter is I've never even seen him. You see he brought my mother out west before I was born. This wasn't the kind of life she'd been used to. She was born and raised in the South. Her family had a plantation. I'd say in those days the frontier must have been pretty wild. Anyway when it came time for me to be born she went back home, and my father didn't go.”

Albert asked, “He stayed out here?”

John replied, “I don’t know. Maybe they had a quarrel, or maybe he didn't like leaving. I don't know. Later on she told me he was dead, but I found out that wasn't true. At least it wasn't true when she told me. Now my mother died last year. Then I found a letter from dad. It had been mailed from Fort Boise about 15 years ago. It said he was going to buy a ranch somewhere around Lambert. He asked my mother to bring me along and meet him. The way it was written you could tell he didn’t expect her to come.”

Albert interrupted, “Yeah, well some folks don't adjust for a while when their first transplanted. You know they take roots one place, and then no point in trying to move.”

 

[gonewacky]

John agreed, “Yeah I reckon I just weren't suited, but now I thought maybe if dad was still alive. I thought maybe he and I… To tell you the truth Mr. Blocker I guess I'm his son even though I never saw him. Even more than mothers I guess. You see ever since I can remember I wanted to come west. Even before I knew about him and I've been happy out here too. I’d say happier than I've ever been in my life. Of course I didn't figure on being Sheriff. That was just an accident.”

Albert reassured, “Well be that as it may. You’re the sheriff. From what Ben says you're a darn good one, so you’ve got one satisfied customer.”

John replied, “I'm going to try Mr. Blocker. I won't try it hard I just wish that Dad… Well if you should ever run into him.”

The sound of gunshots rang from the street as Albert informed, “Well sure, sounds like somebody's getting fresh.”

Stepping out the door a passerby said, “There he is over there by the mercantile Sheriff. He isn’t doing no harm to shoot up in the air that way.”

John barked, “He isn’t doing any good either.”

Albert informed, “Looks like he's running out of lead.

John replied, “Yes there he goes into Brad Meyer’s place. Put the dinners on my bill Cotton I'll pay you for them later.”

Cotton replied, “Sure thing Sheriff.”

Albert requested, “Hold up a minute Sheriff. Did you recognize that fellow?”

John asked, “The one doing the shooting. Well no why should I?”

Albert informed, “Well his name is Ed Quinn.”

John questioned, “You sure Mr. Blocker?”

Albert insisted, “Yeah I'm sure.”

John replied, “He was in jail or that’s what I thought. I thought the Marshal arrested him last month.”

Albert informed, “Well Ed Quinn's been in a lot of Jail’s, but he always sort of manages to break out somehow.”

John assured, “You know he won't break out of mine.”

The man on the boardwalk asked, “You going to arrest him Sheriff?”

John replied, “Sure, he's an outlaw isn’t he?”

The man on the boardwalk insisted, “He's mighty fast with a gun. Isn’t that right Mr. Blocker?”

Albert replied, “At least that’s what I hear.”

John insisted, “That might be what folks say. I guess there's only one way to find out.”

Sheriff John was young all right, but he didn't walk young. He didn't have a swagger he just moved ahead like a man who knew where he was going. Of course being a few years older wouldn't have any harm, especially if John was going to tangle with Ed Quinn.

That didn't seem to be any reason for Albert to miss all the excitement, so he started off in the direction of the gambling hall. If young John didn't know what he was doing? Will he’d soon find out. Ed Quinn was sitting at a poker table dealing the cards. He didn't even look up when John came over, and stood beside him. Ed knew somebody was there, and he knew whoever it was had a star on his chest. He laid the deck of cards on the table, and rested his left hand on his knee.

Albert watched closely ready to stop time if needed. Thinking, I sure hope John knows Ed is left-handed.

John asked, “Your name's Ed Quinn?”

Ed demanded, “Are you talking to me.”

John barked, “I asked if you're Ed Quinn?”

Ed muttered, “Yeah I'm Ed Quinn.”

John added, “You broke out of Jail over in Lambert?”

Ed laughed, “Don't look like I'm still there does it Sonny?”

John demanded, “Then you’re going back you're under arrest.”

Ed went on, “I heard this town got themselves a new sheriff. Some youngster that wasn't even dry behind his ears.”

John insisted, “Get on your feet!”

Ed replied, “Sure, you know most fellas your age would be sort of careful who they started ordering around. Maybe you're different.

John replied, “Maybe I am different.”

Ed asked, “What's your name kid? Just for the record. I always like to know a man's name before I… Theirs any trouble.

John acknowledged, “John Barnett, Sheriff Barnett. Now give me your gun Quinn. I said give me your gun!”

They both stood there staring at each other for what seemed a long time. Albert was just waiting for something to happen. He knew he couldn’t let the young Sheriff go out this way. He had to do something, but his sites were on Quinn’s gun hand. For the next couple of minutes they stood there not moving. They were just staring at each other and then Quinn’s left hand slipped on his hip a couple inches. Then Albert found his own hand going for his holster, and then Ed's fingers stopped. Albert couldn't believe his eyes. Quinn unbuckled his gun belt, and let it drop on the floor.

The only person in that room who wasn't surprised was John. He just picked up those guns, and nodded to the door. Then he didn't even look back as Quinn march right out into the street with John behind him. It took Albert a minute or so before it sank in what had happened. Sheriff John Barnett had arrested Ed Quinn without even drawing his gun.

Albert had never seen anything like that in his life. He got his horse and took it to the livery. Then he got a room at the Hotel.

The next morning Albert headed to the Cotton Café. Darting in the door he thought. You don't usually get a big Rain like this in May, but it seemed like the weather was changing.

Coming in Albert saw Cotton, “I was afraid you might be closed. This storm has turned the road to mud.

Cotton explained, “I would be except for these lunches I'm packing. The Sheriff caught me just as I was locking the door. I don’t know what he’s thinking the idea of leaving for Lambert in a storm like this.”

Albert questioned, “Lambert?”

Cotton said, “That's where he says he's going.”

Albert asked, “What for?”

Cotton insisted, “To turn Ed Quinn over to the Marshal they're. He’s in a big hurry to get rid of him for some reason.”

Albert admitted, “It just doesn’t make sense him making a trip in weather like this.”

Cotton insisted, “John says they're starting right away, so I’ll just run these over to him. You can pour yourself a cup of coffee Mr. Blocker I'll be right back.”

Albert offered, “Well why not let me take them over for you Cotton. I'm all bundled up.

Oh of course not mister Blocker

No trouble, besides I'd kind of like to have a talk with Johnny boy before he leaves town, and don't stay open for me. I'll just get a cup of coffee at the Jail.

Cotton mumbled, “I don't know.”

Albert picked up the pail and insisted, “That's all I wanted anyway good day.”

Cotton insisted, “Oh thanks for being so kind Mr. Blocker.”

Then Albert headed out to the Jail.

In the Jail Albert set the pail on John’s desk and John remarked, “Oh thanks for bringing that by Albert.”

As Albert was starting to leave he asked, “Hey John were you serious about striking out for Lambert today?”

John replied, “Yeah.”

Albert went on, “But it looks to me like he's as safe here as anywhere else.”

Ed spoke from the Jail cell, “I guess he don't appreciate my company.”

John barked, “That's right I don't.”

Albert sighed, “Mm-hmm well you're the sheriff.”

John muttered, “Yeah.”

Albert kept going on, “You know Lambert is a two-day ride in good weather. There’s no telling how long it'll take you to get there in a storm like this.”

John was determined, “Don't worry about it.”

Albert knew something wasn’t right and asked, “Did something happen John?”

John replied, “I don't know what you mean.”

Albert noted, “Well I guess it's none of my business whatever it is.”

John assured, “No it isn't.”

Albert hemmed and hawed, “Mm-hmm.”

John went on, “I'm sorry, oh what’s the use somebody we'll find out sooner or later. I'm not taking him to Lambert. As soon as we get out of town I'm going to turn him loose.”

Albert choked, “What!”

Jon went on, “And I'm not coming back to Rock Creek. I'm going home to Georgia where I belong.

Albert was stunned, “Well I suppose you've got your reasons.

John explained, “I told you I only came out here to find my father, and this was my lucky day. I found him. He wasn't quite what I expected. He's a thief an outlaw and a killer.”

Albert asked, “You mean Quinn.

John insisted, “You knew it too didn't you?”

Albert denied, “No I didn't know anything of the kind.”

John pointed out, “Well you must have guessed it then. You let me take him without lifting a finger to stop me. You said yourself he was fast with a gun.”

Albert said, “I said that's what I heard, but the fact the man lets another man arrest him. Well that doesn't necessarily prove kinship.”

John explained, “I got the proof right here.”

Albert looked at the locket, “Oh that's a mighty pretty locket.”

John insisted, “Open it up.”

Albert looked inside, “Huh.”

John explained, “That's my mother's picture. When she was a girl, it's copied from a picture that hangs in our parlor back home. He was carrying it fastened to his gun belt. That's right his name isn't Quinn its Barnett.

Ed insisted, “He’s loco it’s Quinn. Ask anybody I've been Quinn always have been.”

John barked, “You’re a fool to lie about it. If you were really Quinn you’d be going to prison.”

 

[gonewacky]

Ed laughed, “I've been in prison before.

Albert asked, “Because you think he's your father you're going to turn him loose?”

John explained, “I don’t care about him or anything that happens to him, but she loved him once. At least she must have thought she did.”

Albert muttered, “Then afterwards you're getting out of town?”

John explained, “I don't reckon Rock Creek would have much use for a sheriff who was Ed Quinn's kid.”

Albert insisted, “Well they wouldn't have to know.”

John insisted, “I'd know it. I'd always know it even if they didn't.”

Albert declared, “Well the town was mighty proud of you John

John assured, “At least I won't be the first lawman who couldn't hang on to Ed Quinn.”

Albert agreed, No, no, that's true enough. It just seems to me you're acting on mighty flimsy evidence. There's a lot of ways a man could get ahold of a locket like this one. I wouldn't necessarily follow that it really belongs to him. Of course if Quinn says it's his.”

Ed shouted from the cell, “I never said that! He never asked me!”

John barked, “I didn't have to ask.”

Albert asked, “What about it Quinn where'd you get it?”

Ed replied, “I had it so long I almost forgot, but it all comes back to me when he was making such a fuss.”

Albert insisted, “Yeah go on.”

I never thought a piece of junk like that would cause so much stir. I found it must be about 15 year ago now. Maybe a little more I was down around Fort Boise in a little town named Wiser City. There were some other boys with me. Some folks sort of got the idea we had held up the bank. They came looking for us with a posse. Well there was a couple of hours of shooting. Then afterwards the posse went back without us. Those that were still alive that is.”

John butted in, “What does this have to do with it?”

Albert maintained, “Let him finish John.”

Ed went on, “We went out to look at the bodies. You know to make sure the fellas are dead. One of them had that locket.”

John barked, “So are you trying to say you killed my father?”

Ed added, “I don't know who killed him. Not for certain we were all shooting. I suppose it could have been me.”

John exclaimed, “You're Lying, you’re Lying.”

Albert asked, “Why should he lie if it's the truth.”

John questioned, “Why did he keep that locket? It wasn't worth anything. It didn’t have any value. Why would he want to keep it?”

Ed explained, “I'll tell you kid. When I opened it up and looked at it. I said to myself. Now she's pretty nice looking, and seeing how the fellow who was carrying the locket was out of action. I thought maybe someday I might run into the woman. If I had her picture it gave me an excuse.”

John exclaimed, “You filthy rotten killer I should kill you with my bear hands, and I thought that that dirty rat killer would be my own. I must have been crazy, plumb crazy.”

Ed laughed, “You sure were. To thank some dumb kid of mine would turnout to be a sheriff.”

It took John a little while to simmer down. When he finally did he changed his mind about going for Lambert. He decided to wait until the storm had died down. Albert didn’t say anything to John. In fact they didn’t talk about delivering the prisoner. Not a word, but John went out back to get some wood for the pot-bellied stove.

Ed asked, “Why are you looking at me like that Blocker. You didn't believe me did you?”

Albert replied, “Not entirely.”

Ed asked, “Why not?”

Albert informed, “Well for one thing I was in Wiser City when you robbed that bank, and it wasn’t 15 years ago. It was about four years ago, and the posse that went out after you. Well they didn't even get close to you. They came back and all of them hadn't fired a shot. Then there was another thing. I think you would call it a discrepancy.”

Ed asked, “What's that?”

Albert replied, “I know all those boys on that posse, and none of them was named Barnett.”

Ed explained, “Well one thing was true enough. The important thing is his father is dead and I killed him. It was twenty years ago. His mother left me, and she wouldn't come back. She wouldn't even answer my letters. That’s when I killed the man that was his father. I didn't think I had anything to live for. I didn't think I'd ever see John. Then when I thought I'd never see him as long as I lived. That’s when I turned outlaw and became Ed Quinn. That’s when I killed Black Widow.”

Albert admitted, “Yeah maybe so, but as far as I'm concerned. There's a lot more of Blake Barnett here tonight than there is of Ed Quinn. At least that's what I think.”

It was a couple of days before the storm let up and Sheriff John and Albert could take Quinn over to the Marshal in Lambert. They got him there to with no trouble of course.

Albert stopped to listen to a man running for County Commissioner, “You all know that a lot of settlers have been moving into the area. Within the next five years a lot of additional children will crowd the school. Unless we prepare for this increased enrollment, our children and our County will suffer. We need to provide enough teachers and classroom space, so that our children can receive a decent education. We must take immediate steps to improve some of our local school systems. We need to build elementary schools, and recruit more teachers.”

Albert shook his head and walked away thinking, Where does he think all this money is coming from.

Back in Dention Albert rode up to the Livery, and handed his horse over to Lyle. Then he crossed the street to the Jail. Jim was waiting for Albert to get back and asked, “Well did he pass the test? You think he’ll be a good Sheriff?”

Albert replied, “If he lives long enough. I don’t know if I helped him, or I put a noose around his neck.”

Jim smiled, “That young is he?”





From the life and times of Albert Blocker.

May 17 to 23 1876

 

[feralferret]

Thank you.

 

[Mr Bill]

You will know some of us

 

[gonewacky]

Chapter Nine – Rock Creek Bank Robbery
​

Twenty years ago.

Emma said, “This is where we part Kile.”

Kile complained, “It’s still a couple of blocks, and you're still afraid to let me take you home. You're afraid your Uncle will see us.”

Emma asserted, “Kile please let's not talk about it anymore.”

Kile insisted, “We've got to talk about it honey. Right here and now! I'm sick of meeting you on street corners away from the house. I'm fed up with seeing you only in the daytime in when your Uncle's working. I’m tired of dodging them and hiding from them. What are we criminals or something?”

Emma explained, “You don't understand.”

Kile argued, “Yes I do understand. I understand maybe you're afraid of your Uncle Emma, but I'm not. What right has he got to run your life like this? What kind of a man is he anyway?”

Emma advised, “He's been good to me like a father ever since I can remember. Only…”

Kile urge, “Only what?”

Emma went on, “Only, well, he has some funny ideas.”

Kile nagged, “I'll say he does. Here you are Emma. Your 19 years old and he's never let you go out with boys. I'm the first boyfriend you’ve ever had, and I have to meet you secretly. Why?”

Emma confessed, “I don't know.”

Kile advised, “I don't know neither, but I'm going to find out tonight.”

Emma questioned, “Tonight?”

Kile replied, Yeah, you and I are going to have a date tonight, and I'm coming to the house to get you.”

Emma cried out, “No Kile you can’t do that. That would be hard.”

Kile insisted, “That's just the point. We’ll stand up to him together.”

Emma replied, “No, I'm afraid.”

Kile declared, “To bad you're going to have to make a choice.”

Emma asked, “A choice for what?”

Kile explained, “A choice of either your Uncle or me. Either I come to your house tonight or we're all washed up.”

Emma cried, “Wait nooo”

Kile insisted, “Yes! That's the way it's got to be honey. You've got to stop being afraid of your Uncle sometime, as long as he owns you like this there's no place for me. Well Emma shall I call for you tonight or not?”

Emma sniffled, “All right, you come to the house and I'll be waiting for you.”

They parted ways, but Emma didn’t know Kile had a plan. He was not planning for them to come back from the date.



Kile went to the Bank and put his plan into action.

Jake greeted, “Good morning sir. I see you have a $50 bank draft. Do you want to cash this bank draft sir?”

Kile muttered, Sure.”

Jake explained, “I'm sorry I don't recognize the signature. Are you a new customer of this bank?”

Kile replied, “As of now I am.”

Jake started to explain, “Oh if it's a new account. I'm afraid I'll have…”

Kile demanded, “Do nothing just keep quiet, and keep smiling. See what’s under this coat. I have a gun pointed right at your heart. Now keep com and push your drawer over here and smile. Act normal one step out of line and you’re a goner. Now go over to the safe and get me one of the money bags. Not the big stuff just gold coins. That's better don't look so sick nothing's going to happen to you if you just be a good boy.”

Jake insisted, “You can't get away with this.”

Kile ordered, “Come on I don't have all day!”

A man came in the door and yelled, “The Bank’s being robbed!”

Kile barked, “Why you stupid…”

Jake insisted, “I didn't do anything. I warned you.”

Kile went out the door shooting. Everyone was running and darting out of his way. The man at the door yelled, “Hey you stop!”

Sheriff George Andley showed up at the bank. “Now Miss. Stein you say you didn't see the man's face at all.”

Emma insisted, “No he had his arm up around his face. I couldn't see anything but his eyes. He was holding his Overcoat over the arm.

George asked, “Would you be able to identify him if you saw him again?”

Emma insisted, “No I wouldn't.”

George advised, “I see Miss. Stein. The bank accountant ran out of his office when he heard the shots. He has told us that the gunman did not put his arm up over his face until he'd come face to face with you.”

Emma insisted, “Well he's mistaken. The man's face was covered.”

George assured, “Look Miss. Stein there’s nothing to be afraid of. We have reason to believe that there were two people who saw the face of the holdup man. One was the teller who handed the money to him and the other is you. The person we believe capable of identifying the Robber is you, and I shouldn't have to remind you that if you cannot help us. The Robber may never be brought to Justice. It's therefore your duty to do everything you can to help us.”

Emma whimpered, “I'm sorry. I told you all I know.”

George took a deep breath, “Thanks Miss. Stein you must have caught a glimpse of his face.”

Emma whined, “No.”

George insisted, “I think you are not telling the truth.”

The Bank owner Mr. Roberts begged, “Sheriff please Emma cannot help you. You’re making her scared. Emma is a good girl she would help you if she could. Wouldn't you Emma?”

Emma whimpered, “Oh please I don't know anymore. Let me go.”

George agreed, “Oh, okay you can go home.”

The man that was at the door said, “If you please Sheriff I'm her uncle. She lives with us. Mama will be worried about this.”

George gave in, “Okay get out of here, both of you.

The man replied, “Thank you, come on Emma we go home now.”

George commented, “Miss. Stein if you happen to remember that you can identify the Robber you know where to find me.”

Emma sniffled, “Sure Sheriff we know.”

George asked, “Well what do you think Oswald?”

Mr. Roberts replied, “She sure seemed upset about it. Like maybe she recognized the guy, but wasn't telling.”

George exclaimed, “Yeah, but she didn’t look the type to be on speaking terms with a Robber. Tell you what Oswald. Get me a rundown on her family’s background and acquaintances.



Emma was in the kitchen with her aunt, “Aunty I'm afraid. He'll be here in half an hour and Uncle.”

Aunty replied, yes he'll be home any minute Emma.”

Emma uttered, “I know I shouldn't have let him come. What’ll Uncle say?”

Aunty confided, “Will I’ll tell him this time Emma. I'll talk to your Uncle.”

Emma assured, “You are the only mother I know Aunty. I don’t even remember my real mother anymore.”

Aunty tolled, “You weren’t but a year old when you came to us. For years ever since you came to us. I've never dared stand up to him, but now it's time I did. You're a grown girl now, and you deserve a life of your own. You deserve a young man of your own.”

Emma asked, “Aunty I've asked you a hundred times, and you've never told me why does uncle let Nancy and Harriet have all the dates they want, but when it comes to me. Well, why am I different from my sisters?”

Aunty smiled, “It's a long story Emma. It goes way back someday I'll tell you.”

Emma blurted, “Oh Aunty Uncle just came in the front door.”

Aunty slapped Emma on the butt, “Quick Emma, run upstairs to your room.”

Uncle muttered, “Oh it's you mother”

Aunty replied, “Yes Andrew.”

Andrew inquired, “Where's Emma?”

Aunty informed, “Upstairs.”

Andrew asked, “For what?”

Aunty explained, “She's got a date tonight.”

Andrew commented, “You mean?”

Aunty insisted, “I mean with a young man?”

Andrew growled, “I see. Well I'll soon put a stop to that.”

Aunty replied, “Just a minute.”

Andrew said, “Yes.”

Aunty demanded, “You're going to leave that girl alone!”

Andrew nagged, “Oh am I? You're taking a lot for granted aren't you Maria.”

Aunty insisted, “I'm trying to stop you from ruining Emma's life that's all.”

Andrew stuttered, “What, what are you talking about?”

Aunty explained, “Well I know what's going on in your mind Andrew. I've known it ever since Emma came to us. You wanted a boy. You wanted a boy desperately, and you hated me because I bore you nothing but daughter’s. All these years you’ve.”

Andrew questioned, “Yes Maria what about all these years?”

 

[gonewacky]

Aunty declared, “You tried to bring her up as a boy. You've always called her Elmer never Emma. You've never let her live a girl's life. She never even had a doll Andrew. You wouldn't let her have one. She never had a party dresser or a pair of dancing shoes and a string of beads.”

Andrew nagged, “Go on Maria you interest me.”

Maria kept going, “You never let her join a sorority or have girlfriends here at the house. You never let her go out with boys. Instead you took her fishing and hunting. Yes Andrew all these years to satisfy your own frustration you've tried to bring her up as a boy, and now you fail forever. Yes Andrew you have. She’s a lovely mature girl now. She's in love with a young man and she's going to lead her own life. Neither you nor anyone else in this world can stop it.”

Andrew laughed, “Oh I can't uh. Well we'll see about that.”

Maria demanded, “You let that girl alone.”

Andrew barked, “Get out of my way she's my child too and no one else is going to tell me how to bring her up!”

Upstairs in Emma’s room.

Andrew asked, “Emma your mother tells me that you've got a date with a young fellow, and that he's coming here tonight.”

Emma replied, “Yes.”

Andrew insisted, “Now you know my wishes in the matter don’t you?”

Emma explained, “Uncle I'm 19 now, and I'm not a child anymore.”

Andrew barked, “I'm still your father and I still know what's best for you. Have I been a bad father to you?”

Emma whispered, “No Uncle. You have been good.”

Andrew went on, “Haven't we always been Pal’s. Haven’t we gone everywhere together and done everything together.”

Emma informed, “Yes, but we've been almost like Father and Son.”

Andrew asked, “Why did you say that. Has your mother been talking to you?”

Emma replied, “No Uncle why?”

Andrew insisted, “Um nothing, Only I forbid you to go out with this boy.”

Emma insisted, “I'm sorry Uncle. I'm going out with him anyway. I love him, and I'm going to marry him.”

Andrew remarked, “I see, then I'm going to lose you.”

Emma’s eyes started to water and a tear started to slip away, “Uncle please try to understand.”

Andrew muttered, “I do understand. What's this boy’s name Emma?”

Emma whined, “Kile Fisher.”

Andrew asked, “What time will he be here?”

Emma revealed, “He’ll be here at 8. Uncle you won't raise a big fuss will you?”

Andrew replied, “No, I’ll talk to Kile meet him yes. Under the circumstances I'm looking forward to meeting him Emma.”

Emma bubbled, “Oh Uncle I knew you'd see it my way. Only one thing.”

Andrew replied, “Yes.”

Emma requested, “Please don't call me Elmer anymore it sounds too much like a boy's name, and I'm well. I'm grown up. Just call me Emma Uncle.”



At 8:00 there was a knock at the door.

Andrew opened the door, “Come in.”

Kile announced, “My name's Kile Fisher is Emma ready?”

Andrew informed, “She's in her room. She’ll be down in a minute.”

Kile offered, “Oh Mr. Stein I wanted to talk.”

Andrew barked, “I'll do all the talking around here Fisher. My daughter tells me you two are in love.”

Kile replied, “Yes.”

Andrew insisted, “She said that you plan to marry her and take her away from here. Is that right?”

Kile replied, “Yes sir with your permission.”

Andrew barked, “You don't have my permission!”

Kile growled, “I'm sorry Mr. Stein, but in that case I guess we'll have to get married without it.”

Andrew became angry, “You try anything like that you young…”

Kile was like a mad dog, “She was never enough for you Mr. Stein. Was she?”

Andrew roared, “She belongs to me! You understand! She’s my child and nobody's going to steal her! Get out!”

Kile insisted, “I’m not getting out of this house. Not until I say what I came to say. You might as well face it Mr. Stein. Emma's 19 and she's a grown woman. We're in love and you're going to lose her.”

Andrew pulled a gun and said, “No, you’re going to lose her. I saw you at the Bank today. If I can't have Emma, nobody else is.”

Then there was a Boom.

Emma came running down the stairs. Seeing Kile laying on the floor. Emma yelled, “What did you? What did you do? He’s dead! You killed him!”

Shaking Andrew informed, “He was the man from the Bank Emma. He robbed the Bank, and he was stealing you from me.”

Emma wailed, “I know I saw him do it, but he loved me and I loved him.”

Emma broke down and fell to the floor.



Sheriff George came and took statements from everyone. He was now convinced Kile was the bank robber. Even Emma told the sheriff it was him. The Sheriff sent his body to the undertaker and the city paid the customary three dollars for burial. A dollar for each grave diggers, and a dollar for the undertaker. It was raining nonstop for two days, so the grave diggers waited tell the rain stopped. They loaded the body in a wagon and took Kile to Boot Hill. As they dug the hole Kile got up out of the wagon and walked off.

One of the men said, “Did you see that?”

He replied, “Hell no, and you didn’t either. I need the dollar.”

The first man replied, “Me to. Let’s just fill it back in.”



Twenty years later.

Kile headed back to Rock Creek. It was time to pick up his loot. He’s heading to the county Cemetery. Obviously he has something more in mind than a Sentimental Journey. Obviously Kile Fisher is interested in the old County graveyard for reasons that have to do with living in Rock Creek twenty years ago.

Kile Fisher spent almost an hour alone in the county Cemetery in Rock Creek. He waited patiently at the foot of the Hill gently dozing. He was waiting for the night that was rapidly approaching, and when he saw his Day light transformed to night. You might almost say that the dead man had come to life.

Walking to the house Kile watched. He saw Emma in the kitchen. Twenty years older, but he knew it was her. He watched for her Aunt and Uncle, but she was all he saw. After watching for some time he went to the door and knocked.

Emma came to the door. Kile announced, “Emma its Kile.”

Talking through the door Emma cried out, “For Heaven's Sake what are you bothering me for?”

Kile insisted, “I've got to talk to you Emma. It’s important, are you alone?”

Emma declared, “Of course I'm alone. I'm always alone.”

Kile revealed, “Emma listen carefully. I've got big news I'm a rich man.”

Emma said, “What?”

Kile said, “I got $10,000 in a bag.”

Emma exclaimed, “Are you crazy?”

Kile insisted, “I got it with me right here. It’s got a funny smell to it. It smells like dirt and Dead Leaves.”

Emma declared, “You’re a corpse for all I know. I went crazy when you died.”

Kile said, “I’m telling you that only now I can come alive again. It’s because I can touch this bag full of money. It makes me feel like maybe I can live.”

Emma questioned, “Kile are you telling me the truth?”

Kile replied, “I wouldn't lie to you. You see I did hide that money just like they said. I hid it in the graveyard.”

Emma whined, “Oh Kile.”

Kile went on, “I buried it where they buried people. I thought that it would be safe there, and I was right. Only at first I took it out of the bag that it was in. Then I hid that bag in the woods.”

Emma whined, “I don't want to hear about this Kile.”

Kile insisted, “Wait Emma you don't understand me?”

Emma insisted, Of course I understand you. I did from the minute we got together. I realized you were cheap.”

Kile replied, “I wasn't cheap I was just no good, but now Emma that I got $10,000 don't you know what that can mean to us. We can be a family you can move out of that dump. We could buy ourselves a house in the country just like we wanted to do.”

Emma insisted, “Leave me alone. You sound just like you did then when we first got to gather 20 years ago. All those promises you made me all about money. This is the real you. You wanted money more than you wanted me Kile. You didn't want a family or a house in the country, nothing. Just that bag full of money, well I'm glad you got it. I hope you're very happy.”

Kile begged, “No Emma. Emma don't make me go.”

Emma called her Daughter, “Honey do you see that man out the window? Follow him and see if you can get that bag he’s carrying.”

Kile went down to the Saloon and stood at the bar. The barkeep asked, “What can I get you Mr.”

Kile replied, “I'll have a beer.”

The barkeep said, “One beer coming up.”

Kile cried out, “No wait a minute. Make that a whiskey.”

The barkeep quoted, “Okay One Whiskey coming up.”

Kile asked, “You mind if I ask you something?”

The barkeep said, “Sure.

Kile went on, “I used to know this guy Lucky. I mean I used to live right across the street.”

The barkeep said, “No kidding.”

 

[gonewacky]

Kile replied, “Yeah, what I want to ask you is whatever happened to Lucky Humes.”

The barkeep informed, “6 ft down.

Kile mumbled, “No kidding?”

The barkeep explained, “Yep, 12 years ago his wife give him a badminton set for his birthday. He goes out in the yard and drops dead on the first swing. Makes you wonder why they called him lucky. Hay you don’t look so good. Maybe you should have stuck to beer.”

Kile informed, “I'm just not used to Whiskey. It's been a long time.”

The barkeep asked, “You been sick or something?”

Kile said, “Yeah or something give me another one. I'll mix it with a beer this time. This place looks different now.”

The barkeep replied, “Yeah I spruced it up. You got to keep up with the times. We even got a machine here that plays music. How about that for progress, enjoy the drink I got things to do.”

This young Girl came down next to Kile. “Hey what's the matter?”

Kile replied, “It’s the drink. I'm not used to the stuff anymore.

The girl informed, “You just need practice, that's all.”

Kile insisted, “No maybe I better just quit while I'm ahead.”

The Girl smiled, “You can't fly on One Wing.”

Kile said, “This is my second one.”

The Girl Asked, “Yeah, but you're still not flying are you? Why don't you have one more.”

Kile argued, “No I don't think so.”

The Girl said, “I’ll tell you what. You buy one more and try it if you don't like it I'll finish it for you. It's like a money back guarantee. Only you don't get your money back.”

Kile gave in, “Okay I'll try one more. Maybe you'd like one of your own?”

The girl insisted, “Hey that's a nice idea. I mean um I’d like that. Maybe we could have it at a table. I hate standing at the bar don't you?”

Kile replied, “Yeah sure we could do that. You’re cute you know.”

The girl added, “You’re cute too. I love men with gray hair, and by the way everybody calls me Honey hey.”

The next thing Kile knew the barkeep was yelling at him, “Wake up the night is over.”

Kile looked around, “Oh I thought it was a Hotel. I must have been dreaming.”

The barkeep insisted, “Yeah you've been dreaming for a good half hour. Only this ain't a hotel. I have to close up.”

Kile asked, “What time is it?

The barkeep replied, “It's after one in the morning. Time to go home, come on you had a good time now let's pack it in.”

Kile announced, “I'm going where's my bag?”

The barkeep asked, “What?”

Kile insisted, “The bag I had with me?

The barkeep said, “What bag?”

Kile said, “I had it with me on my lap at the bar. I took it with me to the table.”

The barkeep insisted, “Don't look at me mister.”

Kile insisted, “It's gone, it's gone.”

The barkeep declared, “I didn't see any bag. If you're accusing me?”

Kile moaned, “That girl I was with. The one who works here.”

The barkeep insisted, “No girl works here fella. You got the wrong idea. This isn’t that kind of place.”

Kile insisted, “Please don't fool around. What did you do with it? Where’s that girl she called herself Honey.

The barkeep barked, “Mister I'll tell you this once more. I didn't see your lousy bag and no girl works here, and if you got rolled by somebody that's your business not mine.”

Kile insisted, “You're lying to me. You’re lying.”

The barkeep demanded, “That does it. That really does it. I don't care if you knew old lucky or not. You’re getting out of here pal.”

Kile whined, “Please…”

The barkeep ordered, “You're either getting out on your feet or on your tail. Now you make your chose.”

Kile replied, “All right, all right I'm going.”

With no money and no place to go Kile went back to Emma’s.

He knocked on the door a few times. Then he herd, “Who is it?”

Kile begged, “It's me Kile Emma.”

Emma uttered, “Oh nooo.”

Kile begged, “Please open the door please.”

Emma whined, “One second. I was afraid you'd do this. I was afraid you'd just show up.”

Kile begged, “Let me come in please?”

Emma moaned, “Oh you look terrible. You look sick Kile. I never would have recognized you.”

Kile begged, “Can I come in.”

Emma went on, “You're not even looking at me. Why don't you look at me Kile? Why don't you see the mess I am? All right come inside, so you didn't go bald.”

Kile mumbled, “No just gray Emma. I'm in trouble.”

Emma asked, “I thought you were a rich man?”

Kile confessed, “Something happened to the money.”

Emma asked, “The Sheriff wasn't following you was he Kile? You didn't let the law know you were digging it up.”

Kile confessed, “No nobody followed me there, but the money the 10,000 it's gone.”

Emma asked, “What do you mean gone.”

Kile explained, “I got drunk. 20 years I was sober and dead. Then I go and I get drunk, and now the money's all gone.”

Emma asked, “Well how did it happen.”

Kile replied, “It doesn't matter Emma. I should have realized it wouldn't matter. A dead man can't spend money anyway.

Emma pleaded, Oh please stop saying that. Stop talking that way about you being dead. I know everyone thinks that, but here you are.”

Kile explained, “But I am and you know it. What killed me it wasn’t getting shot. It was you when you gave up on me years ago. When you decided to think of me as dead, that's when I died.”

Emma proclaimed, “Oh Kile you were the only thing keeping me alive. Do you know how hard it is for an unmarried woman with a child? This whole town turned against me. I had to work some of the worst jobs after my Aunt and Uncle passed. The only thing that kept me going was you and our kid. When I thought of you, but when I knew you stopped thinking about me that was it.”

Kile asked, “What Kid?”

Emma inquired, “Don't you know? You have a daughter.”

Kile said, “It was hurting me so much Emma. I just wanted to see you one last time Emma. You know something? You don't look as bad as you said. You still look beautiful to me.”

Emma asked, “Kile where are you going?”

Kile replied, “I don't know anywhere to go it’s late.”

Emma asked, “Where will you sleep?”

Kile stammered, “What does it matter.”

Emma said, “You could stay here. I couldn't turn you out without a place to go. I couldn't do that to a dog. You could sleep on the couch if you wanted to. Do you want to do that?”

Kile smiled, “I'd rather sleep on this couch than in any other palace.”

Emmy cried, “Oh Kile.”

Kile choked, “Emma I missed you so much. It wasn't the money I thought about all the time I was gone.”

Emma insisted, “Oh don't talk now.”

Kile went on, “It was you Emma you, and all the things I could do for you with that money. It's all right now. Everything's all right now. We’re together again that's all that matters.”

Emma whimpered, “Oh I felt dead too Kile. Maybe together we will be alive again. Kile you know how old I am?”

Kile smiled, “I don't care.”

Emma went on, “I'm a woman with a grown daughter. Oh Kile you never even saw your own daughter. You’ve never seen Honey, but she’s here in the bedroom.”

Emma pounded on the door, “Honey baby wake up. Come out and meet somebody.”

Honey staggered out the door, “What the heck's going on? What's all they yelling about? My God what's he doing here?”

Emma smiled, “Just wait till you hear who he is Honey. Kile tell her who you are.”

Kile looked at the girl from the Saloon and muttered, “I'm nobody Honey. I’m just a dead man.”

That’s the trouble with the past. It seems to be sleeping peacefully, and then sometimes it wakes up and stares us in the face.



In Dention time stopped and Njal appeared. Suzy, Jim, Albert, Kathy, and Sophia stood in front of him. The truck was behind them as Njal’s voice echoed in the air, “After years of fighting a Demon this man is ready to let it go. If he has a Soul do your job. If the Soul is gone you know what to do. This soul has been in a long fight and thinks it’s dead, and has accepted its fate. Let’s see if we can change that, and give it a chance to make amends for its short comings. I’ll place you outside the home. Now do your work.”

In a flash they appeared in front of the house. Slowly they walked to the door. Suzy opened the door first. Peeking through the door Sophia saw the man. Whispering to Kathy Sophia said, “It looks like the man has a Demon in him.”

Suzy stopped. She could feel the sorrow in the air. This was a sad place, and a lot of suffering happened here. It hung thick in the air like a fog. Suzy turned to Kathy and she said, “The only Demon here is the man.”

Suzy replied, “Then I’ll save him for last. I’m going to pump some Love in the young Woman first.”

Sophia made a cloud and put it over Kile’s daughter’s head, as Suzy made a ball of bright flashing colored light. Suzy pushed it into Honey’s back, and Sophia saw her eyes open wide as she took a deep breath.

Looking at Albert she asked, “Did you see that?”

Albert replied, “No only a Spectrum Goddess can see through a cloud.”

Sophia shot a little spark at Albert, as Suzy pushed Love into Honey. Albert watched her face start to glow as she took a deep breath and her eyes opened wide. Suzy said, “Done with that one.”

Sophia clapped her hands and the cloud disappeared. Then she made a cloud and put it over Emma’s head, and Suzy pushed Love into her. When they were done Suzy took on the Demon. She pushed a ball of bright flashing colored light in Kile’s chest, and he flew back making strange sounds. Suzy cried out, “We have a strong one here.”

Kathy and Sophia faded out, and they each grabbed an arm and held Kile down on the floor. Then Suzy tried again. She made a ball of bright flashing colored light and pushed it in Kile’s chest holding her hand over it as she commanded, “Back to hell with you Demon.”

Then a black cloud in the shape of a hideous monster rose from the Demon. It twisted and turned around as it made squalling and howling sounds. Then it was sucked into the floor. They all let go of Kile and he froze. Then Sophia clapped her hands and the cloud disappeared from Emma’s head. Then they all walked out closing the door behind them. At the truck Suzy threw a ball of bright flashing colored light in the air, and shot it with a lightning bolt. Thousands of little flashing stars rained down on them as Jim blinked them home.

At the Jail Sophia asked, “What now?”

Jim replied, “It’s the middle of the night we go back to bed.”

Sophia whined, “You expect me to go to sleep after doing something like that?”

They all laughed and went their way.

That was day Eighteen from the diary of Sophia Collins.



From May 14th, 1876

 

[Mr Bill]

Thanks

 

[gonewacky]

This is my Halloween story, so I’m posting this story twice. I’m posting it as Chapter 10 here in the book, and on the Maine as a standalone. I so enjoy fantasizing about my readers. I often wonder do they read it for the Superhero part. Sometimes I wonder if they read it for the Love point of view. Maybe it’s the story, or the people in the town. I must tell you I kind of live there. Sometimes I’m a character other times I’m just walking around watching it happen. So much goes through my mind it can get overwhelming. Things I don’t write are like when Jim is sitting on the bench in front of the store. I see him passing out candy to the kids, or watching rain water drip from the cover.

The horse piles in the street. Can you imagine the smell back then? I think of that. I have to almost live the story to write it. I feel the happiness and the sadness. I get angry and excited as I write the story. I wish I could type better, and knew how to spell better. I think of how people dressed. Most girls wore a flour sack for a dress. Only rich people had store bought dresses. To have one custom made was something for the rich. Mothers would hand stitch dresses at home in the evening, but that was few and far between.

In my story the dress maker lives a good life, but she’s lonely. I don’t share that with you, but I know it. I hope this story works for Halloween. Just remember anything that is dead and comes out of the ground is Evil.



With Love from Joe



Enjoy this (Demon Hunters) A Halloween story.



About Me

Now a little about what’s going on in my life. You know I was legally Blind, and had to stop driving. Then I had cataract surgery on one of my eyes, and it changed my life. That was a little over a year ago in July of 2023. I have been fine with one eye, but now a little over a year later. They want me to have the other one done. They scheduled me for the 19th of November to do the other eye. I have three pre-op appointments and two post-op appointments to go to. This means I will be away from home a lot, and staying in a Hotel in Portland thorough out the month.

With Thanksgiving happening in November I won’t have much time for writing, but like a bad weed. I’ll be back.

That’s all until next time. Joe

 

[gonewacky]

Chapter Ten – When The Dead Come To Life

​

Posters had popped up all over town.

The holy bible gives us only one instance of the dead being brought to life. That miracle is accomplished by Jesus when he calls upon Lazarus to come forth, and Lazarus does. It’s one thing when Jesus did it, but quite another when a mere mortal a man of no particular distinction claims that he can duplicate this miracle. Not only claims it, but says that he will prove it. That was the situation in the little town of Dention in 1876 as the town's people awaited his arrival.

Albert was laughing when Edwin asked, “What’s so funny?”

Albert laughed, “Those darn fools standing in the road waiting for that professor to come into town. Maybe they expect him to fly in or swoop down out of the clouds. They make me laugh.”

Edwin replied, “You won't be doing much laughing when the professor brings your Wife back to life, and you find yourself with two wives. Have you talked to Rebecca about that?”

Albert explained, “No, and I don't intend to, because this is just a clever way of doing business. Well this here notice he put up about raising the dead. It’s just a come on. He probably runs a traveling circus or a carnival, and if he doesn't.”

Edwin insisted, “Then I figure you and the Mayor have themselves some kind of problem, because the man must be either crazy or a demon.”

Hank was sweeping in front of the store when the professor came into town. Hank looked up when someone yelled, “It's him it's the professor.”

The professor pulled his buggy up in front of the store.

Mable insisted, “Mayor I want you to promise that you'll listen to what he has to say. Do you think he can really do it Hank? Bring the dead back to life. Do you think I'll see my Maggie again?”

Hank replied, “It's kind of hard to believe Mable, but this poster here says that exactly at midnight on the 20th of May Professor Andrew Jackson will be in the Dention cemetery. In the town of Dention, and he will bring the dead to life. Anyone wishing to see their loved ones again are welcome to attend. Those are just words anyone can print up a notice like that, and anyone who did and then failed to deliver would be a sorry human being indeed.

The Professor disembarked his Buggy and announced, “Sir, I believe I am addressing the Mayor Hank Stein.”

Hank replied, “Yes, you must be Professor Jackson.”

The Professor informed, “Yes sir I am.”

Hank introduced, “This is Miss. Mable Watson. I want to ask you professor…”

The Professor cut in, “I have a lot to talk to Hank about, and I'd appreciate some privacy please Mable.”

Mable replied, “Excuse me Professor.”

Hank insisted, “Now professor if you'll be so good as to step into my Store here. I wonder if you realize that you caused more excitement in Dention than anything since the fair a few years ago.”

The Professor exclaimed, “I resent that Mr. Stein.”

Hank asked, “Why, how can what I've said Make you resent me?”

The Professor explained, “Because Mr. Mayor you are lumping me in your mind with a carnival or circus atmosphere. I assure you this is a serious matter a most serious one.”

Hank insisted, “I’m aware of that.”

The Professor insisted, “Then you are probably not personally involved.”

Hank revealed, “My wife of 28 years died years ago professor. She lies at the Dention cemetery today.”

The Professor informed, “You are a most unusual man Mr. Mayor. To remain so calm when in a few days you can face the prospect of being reunited with your beloved.”

Hank admitted, “Yes, well perhaps I do owe you an apology for the remark about the fair. There you see Professor I would be both excited, and apprehensive if I believed you.”

The Professor acknowledged, “Well I understand your skepticism. Perhaps these may change your mind. As you can see the majority of these letters are from various small towns in Europe, but that's because I've only been in America a short time now. Here is one from a little New England village. As you can also see it's signed by the Mayor.”

Hank insisted, “Just hold on. Give me a chance here to read these, and we'll continue our conversation.



Hank informed, “Very impressive Professor very impressive. I really don't know what to say.”

The Professor remarked, “Well what is there to say? You have read the letters. You accept them as genuine?”

Hank replied, “They appear to be exactly as you represent them.”

The Professor asked, “Yes, meaning you intend to check them out?”

Hank insisted, “Well as the mayor of this town I feel it's my duty to protect the citizens. From what could be a very cruel hoax.

The Professor explained, “Yes well that’s why my first visit was to you. I wanted to reassure you. Have I succeeded?”

Hank declared, “Well let me answer that by saying that before you show those letters. I was convinced that you were a charlatan, and now I’m not so certain.”

The Professor said, “Well that’s the first step on the road to belief.”

Hank asked, “Why are you doing this Professor, and why did you pick Dention?”

It’s what you see I studied for many years the ancient religions. I even studied witchcraft which. In my studies I employed the latest science, chemistry, and electricity. That’s when I made the discovery. I can bring the dead to life, and by doing this I can bring happiness to many. Of course I plan to be paid for doing this, so it's a business. It’s a unique service which deserves to be paid, and why I sale it. Obviously most people will be skeptical, or even worse openly antagonistic. Therefore I must select a village small enough for me to display my ability. A sort of a sample of what I can do. That will convince everyone seeing the demonstration. I won't raise the whole population at Dention cemetery although it would be possible. There will be certain people I’ll select now for example. You mentioned you were a widower.

Hank Muttered, “Yes.”

The Professor went on, “Now if you will give me your wife's name.”

Hank insisted, “I’m still trying to make up my mind about you professor, so let's leave my wife out of this.”

The Professor said, “Yes as you choose sir.”

Hank asked, “What about the appearance? Surely some of those corpses may have been dead for some time.”

The Professor explained, “Well as my printed announcement stated Mr. Mayor. Their appearance will be exactly as it was in their lifetime, or on the day they passed over.”

Hank insisted, “Yes but some people died after a long and wasting illness. Others may have died violent deaths. Perhaps they were even disfigured.

The Professor assured, “When a person is restored to life. That person cannot by the very nature of the act have any marks of death upon them.”



At the Hotel there was a knock on the Professor’s door. He inquired, “Who is it??

Mable replied, “Its Mable Watson remember we met with the mayor.

Opening the door the Professor announced, “Yes, come in Miss. Watson well how did you get my room number?”

Mable insisted, “You mustn't be angry with Kathy. We've known each other a long time, and I begged her and she told me. Oh please say you forgive her.”

The Professor assured, “Of course, how may I help you Miss. Watson.”

Mable asked, “Well how did you make out with the mayor? Is he going to try and stop you?”

The Professor inquired, “My dear Miss. Watson surely you didn't go to all the trouble of finding out my hotel room. Just so you could come and ask a question, which you could have just as easily asked the Mayor.”

Mable explained, “No this is important. You see years ago my niece Maggie was murdered.”

The Professor exclaimed, “Ah, and they never caught the person who did it?”

Mable went on, “I didn’t get a chance to listen to you and the Mayor, and I was wondering what can happen? I mean will Maggie remember, and will she know the person who killed her?”

The Professor disclosed, “I see your problem Miss. Watson. Well what happens is I suggest you come Saturday night and find out.”



Frank yelled, “Albert hold up a minute. Hey it sure is good to see your face Albert. I guess I’m not as young as I used to be.”

Albert replied, “Who is? What's up?”

Frank claimed, “Albert it's interesting you deciding to visit the cemetery. Do you come here often?”

Albert muttered, “When I feel like it.”

Frank went on, “I imagine you're feeling like it now, particularly since we're only two days away from Saturday.”

Albert asked, “What do you want Frank?”

Frank informed, “I've just come from a meeting with some concerned citizens.

Albert asked, “No names?”

Frank remarked, “Hmm, well let's just say they're important people, the kind of people who swing elections.”

Albert inquired, “I'm asking you again Frank. What do you want?”

Frank asked, “We want to know what you're going to do about this Professor, and his demonstration.”

Albert advised, “I haven't made up my mind.”

Frank declared, “You know this shouldn't be allowed.”

Albert confessed, “Not everyone agrees with you.”

Frank complained, “But this smart Professor is a fake he's got to be.”

Albert agreed, “Yeah that's what I figured, but he's got some mighty powerful credentials. He’s got letters of recommendation from very important people.”

Frank insisted, “They could have been forged.”

Albert acknowledged, “That occurred to me.”



At the Store Hank was closing up for the day.

The Professor walked up and said, “I have something I think you should see.

Hank asked, “Do I have to open up again or no.”

The Professor assured, “No I can show it to you if you'll walk me to the Horseshoe Restaurant.”

Hank replied, “Good deal I eat quite a few meals there since my wife died. I’m not much of a cook I guess.”

The Professor insisted, “That could all be straightened out this Saturday night. You could be eating at home again.”

Hank disclosed, “Well I’d be lying if I didn't admit that I’ve thought about that, but it's sort of gives me a weird feeling.

The Professor said, “It only takes getting used to, and that's a fact.” I know some people never get used to it. Like the committee of people who had this note slipped under the door at the Hotel. I got it a little while ago. I’d like you to read it.”

Hank took the note, “Forget Saturday night, and forget your demonstration. You better start thinking about how to bring yourself back to life. You’ve been warned.” It was signed the committee.

 

[gonewacky]

Hank proclaimed, “Hell brother, I thought I knew the people of this town pretty well. You haven't been here 24 hours and you've turned them into something kind of ugly…”

The Professor insisted, “Not me Mr. Mayor. It has always been there. You have any ideas on the makeup of this committee?”

Hank declared, “None that I care to make public until I do some checking. Let me assure you professor I’m going to do a lot of checking, and so is the Sheriff. I won't have this kind of ugliness in Dention.”

The Professor responded, “Here we are at the Horseshoe. I would eat with you, but I’m afraid that might prejudice some of the town's people against you. Don't let us down.”

Then a shot rang out and Hank and the Professor dove to the ground. Albert and Jim were heading to the boardinghouse when the shot rang out. Albert went and helped Hank up, “Darn it Hank every since I’ve been Sheriff. This has been a fairly peaceable town until now.”

Hank told Albert about the Note.

Albert insisted, “We can't have people going around taking shots at other people.”

Hank explained, “That's why I told you about it Albert.”

Albert replied, “Yeah you could hardly have kept it a secret. About 20 people heard the shot, and at least a dozen saw you and this Professor fella hit the dirt.

The Professor chimed in, “If I wanted to keep secrets I wouldn't have shown you the note.”

Hank informed, “Okay now you and I got a pretty good notion of at least one of the members of this committee.”

Albert reasoned, “You mean Frank Eicherman.”

Hank informed, “Well he's the one that's been making most of the noise, but he surely ain't going to admit having anything to do with this.”

Albert admitted, “No not threatening to kill The Professor Hank. Now you're going to have to make a stand and soon. Did you hear me Hank?”

Hank noted, “I’m sorry.”

Albert asked, “Daydreaming again?”

Hank replied, “Yeah.”

Albert informed, “I know I could see it in your eyes.”

Hank asked, “Hey you really think there's something to this?”

Albert answered, “Well if I do I’m not the only one, and you can't count out poor Mable Watson. She's been a little off the rails ever since she found Maggie was killed. You know for years we all thought she just ran off. That is until Seig and I found her in the well under her house.”

Hank insisted, “Yeah I wasn't thinking of Mable. I was thinking of someone who was so scared that the professor might be able to bring the dead back to life. That he or she was trying to kill him to stop him.”

Albert acted stupid, “Now why didn't I think of that? Of course as far as I know Maggie Watson is the only person buried in that cemetery that was murdered. There may be others but she's enough. Now if this professor brings her back to life she sure as shooting will be able to name her killer.”

Hank replied, “That's what I was thinking?”

Albert insisted, “Yes and that's all the more reason for you to say that you're going to see to it that the demonstration is held.”

Hank insisted, “Now you and I both know all that’s in that coffin is bones, and rotted clothes. I don’t see any way he can bring her back.”

Albert confessed, “Hank you and I both know that’s not how the scam works. This is about money. I just haven’t figured it out yet. I’ll send my deputy to guard the professor and tip off the murderer.”



At the Church

Frank announced, “Earl you just hold everything for a while. All right quiet down now everyone let's listen to Frank.”

Frank replied, “Thank you Earl. Without all this fussing. I take it that the sense of this meeting is to let Mayor Stein know. That the people of Dention ain't going to put up with any unholy goings on in the cemetery or anywhere else, and that we the people want the mayor to tell that to this Professor.

Someone yelled, “You be the man to tell them Frank.”



In the Hotel

Mable talked through the door, “It's me Professor Mable Watson again please open the door it's very important. Please I want you to come with me to the cemetery right away.”

The Professor opened the door, “You look terribly upset. Please come in and sit down Miss. Watson.”

Mable insisted, “They're going to stop you. That's why I want you to come with me right now.”

The Professor asked, “Who is going to stop me?”

Mable informed, “I've just come from a meeting, and most of the important people in town were there. They're sending Frank Eicherman to the Mayor to get him to stop you. That's why you must come with me to the cemetery right now, so you can bring Maggie back.”

The Professor insisted, “Not until Saturday night Miss. Watson.”

Mable insisted, “But the Mayor won't let you.”

The Professor explained, “I have reason to believe that the Mayor would not try to stop me, but actually will help me. The Mayor was very much in love with his wife don't you agree Miss. Watson? They had a perfect marriage and everyone knows that.”

Mable inquired, “You mean Hank thinks you really can, but when I was in the store the other day. I got the impression he really didn't believe you could.”

The Professor revealed, “Well he doesn't want to get his hopes up Miss. Watson. Mark my words we'll have the demonstration Saturday night, and the mayor will be there.”

Kathy thought for a few then called out, “By the power of Njal I command time to stop.”

Then she went to the Jail. Walking in the door Jim asked, “Did you stop time Kathy?”

Kathy insisted, “I sure did. We need to do something about Mable. She’s back up there with the Professor again. People have been coming in and out all day, and you know the only thing that comes out of the ground is Evil Demons. We need to do something to stop this.”

Albert asked, “You can see into the Professor. Is he Evil or Demon possessed?”

Kathy replied, “No I don’t see any of that in him.”

Albert insisted, “Then there is nothing we can do. Until he breaks a law we just have to put up with him.”

Kathy argued, “But what if he’s working with a Demon.”

Albert insisted, “Then we take care of it, but all I see is a tricky way to get money out of people. If he crosses the line Jim and I will arrest him. Now go back and start time.”

Jim added, “I’ll have Suzan talk with her if that makes you feel better.”

Kathy barked as she stomped out, “You know nothing good is coming out of the ground!”



At the Store.

Frank demanded, “I didn't come to your Store to play games Hank.”

Hank insisted, “Hold on a minute Frank.”

Frank insisted, “You've got to ban the demonstration, and run this Professor out of town.”

Hank replied, “Out of the question. What grounds do I have for asking him to leave town?

Frank maintained, “Witchcraft. That's what he's practicing Hank.”

Hank insisted, “Oh come on Frank. “This is the 20th century. I’m not going to restage the Salem witchcraft trials here in Dention.”

Frank declared, “Who's talking about trials.”

Hank asked, “Then what are we talking about? A lynching, tarring, and feathering, would you have the people of this town turned into God fearing public spirited citizens. All who just happen to have relatives buried at Dention cemetery?”

Frank replied, “That's exactly right Hank. You’re trying to make it out that there's something wrong with people who don't want their dead disturbed?”

Hank asked, “What about you Frank? You don't have any one in the cemetery unless you count Maggie Watson. I believe she used to work for you before she was killed.”

Frank asked, “What's that supposed to mean.”

Hank barked, “Just what I said. Nothing more or less.”

Frank remarked, “What you're insinuating is so vile that you ought to be made to pay for it. Believe me Hank Stein this is something I ain't forgetting. I’ll make you retract your words all right.

Hank barked, “I don't know what you're talking about Frank. All I said.”

Frank cut in, “I heard you Hank, and by heaven you can thank the lord I haven't got a horse whip, because I would…”

Albert walked in, “What's going on here? You and Frank sound like you're thinking of starting your own private war.”

Frank insisted, “Sheriff you better talk some sense into Hank. He’s heading for a peck of trouble.”

Albert replied, “Yeah, well Hank is always been stubborn Frank. You ought to know that.”

Frank insisted, “This is a serious matter Sheriff, and you can be in trouble too. That is unless you can persuade the Professor to stop this godless demonstration. It’s your job to run the Professor out of town.”



At the Saloon.

Earl announced, “I’ll be with you in a minute.”

Frank assured, “No hurry Earl.”

Earl informed, “Just let me put my stuff in the backroom. Then tell me how it went with the Mayor?”

Frank informed, “We've got trouble Earl. Hank is still set on letting it happen, and I don't think they're going to get much help from the sheriff either.”

Earl maintained, “Yeah I figured that.”

Frank remarked, “You did? Then why did you send me over there?”

Earl replied, “Because you'll sound more convincing for what I got in mind.”

Frank explained, “Well we don't have much time. Today’s Thursday and Saturday’s coming up on us fast. What's the idea?”

Earl said, “Money.”

Frank replied, “No wonder, you're the richest man ever, and you think money can fix everything.”

Earl asked, “Name me one thing it can't fix.”

Frank informed, “Death!”

Earl replied, “Funny you should say that, because I’m betting that money's going to keep the dead in the ground.”

Frank said, “The professor doesn't need money.”

Earl insisted, “Everybody needs money.”

Frank concluded, “You're going to try to bribe the professor.”

Earl explained, “You use the wrong words. We're going to make a business deal with the professor.”

Frank asked, “You have any idea on how much he wants?”

Earl said, “I know what we're going to offer him. We're all in it together, and we are all going to chip in. How much is it worth to you Frank?

Frank asked, “How much are you putting in? You know you have a lot of land that once belonged to people that are in the cemetery.”

Earl said, “Look I’ll show you the figure we're going to offer him, and then we'll decide on how we're going to pro-rate it.”

Frank revealed, “You seem to have it all worked out.”

Earl explained, “I figured it would end up like this, and I’ve been thinking about it. Now here's the amount.”

Frank choked, “That's quite a song. Where are we going to get that kind of money?”

Earl uttered, “Well here's another sheet of paper. A list of names and the amounts that you and I expect them to contribute. It all adds up, and I suppose these people don't want anyone dug up. That’s why I want you to go along with me to persuade them.”

 

[gonewacky]

At the Hotel.

The Professor opens his door, “Come in gentlemen make yourselves comfortable. Well I am sorry I cannot offer you any refreshments.”

Earl explained, “We are not interested in the refreshments. You already know Frank Eicherman, and my name is Earl Hanson. I own a Cattle Ranch north of here.”

The Professor inquired, “I would like to know the purpose of your visit?”

Earl insisted, “Business Professor, we're here solely on a matter of business. There are a lot of people who don't want you to put on that demonstration tomorrow.”

The Professor acknowledged, “Yes I am well aware of that Mr. Hanson.”

Earl went on, “Are you also aware that these people are willing to pay you a nice round some for you to cancel.”

The Professor replied, “Boy that does present a problem.”

Earl remarked, “But not an insoluble one I hope.”

The Professor insisted, “Well Mr. Hanson in my profession I would be the last person in the world to say anything was insoluble. Particularly if there is cooperation amongst them.

Earl asked, “What's the problem?”

The Professor responded, “Well a number of people are desperately anxious to witness the demonstration, but not so anxious that they've offered to pay for it.”

Earl explained, “No not yet, but past experience has proven that people who are anxious quite often are willing. How about three thousand dollars professor?

The Professor laughed, “Well I know you don't intend it as such, but that is an insult. Let's quit horsing around.”

Earl asked, “How much do you want?”

The Professor pitched, “I haven’t even mentioned what this cancellation will do to my reputation.”

Earl asked again, “How much?”

The Professor muttered, “$10,000.”

Earl said, “I said we were businessmen not a terrible institution. We just might be able to go to four thousand five hundred.

The Professor declared, “I would say at least Seven.”

Earl insisted, “You're placing yourself out of the market. We might just be forced to let the demonstration go on now professor. I want you to look me straight in the eye, and you'll know bargaining time is over. Our final offer is five thousand cash no bank draft, cash.”

The Professor agreed, “Yes we have a deal. Oh but there is one other thing.

Earl insisted, “I told you the bargaining was finished.”

The Professor explained, “This does not concern money, but you understand this is my life work. Now I am willing to call off the demonstration to accommodate you sir, but I must have a letter from the Mayor. It must say that my demonstration was indeed held and was successful.

Earl insisted, “The Mayor wasn't part of this negotiation.”

The Professor confessed, “Nevertheless I must have the letter. Believe me sir this issue is not negotiable. Without the letter there is no deal, understood.”

Earl insisted, “We'll be back this evening with the money and the letter.”



Walking out of the Hotel Frank insisted, “Hank will never agree to write such a letter, and you know it.”

Earl replied, “You may be right Frank.”

Frank asked, “Then how could you commit yourself to deliver the money and the letter tonight.”

Earl went on, “Do you want that demonstration called off?”

Frank replied, “You know I do.”

Earl said, “Then we darn well better put our heads together, and find a way to persuade Hank to write the letter, or find another alternative.”

Frank reasoned, “I heard the professor, and I just don't think there is anything short of murder to stop him.”



It would certainly be a miracle if a girl would rise from the dead to point an accusing finger at her murderer. Albert knew that Frank had killed Maggie, but couldn’t prove it. This might be his chance to bring it out into the open.

Everyone was waiting for midnight in the cemetery. It would be the classical setting for hauntings in darkness when the moon hides behind a cloud, but the little town of Dention was looking forward to the demonstration. They wanted to see it put on by a man who claimed to be able to raise the dead. Some wanted it, some didn’t believe it, and some wanted to stop it.



The Professor complained, “Stupid Buggy do what you're supposed to you stubborn piece of junk.”

Hank smiled, “That's why I stick to my horse.”

The Professor replied, “Well I don’t sit well on a horse Mr. Mayor, so I use this modern machine.”

Hank joked, “If this demonstration is a success. There are going to be a lot of folks who will figure you can just get up on your broomstick and fly away.”

The Professor remarked, “Tonight's demonstration?”

Hank replied, “Yep, you laid down a challenge to me and the sheriff, and we accepted it.”

The Professor exclaimed, “Well Mr. Mayor there’s something very wrong here. I want you to look at this.”

Hank questioned, “What's this? I never wrote this letter.”

The Professor informed, “Yes, but it’s on official stationery and it’s signed by you.”

Hank declared, “It’s a forgery. Who gave it to you?”

The Professor claimed, “Oh dear me it would have been so much simpler for all of us had my Buggy not broke.”

Hank maintained, “You figured you'd have been home free after you skedaddled.”

The Professor agreed, “Well I was leaving true, but in a perfectly honorable fashion. I thought you all knew about it. Well now you know.”

Hank insisted, “I don't, so you just tell me who gave you the letter.”

The Professor disclosed, “I fear that would lead only to complications.”

Hank declared, “I hope so.”

The Professor moaned, “If I give you the name. Would you then allow me to leave immediately?”

Hank asked, “What's your hurry?”

The Professor maintained, “Well I wish only to avoid the complications that you look forward to.”

Hank informed, “You're in no position to bargain. You show me a forgery and say that you got it from somebody. Then you refuse to name them. It just could be that you wrote that letter yourself. Since it sure as shoot gives you a good reference.”

The Professor agreed, “Yes I see your point.”

Hank insisted, “Then let’s have the name.”

The Professor mumbled, “Frank Eicherman.”

Hank forced the Professor to the sheriff’s office.

Albert asked, “What’s going on Hank?”

Hank said, “Our friend here needs a Blacksmith. His Buggy broke as he was trying to skip town.”

Albert replied, “I’ll fix it tomorrow after he does the demonstration tonight.”

The Professor whined, “Oh dear, we have a problem.”

Hank insisted, “That’s not the only problem we have. There’s a matter of forgery. Here look at this Albert.”

Hank handed Albert the letter and said, “He says he got it from Frank Eicherman.”

Albert ordered, “Jim you keep an eye on the Professor. I’m going to the Barber Shop to get Frank.”



At the Barber Shop Frank complained, “I have a lot to do I don’t have time to be running around.”

Albert insisted, “We’re going to the Jail if I have to drag you there myself.”



At the Jail.

Frank insisted, “Before anybody says anything I just want to let you know Hank. That I have work to do at the church, and I don't appreciate the Sheriff dragging me over to the Sheriff’s Office in the middle of the afternoon.

Hank implied, “I think you know the Professor.”

Frank insisted, “Yeah sure, now what's this all about?”

Hank tried to give Frank the letter, “Have you ever seen this letter before.”

Frank claimed, “No.”

Hank inquired, “Don't you think you ought to take a look at it before speaking up Frank?”

Frank took the letter, “Oh sure let me see it. Like I said I never saw it.”

Hank insisted, “Well now the professor says that you gave it to him.”

Frank insisted, “I gave it to him, but I never looked at it. You ought to know better than to believe anything he says. If you don't believe me perhaps you'd believe Earl Hanson I suggest you check with him.”

At the saloon.

Earl announced, “Good afternoon Albert, Hank, Professor. What brings you down to the Saloon today?”

Albert informed, “Well somebody forged Hanks named to a letter. The letter sort of gives the professor a pat on the back. Now he claims Frank Eicherman gave it to him. Frank denies it, and the professor said to check with you. Well I’m checking.”

Earl said, “Well I’m glad. It's time for both of us to face up to what's been happening and what might happen.”

Albert insisted, “I’m asking about the letter.”

Earl informed, “I made a business deal with the professor. He agreed to cancel the demonstration for the letter and five thousand dollars.”

Albert insisted, “Enough of this evasion. I am used to being met with mistrust and skepticism, but not with deceit cowardice and lying.”

Earl explained, “Now Professor you just hold on a second. You admit we made a deal and I forked over five thousand dollars.”

The Professor disclosed, “Which I will now proceed to return to you.”

Earl hissed, “Oh not so fast. You can't just decide to…”

The Professor scolded, “With the treatment I have received here. I can do anything I want Mr. Hanson. Here is your money. The demonstration will proceed as scheduled.”

Earl barked, “We made a deal you can't back out now. Not just by giving back the money.”

The Professor responded, “You didn't keep your bargain. The letter was a fake.”

Earl declared, “Oh I’ll get you a good one. I’ll talk to Mayor Stein myself. Now the time has come for straight talk between me and the Mayor.”

Hank said, “Well how about straight thinking Earl you call yourself a businessman, and you let this here con artist pick your pocket on nothing but empty promises.”

Albert insisted, “Hank knows the Professor can't deliver. That’s not the question. Focus has been so wrapped up in thinking about him. That no one never even bothered to think about anyone else. If by any chance the professor can deliver. What happens to me and Rebecca when Adeline comes back and finds us married, or all the others who've made lives for themselves? What happens to them?

The Professor echoed, “In your ignorance never once did you ask about the difficulty of working this miracle, or the danger of dealing with those forces when they are loose. Tonight Sheriff you and Mayor Stein can come and see for yourself. That is if you have the courage?”

Albert asked, “Well what do you really think Hank? You think that the professor has any chance of raising the dead?”

Hank uttered, “Yes somebody does. Somebody who's a murderer and whose whole attention is focused on not being caught or even chance it. He's willing to kill again you know. He took a shot at the professor and forged your letter.”

Albert claimed, “Yep, maybe that's why we're going to Frank's house. We got to get to the bottom of that letter.”

 

[gonewacky]

At Frank’s house.

Rosa opened the door, “Hank and the Sheriff don't tell me you're coming to see me.”

Hank informed, “No Rosa we wanted to talk to Frank.”

Rosa divulged, “That's a shame he came home a while ago feeling so poorly I sent him right to bed.”

Albert insisted, “Well I’m sorry Rosa, but it's real important that we talk with him. Tell him that we're here, and we'll be waiting in the parlor.”

Frank came into the parlor, “I hope we can make this short Hank. Rosa told you I was under the weather.”

Hank insisted, “That's up to you. All you have to do is tell us the truth about that letter. I never should have gone along with Earl. I knew he was too sharp for me. He talked me into writing it.

Hank asked, “You mean he paid you?”

Frank insisted, “No not a penny. He knew I wanted that evil demonstration stopped badly.”

Hank asked, “Enough to forge my name on a letter Frank?

Frank replied, “I did what he thought was right. You ought to leave Earl alone.”

Hank inquired, “You know something about this letter Frank?”

Frank replied, “Well just what I hear now, and of course what I heard at the meeting we had about raising the dead. No God fearing person can hold with that.”

Hank explained, “I care, but you must know forgery is a serious crime.”

Frank insisted, “What the Professor was fixing to do was a bigger crime.”

Albert asked, “That's your entire stake in this.”

Frank reasoned, “You don't sound so surprised. I’m not the only one Earl and all the other good folks who put up the money were in on it.

Albert said, “Well money is one thing. What you did is something else, and I can understand the way some felt. They were thinking about the situation.”

Hank revealed, “Most of the others have folks lying at the cemetery whose return might cause some problems, but you and Rosa haven't got anyone in the cemetery.”

Rosa butted in, “By the way you're keeping after poor Frank you'd think he'd done something terrible. Instead you should be trying to put a stop to godlessness.”

Hank said, “Rosa that's just what sticks in my craw. You and Frank sure know what's right and what's wrong. Yet Frank went ahead and committed what he must have known was a crime, and for what.”

Frank insisted, “I told you.”

Hank declared, “You told me, but you haven't sold me. When I found out what you’d done. I wanted to put you in jail.”

Frank admitted, “I don't blame you.”

Hank went on, “Well I do maybe Frank. You broke the law, but you two are making a great big thing out of this. Like there was some importance.”

Albert added, “Rosa there's a murdered girl lying in that cemetery. Her Aunt is frantic to have her brought back to life, but how do you think the murderer feels about it?”

Rosa asked, “What are you saying?”

Albert went on, “That whoever killed Maggie Watson would have a big stake in stopping this demonstration. I can see that Rosa, but as I remember it Maggie used to work for you three days a week. Hank and I was wondering if you would try to recollect if there were any friends that she had. In particular maybe you remember some young fellas who used to hang around. You know the sort of thing I mean.”

Rosa replied, “Sure, but I hardly saw her. She wasn't a very good worker you know.”

Albert asked, “Then why did you keep her on Rosa.”

Frank barked, “Why don't you just take me to jail sheriff and leave Rosa alone.”

Rosa insisted, “Asked Frank why I kept her on.”

Frank decided, “Rosa it's all over. I’m done with it.”

Albert asked, “What's over and done with Frank?”

Frank replied, “Oh you know women. Rosa somehow got it in her head that I was taking a shine to Maggie.”

Hank gasped, “Taking a shine to Maggie?”

Rosa explained, “He was out of his mind about her. He was mooning over her like a lovesick calf, and she was encouraging him. They were laughing at their secret little jokes when they thought I didn't hear.”

Frank insisted, “Rosa calm down you'll be getting one of your spells again.”

Rosa went on, “Spells that's what that Witch cast over you all right, and you were worrying about whether she was doing too much. Well I was working my fingers to the bone. Frank was carrying on like he was a boy sixteen. He was running around chasing her where ever she went.”

Frank begged, “Please Rosa.”

Hank blurted, “Mrs. Eicherman”

Rosa just kept going, “Don't worry I’m not hysterical. I just think it's so funny I’ve made myself a sinner. I killed that girl because I thought my husband didn't love me, and now look what he did. Just to stop my sin from finding me out. That's enough to make anyone laugh.”

Albert gasped, “Truck on.”

Time stopped and Albert called Jim. Then Jim appeared in front of Albert saying, “You summoned me.”

Albert informed, “We have a problem. Mrs. Eicherman just confessed to the murder of Maggie. I don’t know if she did it, or if she is just saying that. She might be trying to stop Frank from getting hanged for the murder.”

Jim replied, “So you want me to go check and see who did it? I thought you and Seig already solved this. You did see it happen, and found her in the well? Right?”

Albert confessed, “Seig and I saw Frank choking Maggie, and found her in the well, but we never saw what happened from the kitchen to the well.”

Jim called out, “By the power of Njal I command Sophia to appear.”

Sophia appeared in front of Jim and Albert saying, “You summoned me.”

Jim replied, “I need you to make me invisible and fade out so we can take a trip.”

Sophia shot Jim with a little spark and faded out. Jim took her hand and they went back in time. They were in the basement of the house looking through the door at the well. There was Maggie pulling up a bucket of water. Then they saw Rosa push Maggie in the well. Sophia gasped and Jim blinked them out.

Back in the parlor Sophia shot Jim with a little spark and faded back. Jim revealed, “Well Albert, Frank might have been the one choking Maggie, but Rosa is the one that pushed her in the well.”

Albert looked bug-eyed at Jim, “Now what? I’ve never arrested a woman before, and what am I going to tell Mable?”

Jim replied, I think you need to talk to the Mayor about that. I’ll take Sophia back home, and come back. I’ll make it look like I showed up looking for you.”

Albert replied, “Okay, I’ll wait a few and start time.”

Albert started time to find Hank was stunned. He was just looking at Albert waiting for him to say something. After a few of everyone looking at each other Albert spoke. “I think Hank and I need to step out and talk.”

No one said a word as Albert walked out with Hank behind him. Outside Hank blurted, “What the hell was that Albert? You told me you thought Frank did it.”

Albert replied, “What do I do? I’ve never arrested a woman before. Do I take her to Lambert to see the Federal Judge? Do we have a trial here with you as the Judge? What are we going to do?”

Hank pondered, “You know she’s never been quite right in the head. Maybe we could have a closed door trial in the Jail. I could sentence her to helping clean Main Street for a year.”

Albert asked, “You got that Letter? Let me see it.”

Jim walked up as Albert pulled a match from his pocket. He lit it on his boot and started the letter on fire as Hank yelled, “What the hell are you doing!”

Albert said, “Just standing here. What does it look like I’m doing?”

Hank looked to Jim, “Did you see that James?”

Jim replied, “See what?”

Albert dropped the last corner of the burning paper to the ground as Hank insisted, “That!” Then he pointed to the last of the burning letter on the ground.

Jim insisted, “I think you’re seeing things Hank.”

Hank insisted, “Court tomorrow at nine in the morning. Just go tell her, arrest her, or whatever you’re going to do. Just be there at nine.”

That night people from all around were gathering at the cemetery. The Demon hunters were walking up when they heard screaming. People were running in every which direction screaming. Then they saw the cemetery was covered with Demons and spirits. Then the Professor appeared in front of them. He laughed at them. Then he turned into a Bat and flew away.”




That was day Eleven to fourteen from the diary of Sophia Collins.


From May 17th to the 20th, 1876

That’s all until next time. Joe

 

[gonewacky]

This is about a jealous man and his long urge to kill. I know it’s short, but I put a lot into it. I hope you enjoy it. I now give you, “The Time Bomb.”



Joe

 

[gonewacky]

Chapter Eleven – The Time Bomb

​

She had signed her own death warrant he kept telling himself over and over. The Demon inside of him kept telling him that he wasn't to blame. She brought it on herself. He had never seen the man, but he knew there was one. He had known for six weeks. That was the day he came home and there was a cigar but in an ashtray, and it was still moist at one end. It was still warm at the other end. His wife was too often flustered when he came home. She hardly seemed to know what she was doing or saying at all. He pretended not to see any of these things. He was that type of man.

Jack didn't bring his hates or grudges out into the open where they had a chance to heal. He nursed them in the darkness of his mind with that dangerous Demon. The kind of Demon that wouldn’t let him be honest with himself. If he would have had to admit that this mysterious afternoon caller was just a dream. The excuse the Demon gave him was that he dreamed of getting rid of his wife.

Long before there was any reason for him to do that. There had been something in him for years urging him to kill kill kill. Maybe ever since that time he'd been treated at the hospital for a concussion. He didn't have any of the usual excuses. She had no money of her own. He hadn't insured her, so he stood nothing to gain by getting rid of her. She didn't nag and quarrel with him. She was a docile loving sort of life, but this thing in his brain kept whispering kill.

The thing kept telling him kill, so every afternoon for six weeks. When he came home from the shop he brought little things with him. Very little things that were harmless. They were so inoffensive in themselves that no one would even think about it. If they had seen them they wouldn’t have guessed. Fine little strands of copper wire such as he sometimes used in his watch repairing, and each time a very little package containing a substance.



Sophia awoke standing on a beach looking out over the ocean. Her curly hair was blowing in the wind as Najl stood next to her, “I enjoy this view child, so tell me is this the beginning of the ocean, or the end.”

Sophia thought for a moment and replied, “I guess it depends if you are coming or going. If we are coming then this is the beginning.”

Najl chuckled, “Very wise my child. Sometimes the end is just a new beginning. I’m sending you to protect a young woman from her husband. A Demon has convinced him to kill his wife. Just follow her around and whisper in her ear. She is easily manipulated, so you should have no problem. Just keep yourself invisible from them. I know you can see the Demon in the man, but he must overcome it on his own.”



Sophia appeared in Jacks clock shop. She was invisible and watching Jack fill a little film container from a large bag. Sophia saw the bag said potassium nitrate fertilizer. Like every day Jack put the container in his pocket. Jack knew only an explosives expert might have recognized, but no one else would. Jack knew like this it couldn't hurt you, but wadded tightly into cells in what had formerly been a soap box down in the basement. Well…Once he compressed it to within an inch of its life.

Once he had accumulated 36 days’ worth of it. That would be a different story. They would never know what happened. There wouldn't be enough left of the flimsy house for them to go by. It could have been a sewer gas explosion. They’d think or a pocket of natural gas in the ground, or somewhere around under them.

He'd be in his shop tinkering with his watch parts and the phone would ring, “Mr. Gray Mr. Gray your house has just been demolished by a blast.”

The last little package had been brought in two days ago. The box had all it could hold. Now twice as much as was necessary to blow up the house. The box was set and the wires were in place. The batteries that would give off the necessary spark were attached. All that was necessary now was to hook up the clock, and then today was the day.

At 12:30 sharp he wrapped up the alarm clock. He’d been working on and tucked it under his arm and left the shop. He took the bus and got off at his usual stop. Then he walked the three interminable suburban blocks to his house, and let himself in. she wasn't home of course as he knew she was out marketing as usual.

He went directly to the door leading to the basement. He passed through it and closed it behind him. Then he went down the bare wooden steps to the basement floor. She hadn't even known that he'd come down here each night for a few minutes. While she was in the kitchen doing the dishes, by the time she got through he was upstairs again behind his newspaper.

It didn't take long to add the contents of each successive little package to what was already in the box. The wiring had taken more time, but he got that done one night when she'd gone out to the movies, or so she'd said.

His little box that was no longer just a box it was now a bomb. It was standing over against the wall next to the side of the oil burner. He was proud of it. Prouder than of any fine watch he'd ever repaired or reconstructed. He unwrapped the clock, and spread out the few necessary small implements he'd brought with him from the shop. Two fine copper wires were sticking stiffly out of a small holy board in the box. They were ready like the antenna of some kind of insect. Through them death would go in to the box.

He wound the clock up first. He couldn't safely do that once it was connected. He wound it up to within an inch of his life. He set the alarm for three, but there was a difference now. Instead of just setting off a harmless bell when the hour hand reached three, and the minute hand reached 12. The wires attached to it leading to the batteries would set off a spark. A single tiny evanescent spark that was all. He wondered why more people didn't do things like this. They didn't know what they were missing. They were probably not clever enough to be able to make the things themselves. He set the clock itself by his own pocket watch 1:15. Then he carefully guided the antenna like wires leading from the box through a hole previously bored in the back of the clock, and fastened them to the necessary parts of the mechanism. It was highly dangerous, but when he was done with it.

It stood there on the floor in its place innocent-looking up against the oil burner. The soap box was ticking away, and ten minutes had gone by since he'd come down. There was one hour and 40 minutes until death.

Sophia appeared standing on a beach looking out over the ocean. Najl stood next to her and asked, “You spent the day watching the husband, and morning watching his wife?”

Sophia replied, “Yes, he’s building a bomb in the basement. That Demon has him under his control. His wife however is kind and sweet, and lets him do what he wants. I helped her with her flowers out back, and went to the store with her. Then you brought me here.”

Then Jim and Albert appeared with them and Najl instructed, “I need you to rob the house that Sophia’s at, and tie up the man in the basement. Give the stuff to Sophia so she can hide it where they can find it. Sophia if you think he has suffered enough and has repented from his thoughts. You can put him to sleep to stop his suffering. Now go forth.”



Back in the basement Jack smiled a little and why not. His plan was coming together. He started up the stairs not fearfully, but like a man does in his own house. As he opened the basement door and stepped out to the ground-floor hall. Someone jumped on him grabbing him brutally by the throat, and head slammed him back against the wall. Then pinned him there, and struck him a stunning blow on the side of the head. With his senses dulled into a whirling flux. A second man had leaped down from up the stairs. He barked, “Hurry up get something to tie him up with. Then let's get out of here.”

“Don't,” Jack tried to say clawing at his own throat to free it. He wasn't fighting the man off. He was only trying to tear that impediment off long enough to get out what he had to tell him, but his assailant couldn't tell the difference. He struck him savagely a second time and a third time. Jack was against the wall without losing consciousness. The second one had come back already with a rope that looked like Ann's clothesline. Jack was dimly aware of this rope going around and around him crisscross. It went in and out his legs and body and arms.

His mouth was suddenly torn open as a large handkerchief or rag was thrust in. This effectively silenced all further sound from Jack. Then they put something around outside of that to keep it in.

One of the men said, “Let’s take him back down where he was.”

This brought on a new spasm almost epileptic in its violence. Jack fought then shook his head back and forth. They had picked him up and kicked the basement door open, and were carrying him down the steps to the bottom. They still couldn't be made to understand that he wasn't resisting. That he wouldn't call the police, and he wouldn't lift a finger to have them apprehended. If they'd only let him out of here.

Then they deposited Jack on the floor by the pipe in the corner, and lashed him in a sitting position. There with an added length of rope that had been coiled in the basement, as the men left one of them turned back and said, “Take it easy bud. You’ll never get out of them knots.”

Jack’s looked desperately through his eyes at the clock one last time. Then with the horrible slowness of a nightmare the man turned and went out through the basement door.

Now it was just him and the clock with the men gone. They were his only link with the outside world. They were the only two people in the whole city who knew where he was. At this moment no one else not a living soul knew where to find him. Now what would happen to him if he wasn't found?

Jack thought I got to get out of here by three o'clock. It was twenty-five to two now and the clock was ticking fast.



Sophia faded back to talk to Jim and Albert. Jim handed Sophia the stuff they had taken. Sophia informed, “I’ll put this stuff in her underwear drawer. She’ll find it tomorrow.”

With that Jim put his hand on Albert's arm and blinked out. Then Sophia faded back out.

Upstairs in their room Sophia pulled open the top drawer. On one side was her underwear stacked neatly, and her socks on the other side. Sophia picked up the top pair of underwear. Then she laid the money and watch on the stack. Laying the underwear back in the stack she thought. There that should do it.

Then Jack heard a door open above without warning. Listing Jack knew it was the front door this time. Then he heard high-heeled shoes head to the back door.

 

[gonewacky]

Jack shouted Ann! He yelled Ann, and he screamed, but all that got passed the gag was a low whimper. That didn't even reach across the basement. His face was wet and dark with the effort. The cord pulled tight to his neck, as he heard the tap tap tap go into the kitchen. It stopped a minute and he thought. She’s putting down her parcels. Then she left and came back again. If only there was something he could do. With the clock going tick, tick, tick he tried lifting his legs clearer of the floor and pounding them down again. He used all his might thinking maybe the sound of the impact would carry up to her, but all he got was a soft cushioned sound with twice the pain of striking a stone surface with your palm. This made an electrical discharge of pain shoot up the back of his legs. It went up his spine and exploded at the back of his head.

Meanwhile her steps had halted about where the hall closet was, and then she went on toward the stairs that led to the upper floor. They faded out as she went up the stairs. She was out of earshot now, but she was in the house with him. At least that awful pain was gone. It made him feel such gratitude for her nearness. He felt such love and need for her. He wondered how he could ever have thought of doing away with her just a short hour ago. He saw now that he must have been insane to contemplate such a thing. It was now five after. She’d been back nine minutes and now it was ten.

Time went slowly at first and then faster and faster. The terror which had momentarily been quelled by her return began to fall upon him again. Why did she stay up there on the second floor like that? Why didn't she come down here to the basement, and look for something? What if she intended to stay up there all afternoon? Now with just 49 minutes left he tried to scream, “Ann come down here can't you hear me?”

The gag absorbed his screams like a sponge. Sophia went to check on Jack. Her perfume suddenly filled the air and she whispered, “She Loves you. You must know that.”

Then Sophia went back to Ann, and he heard the phone ring in the lower hallway midway between him and her. He'd never heard such a beautiful sound before, but tears stood out in each eye as he thought. That must be the man now. Surely that would bring her down, and then he heard her quick steps descending the stairs to answer. He could hear every word she said. “I just got in now and I'm all upset. I had nineteen dollars upstairs in my bureau drawer and it's gone. The wristwatch that Jack gave me is gone too. It looks to me as if someone broke in here while I was out and robbed us.”

He felt better she knew someone had robbed them. Now that she knew they'd been robbed she'd get the police. Then surely they'd searched the whole place. Surely they'd look down here and find him and then she said, “No I haven't reported it yet. I suppose I should, but I don't like the idea. I'm going to call up Jack at the shop. There’s just a chance that he took the money and the watch with him when he left this morning. You can come out then.”

There was a pause while she broke the connection. Then he heard her dial his shop number and wait while it was ringing. Of course no one answered in the terrible silence he screamed, “I'm right here under your feet. Stop wasting time for heaven sakes come down here.” Finally she hung up and he heard her going up the stairs again.

Jack whimpered disappointedly 1/2 hour and nine minutes more left and they ticked away with like the rain drops on a corrugated tin roof. He kept straining and pulling away from the pipe that held him. Then he fell back exhausted thinking. How much more could this rope hold? He tried it again and again. He fell back weaker less able to fight each time. Each time it was worse than the time before. He was just losing layers of thin skin that broke one by one, and gave forth burning pain and finally blood.

Then the doorbell rang out sharply. The man had come, and Jack’s chest started rising and falling with renewed hope. Listening to hear whatever slight sound he might manage to make. He knew he had to find a way to make one himself. Jack thought, well thank God for this admirer or whatever he was.

She came quickly down the stairs a second time and her footsteps hurried down the hall. The front door opened and he heard her say, “Hello Dave.”

Then he heard the man’s voice ask, “Did it turn up yet?”

She replied, “No and I've looked high and low. I tried to get Jack after I talked to you, but he was out to lunch. Come in the kitchen I'll make you a cup of coffee.”

Her quick steps went first and his heavier slower ones followed. There was the sound of a couple of chairs being drawn out, and the man's footsteps died out entirely. Hers continued busily back and forth for a while on a short orbit between the stove and table. Jack wondered. What were they going to do? Sit there for the next half hour? Couldn’t he make them hear him in some way? He tried clearing his throat and coughing. It hurt furiously and the gag muffled even the cough to a blurred purring sort of sound. Looking at the clock he saw 26 to three only minutes left now. Minutes not even a full half-hour anymore.

Then he heard her say, “Don't you think we ought to tell Jack about us?”

The man questioned, “Oh what kind of a guy is he?”

She replied, “Well Jack's not narrow-minded. He's very fair and broad minded. You have nothing to be afraid of in Jack's account Dave.”

Dave asked, “Did you ever tell him about me at all?”

She replied, “You mean in the beginning? Oh I told him you'd been in one or two scrapes, but like a little fool I let him think I'd lost track of you. He thinks I don't know where you are anymore”

Then it hit Jack. Why that’s her brother. She’d said that about the man sitting up there. Then Dave confirmed it right as the thought burst into Jack’s mind.

Dave went on, “Yeah I know it's tough on you sis. You’re happily married and all that. I got no right to come around and gum things up for you. No one is proud of a Jail bird for a brother.”

She insisted, “David there isn't anything I wouldn't do for you, but before you decide anything let's go downtown and talk it over with Jack.”

Then jack heard one chair jarred back and then the other. He could hear dishes clatter as though they'd all been lumped together in one stack, but were they going to leave again?

With only minutes to spare their footsteps went down the hall. Stay with me Jack thought. Panic-stricken Jack did the only thing he could think of. He struck the back of his head violently against the thick pipe he was attached to. Darkness covered his eyes. The pain was so excruciating he knew he couldn't repeat the attempt, but they must have heard something. Some dull thud or reverberation must have carried up along the pipe. Then he heard her stop short for a minute and say, “What was that?”

The man said he hadn't heard anything and she took his word for it. Then there was the sound of the front door opening. She passed through it then the man passed through it. The door closed and they were gone.

He was left alone with his self-inflicted doom a second time, and the first seemed like paradise in retrospect compared to this. Then he had a full hour to spare. He had been rich in time, but now he only had 15 minutes. One miserably quarter hour, but it wasn't worth struggling anymore. He couldn't anyway even if he wanted to.

The only thing that was left was to keep his eyes down and pretend, and pretend the hands were moving slower than they were. It was better than watching them constantly. It blunted a little of the terror. However the ticking he couldn't hide from. Of course every once in a while he couldn't resist looking up, and verifying his own calculations. There would be a renewed burst of anguish, but in between times it made it more bearable. It's only gained a half minute since the last time I looked.

Then suddenly the outside world intruded again. The doorbell rang out. He took no hope from the summons at first. Maybe it was some peddler ringing. Whoever it was they were impatient of being kept waiting. A third ring was given the Bell. This time a veritable blast that kept on for nearly half a minute. Then as it finally stopped a voice called out forcefully, “Anybody in there?”

Jack tried to speak, “Yes.”

Then he heard, “Gas Company.”

Jack started quivering all over. This was the one call that could have brought anyone down into the basement. The meter was up there on the wall staring him in the face, and her brother had had to take her out of the house. At just this particular time there was no one to let the man in. The gas inspector gave the Bell one more try as defending his disappointment. He gave the Bell short jabs like a telegraph key and then he called out for the benefit of some unseen assistant. He was most likely waiting in a truck out at the curb, “Their never home when you want them to be.”

Jack would die alone. His arms and legs got cold up to the elbows and knees. His heart seemed to beat slower and he had trouble getting a full breath. Saliva escaped and ran down his chin and his head drooped forward laying on his chest for a while. The clock ticked on as he noticed that his mind was starting to wonder. Suddenly the outer world returned again. This time it was the phone. It must be Ann and her brother trying to find out if he'd come back in their absence. They'd found the shop closed and must have waited outside for a while. Then when he still didn't come they didn't know what to make of it, but no one answered. That would tell them surely that something was wrong. Wouldn’t they come back now to find out what had happened to him, but how could they dream he was in the basement the whole time. Why should they think he was here in the house if he didn't answer the phone?

Ann would become real worried. Maybe they’d go to the police, but that would be hours from now. What good would that do? They'd look everywhere but here for him. When a man is reported missing the last place they'd looked for him would be in his own home. It finally stopped ringing, and silence came rolling back in its wake. Nine minutes to three oh what a lovely number was nine. Let it be nine forever not eight or seven, but nine for all eternity. Make time stand still, but no it was already eight. Oh what a precious number was eight so rounded so symmetrical let it be eight forever.

Then a woman's voice called out somewhere outside, “Bobby be careful what you're doing. You'll break that window.”

She was some distance away, but the dictatorial tones carried clearly, and suddenly the blurred shape of a ball strikes the basement window. A child came close up against the window to get his ball back. If he would only turn his head over this way he could look right in the basement. He could see Jack. The glass wasn't too smeary for that. Jack started to weave his head violently from side to side hoping the motion would attract the child. Suddenly the boy turned his head and was looking directly in through the window. Then the boy yelled, “Look!”

Then an adult hand suddenly darted downward from the upper right hand corner of the window. It grabbed the child's wrist, and the arm went upward. Pulling the boy out of sight, but he pointed to him and said, “Mom a man is tied up look!”

The adult voice answered why that wouldn't look nice. Mommies can't peer into other people's houses like you can.”

The child's head disappeared from above the window. Jack could see the back of the boy’s knees for an instant longer, and then it's outlined on the glass blurred in withdrawal and was gone. Only the little clear spot remained to mock Jack in his crucifixion.

He rolled his head away from the window, and back toward the clock. Finally to his horror it stood at three to three. He couldn't feel any more terror or hope or anything else. A sort of numbness set in with a care of gleaming awareness of what was in his mind. He was making animal noises deep in his throat, as the minute hand slowly moved to his doom. His thoughts blended with the gurgled sounds he made. The gag prevented the sounds from emerging in full volume. He puckered the flesh around his eyes. Apprehensively creasing them into slits as though the closing of his eyes could ward it off. The terrific force of what was to come. The hand on the dial gradually became upright. It was three o'clock, but he didn't know it. He was shaking all over from head to foot. Not with fear, but with laughter. Then everything went black

Sophia watched as he took the last breath. She put her hand on his head and said, “Sleep.”

Hours later.

Jack heard Ann asked, “What's the matter with him officer?”

Jack realized it was Ann and she was standing over him crying. The policeman was untying the hard knotted ropes and taking the gag out of his mouth. The officer felt his pulse and then he said, “He must have passed out ma'am, but I think he'll be all right. We better get him to a hospital.”

Jack looked at the clock it said five past seven. The cop got up and went over to the box. He kicked it with his foot. It shifted lightly along the wall a little, and took the clock with it. Then he asked, “What's in this box?”

Jack's wife looked at it and said, “That's nothing. It used to have some kind of fertilizer in it, but only this morning I took it out and emptied it on the flowers I've been trying to raise. It’s just an empty box.”

Sophia appeared standing on the beach looking out over the ocean. Najl stood next to her and asked, “Do you think he is ready to get rid of that Demon Sophia?”

Sophia replied, “I believe he hates what it’s doing to him. I now see that the end was the beginning for him. This helped me understand your question.”

Najl spoke softly, “You did well my child. I shall send a Love Goddess to cast the Demon out. Now I send you home.”

Then in a flash Sophia was back in bed, and the first sunbeam of the day lit her room.

 

[feralferret]

Wacko, thank you for another fine tale.

 

[Mr Bill]

Thanks