PUMPKIN JACK SKULL

And Other Stories of Terror

by
Jacob M. Drake
SMAS!O"DS #DITION
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PU%LIS#D %&'
Jacob M. Drake on S(ash)ords
PUMPKIN JACK SKULL
And Other Stories of Terror
Co*yri+ht , -./. by Jacob M. Drake
A00 ri+hts reser1ed. !itho2t 0i(itin+ the ri+hts 2nder co*yri+ht reser1ed abo1e3 no *art of
this *2b0ication (ay be re*rod2ced3 stored in or introd2ced into a retrie1a0 syste(3 or trans(itted3
in any for(3 or by any (eans 4e0ectronic3 (echanica03 *hotoco*yin+3 recordin+3 or other)ise5
)itho2t the *rior )ritten *er(ission of both the co*yri+ht o)ner and the abo1e *2b0isher of this
book.
This is a )ork of fiction. Na(es3 characters3 *0aces3 brands3 (edia3 and incidents are either
the *rod2ct of the a2thor6s i(a+ination or are 2sed fictitio2s0y. The a2thor ackno)0ed+es the
trade(arked stat2s and trade(ark o)ners of 1ario2s *rod2cts referenced in this )ork of fiction3
)hich ha1e been 2sed )itho2t *er(ission. The *2b0ication72se of these trade(arks is not
a2thori8ed3 associated )ith3 or s*onsored by the trade(ark o)ners.
S(ash)ords #dition License Notes
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*2rchase an additiona0 co*y for each *erson yo2 share it )ith. If yo26re readin+ this book and did
not *2rchase it3 or it )as not *2rchased for yo2r 2se on0y3 then yo2 sho20d ret2rn to
S(ash)ords.co( and *2rchase yo2r o)n co*y. Thank yo2 for res*ectin+ the a2thor6s )ork.
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;O"!A"D
The 1ario2s stories contained )ithin this book )ere )ritten o1er the *ast co2*0e of years.
The tit0e story conce*t3 that of Pumpkin Jack Skull3 )as so(ethin+ I ca(e 2* )ith aro2nd
a00o)een of -..< and decided to )rite :2st to see )here it took (e= after a003 stories ha1e a )ay of
)ritin+ the(se01es3 +oin+ )here they )ant to +o3 not )here the a2thor thinks he )ants the( to. I
)rote the first story and )as *0eased )ith )hat I ca(e 2* )ith in the for( of Jack-O-Lantern.
Then 0ater I rea0i8ed I had another story to +o a0on+ )ith this one inside of (e and a0on+ ca(e
Pumpkin. Sti00 0ater I rea0i8ed that there )as one fina0 story in this 1ein that )as needed in order to
tie it a00 to+ether and Jack Skull )as born as the (ain *rota+onist )ho started this entire ta0e of
:ack9o90anterns that )ent in search of )orthy *rey. I ho*e that )hen yo2 +et to Jack Sk200 yo2 don6t
assi+n his 0ack of socia0 ski00s and his a*tit2de for dis(e(berin+ *eo*0e to this a2thor. I ha1e ne1er
so (2ch as re(o1ed the )in+s of a f0y 9 0i1in+ or dead. Jack Sk200 is in another rea0( a00 of his
o)n. e is not (e. e rea00y isn6t. Ok>
The other stories )ere a assort(ent of ideas I had a0on+ the )ay and had to *2t do)n in
)ords in order to +et to s0ee* at ni+ht. Of co2rse the tra2(a inf0icted 2*on %en:y in New Beginning
)asn6t of (y doin+3 either. That story insisted on bein+ )ritten that )ay. Serio2s0y. I had no
intention of inf0ictin+ s2ch horror 2*on a s(a00 chi0d as that3 es*ecia00y )here it ca(e to dea0in+
)ith his o)n (other. Sheesh. There6s an entire book in each of these stories once I +et aro2nd to
)ritin+ the( as s2ch3 and the Pumpkin Jack Skull tri0o+y :2st has to be (ade into a (o1ie one day.
Anyone kno) of a (o1ie *rod2cer 0ookin+ for his ne?t +reat horror fi0(> (((>
I ho*e e1eryone )ho reads these stories en:oys the( as (2ch as I had )ritin+ the(. P0ease
fee0 free to contact (e at any ti(e by e9(ai0in+ this a2thor at' eterna0.nat2rist@+(ai0.co(.
A0tho2+h I a( b2sy )ith )ritin+ (ore stories e1ery day as the *0ots and characters a**ear )ithin
(y o1er9acti1e i(a+ination3 I do atte(*t to read a00 e9(ai0 I recei1e in a ti(e0y (anner.
Thanks to (y )onderf20 and bea2tif20 )ife Nancy3 )ho *2ts 2* )ith (e as I )rite (y
stories and a+oni8e o1er ho) to (ake each one the best I a( ab0e3 and 0istens to (e 1erba0i8e the
*0ots and detai0s of (y stories e1en tho2+h she has abso02te0y no interest in the( at a00. Isn6t that
)hat s*o2ses are for>
I )o20d 0ike to thank Mark Coker for *ro1idin+ his )ork on ho) to +et finished stories
*2b0ished to S(ash)ords. !itho2t his insi+htf20 assistance I ne1er )o20d ha1e been ab0e to *0ace
the (any stories I ha1e )ritten the *ast fe) years onto the internet )here they co20d be read by a00
those )ho ha1e taken to readin+ e9books. Thanks3 Mark.
Thanks a0so to Sean ar*er3 a +ood friend )ho s2++ested I try o2t Picasa A as a (eans of
desi+nin+ and for(attin+ the co1ers for (y books. !itho2t Sean6s insi+htf20 s2++estion I (i+ht
sti00 be tearin+ (y hair o2t tryin+ to fi+2re o2t ho) to (ake (y co1ers correct0y so they )o20d
)ork at S(ash)ords.
Last0y3 I )ant to thank those *eo*0e )ho read (y stories and +a1e (e insi+ht to )hat (i+ht
need to be chan+ed to (ake the stories better. &o2 kno) )ho yo2 are.
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Stories in this co00ection'
JACK9O9LANT#"N
!hen teena+e !i00 D2ncan is *0aced on restriction by his *arents and forced to re(ain ho(e on
a00o)een )hi0e they +o to a cost2(e *arty he disco1ers there is (ore than trick9or9treaters )ho
co(e to his door.
%#COMINB D"ACA
Nic Draca has a0)ays been an a1era+e boy )ith an e?otic na(e3 a00 the )ay into his ear0y t)enties.
Then he )akes 2* 0yin+ in a *2dd0e behind a bar and disco1ers a tattoo across his face he ne1er had
before. o) the tattoo +ot there and )hat the (eanin+ of it is be+ins Nic on a ne) 0ife that sho)s
hi( the rea0 (eanin+ of bein+ a Draca.
PO!#" #COLUTION
If yo2 had the o**ort2nity to beco(e i(b2ed )ith *o)ers beyond the sco*e of (orta0 (an3
)o20dn6t yo2 take that o**ort2nity> !hat then if yo2 rea0i8ed there )as no one co(*atib0e to yo2
)ho yo2 co20d share yo2r 0ife )ith> "obby %2rns disco1ers his +reatest +ift has beco(e his bi++est
c2rse3 and *ossib0y for that of a00 (ankind as )e00.
PUMPKIN
Pa20 !a0ker takes his s(a00 son Danny o2t searchin+ for the ri+ht *2(*kin to be car1ed into a
a00o)een :ack9o90antern. e ne1er e?*ected to 2n0eash an incarnation of e1i0 that )o20d end his
)or0d 9 and be+in a terror that )o20d enco(*ass the entire )or0d.
!ITC SPA!N
Se1en year9o0d %en:y 0i1es in dai0y fear 9 of his (other3 )ho( he be0ie1es (2st be a )itch. One
day he rea0i8es he si(*0y can6t take the constant beatin+ any 0on+er. That6s )hen he disco1ers that
the s2*ernat2ra0 *o)er inherent )ithin his (other is his to contro0 as )e00.
TO KILL T# JA%%#"!OCK&
Detecti1es %2d Lori(er and Ja(es Credo are assi+ned to a (2rder case that 0eads the( into the
cyber9)or0d of on0ine ro0e *0ayin+ +a(es. The D2estion they ha1e to ask the(se01es3 ho)e1er3 is
ho) can )hat ha**ens in a "PB *ossib0y affect the o2tco(e of 0ife and death in the rea0 )or0d>
JACK SKULL 9 $$$$ !A"NINB $$$$ The following story contains scenes of highly graphic
torture and mutilation. Not recommended for the sueamish.
Jack ESk200E Sch2y0er has s*ent his ad20t 0ife as an enforcer for the 0oca0 cri(e syndicate. e +ets
a00 the :obs no one e0se has the sto(ach for 9 e?ce*t hi(. Then the day arri1es )hen the syndicate
he )orks for decides their enforcer is a 0iabi0ity and Jack Sk200 finds hi(se0f 2nder the death
sentence he has *0aced so (any others 2nder.
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PUMPKIN JACK SKULL
And Other Stories of Terror
$ $ $ $ $
JACK9O9LANT#"N
, -..< Jacob M. Drake
FCan yo2 be0ie1e itGs a00o)een and thereGs nothin+ on TC>H !i00 D2ncan c0icked the
*o)er b2tton on the re(ote. The TC b0inked to b0ack. e thre) the re(ote across the roo(3 )here
it bare0y (issed 0andin+ on the sofa. The s(a00 te0e1ision contro0 bo2nced off the ed+e of the
c2shion3 0andin+ on the car*et.
!i00 kne) if his dad e1er sa) hi( doin+ that heGd be +ro2nded for at 0east a )eek. Toni+ht
he didnGt care. Toni+ht )as his ni+ht to ha1e f2n3 b2t his *arents had restricted hi( to stayin+
inside the ho2se. A00 beca2se heGd been ca2+ht cheatin+ on a Science test.
A Science testI !ho doesnGt cheat on Science tests> ItGs one of those s2b:ects that a0(ost
nobody kno)s eno2+h abo2t. Not that anybody )ants to kno) abo2t Science3 !i00 reasoned in his
(ind. It )as a )orth0ess s2b:ect to hi(.
%2t beca2se heGd been ca2+ht3 he )as no) sittin+ at ho(e3 handin+ o2t candy to those snot9
nosed90itt0e9shits that ke*t co(in+ aro2nd3 rin+in+ the da(ned doorbe00 and sho2tin+3 FTrick9or9
treatIH
And )here )ere his *arents> They )ere o2t at a a00o)een *arty at a friendGs ho2se. ThatGs
)here. They )ere en:oyin+ the(se01es 0ike 0itt0e kids )hi0e he )as st2ck here at ho(eI It )asnGt
fairI They )ere the *arents. e )as the kidI Not a 0itt0e kid3 either. A thirteen year9o0d in (idd0e
schoo0. The *erfect a+e for a00o)een3 6ca2se it )as the n2(ber that scared e1eryone )ith their
s2*erstitio2s be0iefs.
Thirteen. The *erfect n2(ber for this ho0iday he sho20d be o2t en:oyin+ to the f200est.
Instead he )as handin+ o2t candy to bratty 0itt0e kids.
!ho +a1e a shit abo2t those st2*id kids and their ratty9assed cost2(es> !i00 sho20d be o2t
)ith his o)n friends3 tro00in+ the nei+hborhoods. Snatchin+ candy fro( those sa(e 0itt0e kids )ho
tho2+ht it )as s2ch a f2n thin+ to be o2t rin+in+ *eo*0eGs doorbe00s3 e?*ectin+ to recei1e candy.
Nobody tho2+ht to act2a00y trick any of those shitty 0itt0e bastards )hen they ca(e to the
door of a ho2se.
!asnGt that )hat this ni+ht )as a00 abo2t> Trick or treat> It )as one or the other3 ri+ht> Not
:2st a0)ays a treat.
!i00 had decided to do the o**osite. ;ro( no) on3 )hene1er so(eone ca(e to his door3 he
)o20d (ake s2re they +ot the first *art of their st2*id sayin+.
T2rnin+ off a00 the 0i+hts in the ho2se3 !i00 had *2t on the r2bber (ask heGd bo2+ht for
2sin+ toni+ht )hen he )as s2**osed to be o2t )ith his friends. They )ere a00 +oin+ to )ear
(onster (asks that fit o1er their entire heads3 so nobody reco+ni8ed the( and ca00ed the co*s for
the )ay they sto0e candy fro( kids a 0ot s(a00er and yo2n+er than they )ere.
!hen he heard kids co(in+ 2* his )a0k)ay to the s(a00 *orch in front of his ho2se3 heGd
o*en the door :2st eno2+h so it )asnGt act2a00y c0osed3 his hand restin+ on the doorknob. Then3 :2st
as those rotten 0itt0e bastards reached for the doorbe003 heGd f0in+ o*en the door3 :2(* in front of the
o*enin+3 and raise his ar(s3 screa(in+ and +ro)0in+ 0ike the (onster he rea00y )as dee* inside.
It had )orked +reat the co2*0e of ti(es heGd done it. The kids on his *orch had screa(ed
and fa00en a00 o1er the(se01es and each other3 *issin+ their *ants and tryin+ to +et a)ay fro( this
ho)0in+ creat2re that they :2st kne) )as tryin+ to eat the(.
A co2*0e of *arents standin+ back on the side)a0k3 )atchin+ to (ake s2re their kids )ere
a00 ri+ht3 had +otten an+ry and ye00ed at hi(. One3 a rea00y irate (other3 had stor(ed 2* the
)a0k)ay and a0(ost barre0ed thro2+h his door before heGd tho2+ht to s0a( it in her face and 0ock it.
That bitchI !ho did she think she )as> This )as his ho2se. She )as the one )ho (ade the
decision to take her F0iG0 an+e0H o2t door9to9door3 be++in+ for candy3 not hi(.
The )ho0e thin+ had *issed !i00 off eno2+h that as the )o(an fina00y sto**ed beatin+ on
his door )ith her fists3 screa(in+ obscenities thro2+h the c0osed door3 he had f02n+ back the door
and thro)n a handf20 of s(a003 hard candy at her3 strikin+ her in the back of the head )ith it. Then
heGd s0a((ed the door once (ore :2st as she )as t2rnin+ back to)ard hi(. The 0ook on her face
that ti(eI %oy3 )as she e1er *issed. e tho2+ht s2re she )as +oin+ to ca00 the co*s on hi(3 b2t so
far nothin+ had ha**ened. B2ess he6d 02cked o2t on that.
That )as a)hi0e a+o. There hadnGt been any trick9or9treaters since then. !i00 had +otten
bored and had decided to )atch te0e1ision. On0y there )asnGt anythin+ on3 e?ce*t o0d re9r2ns of
st2*id sho)s that )ere s2**osed to be co(edies3 b2t )erenGt. They ne1er (ade hi( 0a2+h. They
)ere :2st st2*id.
No) he heard so(ethin+ on his *orch. Like so(eone )as doin+ so(ethin+ o2t there.
e sat 2* strai+ht in his dadGs rec0iner3 *eerin+ intent0y at the c0osed door. !hat )as +oin+
on o2t there> It didnGt so2nd 0ike 0itt0e kids. They )ere a0)ays so noisy he heard the( o2t on the
(ain side)a0k before they e1en t2rned 2* to co(e to)ard his ho2se. This )as different. More 0ike
a scratchin+3 sc2ff0in+ so2nd. Like so(eone rearran+in+ thin+s on the *orch.
I((ediate0y he tho2+ht abo2t the a00o)een decorations his (other a0)ays *2t o2t e1ery
year. She had a 0ot of f2n decoratin+ the front *orch3 (akin+ it 0ook 0ike )itches and o+res 0i1ed in
this ho2se3 instead of nor(a0 *eo*0e.
BodI o) !i00 hated bein+ nor(a0. Maybe his *arents )ere nor(a03 b2t he s2re as he00
)asnGt. That )as )hy he a0)ays +ot into so (2ch tro2b0e at schoo0. %eca2se he )as s*ecia0. Abo1e
nor(a0. e )as one of the 0eaders in his +rade. e )as one of those )ho to0d the other kids )hat to
do3 and if they didnGt 0ike it theyGd +et a *2nch in the snoot or the be00y. So(e ti(es3 if they )ere
certain kids he rea00y didnJt 0ike3 heGd s02+ Je( in the crotch. P2nch Je( ri+ht in the O0d Johnson. It
)as 0ots of f2n )atchin+ those kids fo0d o1er in ha0f3 *2kin+ on their shoes )hen he s02++ed Je( in
the crotch.
ThatGs )hy he )as a 0eader in schoo0. Kids feared hi(. e hi(se0f )asnGt afraid of
anybody.
Not hearin+ the scratchin+3 sh2ff0in+ so2nd any 0on+er3 !i00 fina00y o1erca(e the fear that
had fro8en hi( so that he co20dnGt +et 2* fro( the rec0iner. S0o)0y he (o1ed to)ard the door3
*ickin+ 2* his baseba00 bat his dad 0iked to kee* by the front door3 FJ2st9in9caseH3 his dad 0iked to
say. J2st in case so(eone tried to break in d2rin+ the ni+ht.
&eah3 ri+ht3 he scoffed at his dadGs reasonin+. !hat +ood )o20d it do to ha1e a bat ri+ht
ne?t to the front door if so(eone had a0ready broken in and )as inside the ho2se>
!hat a 0a(e9brain his dad )as.
o0din+ the bat no) in his ri+ht hand3 restin+ on his sho20der in case he had to s)in+ it fast3
!i00 caref200y took ho0d of the doorknob in his 0eft hand. is fin+ers fe0t s)eaty3 s0i**ery3 as he
tried to t2rn the knob and fai0ed.
e re0eased the knob and )i*ed his s)eaty hand on the 0eft 0e+ of his :eans3 then tried once
(ore3 this ti(e bein+ (ore s2ccessf20 at t2rnin+ the knob.
S0o)0y he inched the door o*en3 *eerin+ thro2+h the s(a00 crack to see )ho or )hat (i+ht
sti00 be o2t there.
A00 he sa) )as the +0o) of a :ack9o90anternGs face starin+ back at hi( fro( the F#nter At
&o2r O)n "iskH )e0co(e (at his (other a0)ays *2t o2t for a00o)een.
!here had this :ack9o90antern co(e fro(> It )asnGt there ear0ier. e hadnGt e1en car1ed
any *2(*kins this year. It )as a st2*id rit2a0 his dad ke*t tryin+ to +et hi( to contin2e3 b2t he
)o20dnGt ha1e anythin+ to do )ith.
Like (ost e1erythin+ e0se abo2t a00o)een3 at 0east the *ortion of the ho0iday that *ertained
to 0itt0e kids3 it )as :2st *0ain st2*id. !ho in their ri+ht (ind )o20d )ant to s*end ho2rs car1in+
o2t a *2(*kin3 c0eanin+ a00 those s0i(y seeds and +2ts o2t3 and then takin+ so (2ch ti(e at car1in+
so(e st2*id scary face into the front of the oran+e9co0ored +o2rd that rea00y )asnGt scary at a00>
e had to ad(it3 tho2+h3 as this *artic20ar face stared 2* at hi( fro( )here it sat on his
*orch3 that it )as a rea00y +ood car1in+ :ob. !hoe1er had car1ed this :ack9o90antern deser1ed a
*ri8e for the best and scariest car1in+ heGd e1er seen.
The bat sti00 restin+ on his sho20der3 !i00 ste**ed o2t f2rther onto the *orch. e )ent to the
ed+e of the ste*3 0eanin+ o2t far eno2+h so he co20d see *ast the ed+es of the ho2se. !as anyone
hidin+ o2t there so(e)here> e didnGt see anyone.
So )hy had they 0eft this :ack9o90antern here> After a00 the ti(e it had taken to car1e o2t
s2ch a 0ar+e *2(*kin3 and this one )as 0ar+e )ith a ca*ita0 L. %i++er than any he had e1er car1ed
)hen he )as a 0itt0e kid. !hy :2st 0ea1e s2ch a (a+nificent *iece of a00o)een art)ork on
so(eoneGs *orch>
Lookin+ a00 abo2t the front 0a)n and do)n to the side)a0k in front of the ho2se3 !i00
co20dnGt see any si+ns of anyone 02rkin+ abo2t. e t2rned back aro2nd and stared at the back of the
:ack9o90antern.
The face +0o)ed eeri0y 2* at hi(.
o) the he00> o) did the :ack9o90antern +et t2rned aro2nd so it )as starin+ at hi(> It had
been facin+ the ho2se )hen he ste**ed o2t here. No) it )as starin+ direct0y at hi( a+ain.
e ste**ed back in1o02ntari0y3 for+ettin+ he )as a0ready standin+ on the ed+e of the ste*.
is feet s0i**ed. ;0ai0in+ his ar(s as he fe00 back)ard3 !i00 )as 2nab0e to sto* hi(se0f fro( fa00in+.
The bat in his ri+ht hand didnGt (ake it any easier. In fact3 the bat had thro)n hi( off ba0ance.
Made it e1en (ore diffic20t to try and re+ain his ba0ance )hi0e he )as fa00in+.
The back of !i00Gs head str2ck the concrete s0ab that )as *art of the )a0k)ay 2* fro( the
dri1e)ay. e fe0t the i(*act before he e1er heard the EcrackIE of his sk200 strikin+ ce(ent.
ShitI That rea00y h2rtI Tryin+ not to cry3 !i00 ro00ed abo2t on the )a0k)ay3 both hands
ho0din+ hard to his head3 as if his brains )ere abo2t to s*i00 o2t thro2+h a crack in the back of his
head a00 o1er the side)a0k.
Tears )e00ed 2* in his eyes fro( the e?cr2ciatin+ *ain3 b2t he ref2sed to cry o2t 0o2d. e
)as too o0d for that. No one )as +oin+ to ca00 hi( a cry9baby3 no (atter ho) bad this h2rt.
Sittin+ 2* )ith his knees a0(ost to his chest3 !i00 *200ed his hands a)ay fro( his head and
0ooked at the( thro2+h tear9fi00ed eyes. %0ood co1ered his hands. is b0ood. e reached back )ith
his ri+ht hand and fe0t the knot that )as a0ready for(in+ on the back of his sk200.
Da(n that h2rt. e to2ched it once (ore3 e1en tho2+h doin+ so ca2sed *ain to shoot
thro2+h his head3 :2st beca2se it fe0t so terrib0e and odd.
e tried to stand3 b2t fe0t a 0itt0e di88y3 so he t2rned o1er onto his knees in order to stand.
The *osition (ade hi( think of his +randfather3 a co2*0e of years a+o )hen his +rand*arents had
been 1isitin+ for Christ(as. The o0d (an had tri**ed and fa00en and co20dnGt +et 2* on his o)n.
eGd had to t2rn onto his knees3 and e1en then !i00 had needed to he0* hi( to his feet. !i00 +ritted
his teeth in an+er and fr2stration.
e )as not 0ike his +randfather. e )as thirteen and in the *ri(e of his 0ife. Stron+.
M2sc20ar. To2+h. ;ear0ess.
P2shin+ hi(se0f 2* fro( the )a0k)ay3 !i00 stood to his feet. e sti00 fe0t a 0itt0e )obb0y3 b2t
at 0east he )asnGt fa00in+ back o1er.
e t2rned back to)ard the ho2se and s2re eno2+h3 there )as the face of the :ack9o90antern3
starin+ strai+ht at hi(. A0tho2+h no) the e?*ression car1ed into the hard *2(*kin she00 see(ed as
tho2+h the da(ned thin+ )ere 0a2+hin+ at hi(3 not +ri(acin+ e1i00y the )ay it had been )hen he
first sa) it.
e ste**ed 2* onto the *orch and )a0ked aro2nd the car1ed *2(*kin. e stood at the back
of it3 0ookin+ at the s(ooth3 2ncar1ed s2rface.
The face had been to)ard hi( )hen heGd first o*ened the door and 0ooked o2tside at it.
Then3 )hen he had ste**ed to the ed+e of the *orch and t2rned back aro2nd3 it )as starin+ at hi(
a+ain. On0y that co20dnGt be *ossib0e. e hadnGt t2rned it aro2nd. And no one e0se had been on the
*orch.
Maybe so(eone had s0i**ed onto the *orch )hen he )as *eerin+ o2t o1er the front 0a)n3
t2rnin+ the :ack9o90antern so it faced hi(. That had to be the ans)er3 e1en tho2+h in his
s2bconscio2s (ind he kne) it co20dnGt be *ossib0e for anyone3 no (atter ho) skinny they )ere3 to
sD2ee8e *ast hi( and the corner of the ho2se ne?t to the *orch.
It )as the on0y ans)er that (ade any sense at a00 to his di88y brain. It had to be the ri+ht
ans)er.
!i00 )a0ked a00 the )ay aro2nd the +o2rd3 e?a(inin+ the s(ooth3 ro2nd sha*e of this 0ar+e
*2(*kin. e st2died the face car1ed into the front and once (ore )as s2r*rised that it had scary
feat2res car1ed into it3 not (ockin+3 0a2+hin+ feat2res the )ay it had a**eared )hen heGd fa00en.
It didnGt (atter. It )as :2st a trick of his i(a+ination after hittin+ his head so hard. !itho2t
thinkin+3 he to2ched the knot at the back of his head once (ore. O2chI It h2rt e1en )orse no) that
it had +ro)n 0ar+er.
e 0ooked once (ore at his hands3 seein+ the s(eared b0ood fro( his )o2nd co1erin+
the(. Shakin+ his head at his o)n c02(siness and st2*idity3 !i00 stoo*ed to *ick 2* the :ack9o9
0antern. #1en tho2+h he didnGt kno) )ho had *2t this here or )hy3 he had decided it )as his no).
Maybe he no 0on+er )anted to car1e s2ch thin+s at his a+e3 b2t that didnGt (ean he co20dnGt
a**reciate a face that )as as scary as this K and so )e009car1ed that it rea00y did 0ook *retty
fri+htenin+.
is b0oodied hands (ade +rabbin+ ho0d of the s(ooth3 oran+e skin diffic20t at first. is
hands s0i**ed off the *2(*kin f0esh and heGd had to )i*e his hands on his :eans in order to c0ean
the( eno2+h so he co20d +et a ho0d on the thin+.
e fo2nd that as bi+ as this *2(*kin )as3 it )asnGt easy to *ick 2*. e )ra**ed both his
ar(s3 not :2st his hands3 aro2nd the +o2rd3 strainin+ )ith his back (2sc0es as he 0eaned back)ard3
*ickin+ the +o2rd 2* )ith his entire body.
Da(n3 it )as hea1ier than heGd e?*ected3 too. e st2(b0ed to)ard the door )ith his hea1y
b2rden he0d sec2re0y in his ar(s. At 0east the da(n door hadnGt c0osed )hen heGd ste**ed o2t onto
the *orch. That )o20d ha1e been a rea0 *ain9in9the9ass3 since his dad had insisted on b2i0din+ this
ho2se )ith a front door that 0ocked i((ediate0y )hen it c0osed.
The *2(*kin )as so bi+3 ho)e1er3 that !i00 had fo2nd it diffic20t to sD2ee8e thro2+h the
door )ith it he0d in his ar(s. It had been a ti+ht sD2ee8e3 b2t heGd fina00y +otten thro2+h3 st2(b0in+
and a0(ost fa00in+ o1er once (ore as he *2shed thro2+h into the ho2se. Usin+ one foot3 he +a1e the
back of the door a sho1e. It s0a((ed c0osed )ith a 0o2d ban+. e s(i0ed at ho) (ad his dad )o20d
ha1e been to hear hi( s0a((in+ the door that )ay.
FDonGt s0a( the da(n door3H his dad had a0)ays ye00ed at hi(. Like it )asted e0ectricity K
another thin+ he )as a0)ays bitchin+ abo2t K to s0a( the da(n door.
!obb0in+ o1er to the dinin+ roo( tab0e3 his (otherGs *ride and :oy3 her *ri8ed *ossession3
since it )as an antiD2e tab0e3 not :2st a nor(a0 tab0e3 0ike a00 his friendsG (others had in their dinin+
roo(s3 )hat )ith a00 its fancy scro009)ork and intricate0y car1ed desi+ns a0on+ the ed+es of the to*
s2rface and do)n a0on+ the 0e+s. e de0iberate0y set the *2(*kin do)n hard.
!h2(*I The hea1iness of the :ack9o90antern shook the tab0e. !i00 sho1ed the +o2rd back
fro( the ed+e of the tab0e3 not )antin+ it to fa00 off and shatter on the f0oor. Tho2+h he had to
ad(it3 it (i+ht be a nasty s2r*rise for his *arents to co(e ho(e fro( their *arty and find shattered
*2(*kin she00 a00 o1er their e?*ensi1e3 *02sh car*et.
e t2rned the she00 aro2nd so the face )as 0ookin+ at hi(. Once (ore he noticed it had
see(ed to chan+e a**earance3 tho2+h he kne) it co20dnGt rea00y ha1e a0tered the )ay it see(ed.
No) it a0(ost see(ed as tho2+h it )as 0eerin+ at hi(. Like it he0d so(e *ri1ate secret in its
seed0ess3 ho00o) she00 that on0y it kne) abo2t. One that !i00 )o20dnGt 0ike if he 0earned )hat it
)as.
F&o2 ha1e +ot to +et aho0d of yo2rse0f3 !i00ie9boyH !i00 (2r(2red to hi(se0f )ith the
nickna(e on0y he co20d 2se )itho2t +ettin+ 2*set3 ste**in+ back and +ettin+ a better 0ook at the
face. e noticed that the sides of the :ack9o90antern )ere co1ered in s(eared b0ood. is b0ood. e
+0anced at his hands and sa) there )as sti00 so(e dried b0ood on his skin )here it hadnGt )i*ed
c0ean on his :eans.
e +rinned. The addition of the b0ood3 re+ard0ess of )hose b0ood it )as3 (ade the )ho0e
e1ent see( (ore eerie3 (ore 0ike a scary (o1ie3 a horror story.
T2rnin+ a)ay fro( his Fca*t2redH *ri8e3 !i00 )a0ked o1er to the )a00 and f0icked off the
0i+ht. e t2rned back and stared transfi?ed at the +0o)in+3 (a0e1o0ent face that stared back at hi(
in this darkness. Bood thin+ heGd had the rest of the 0i+hts off a0ready. It (ade the )ho0e scenario
*erfect0y cree*y.
e +rinned (ore broad0y and nodded )ith *0eas2re. This )as *erfect. A *erfect scene for a
horror (o1ie. The kind he en:oyed3 b2t his *arents a0)ays said he sho20dnGt )atch. They forbade
hi( fro( +oin+ to the (o1ies )hene1er it )as a scary (o1ie. e )ent any)ay3 :2st not )ith their
*er(ission.
!o20dnGt they be freaked to co(e ho(e and find this sittin+ on the tab0e.
!i00 stared at the +0o)in+ eyes for 0on+ (in2tes before he fina00y rea0i8ed the +0o) )asnGt
f0ickerin+ the )ay it did )hen there )as a cand0e b2rnin+ inside the :ack9o90antern. If it )asnGt a
cand0e3 )hat )as it>
!i00 0eaned o1er and *eered into the c2t9o2t (o2th of the :ack9o90antern3 b2t for so(e
reason the +0o) *re1ented hi( fro( seein+ )hat )as act2a00y ca2sin+ the +0o). e (o1ed abo2t3
0ookin+ fro( e1ery an+0e *ossib0e as he stood in front of this caricat2ri8ed oran+e +o2rd3 b2t he
)as 2nab0e to see *ast the +0o).
#1en (ore c2rio2s no) than )hen he had first noticed the +0o) )asn6t f0ickerin+3 he
)a0ked to)ard the tab0e and reached for)ard3 takin+ ho0d of the c2t9off and dried 2* 1ine that
ser1ed as the hand0e for the 0id that )as on e1ery :ack9o90antern heGd e1er seen. e t2++ed on it3 b2t
it )as st2ck ti+ht3 a0(ost as tho2+h it had been fastened c0osed so no one co20d o*en it.
That )as ridic20o2s. !hy )o20d anyone (ake a :ack9o90antern that co20dnGt be o*ened>
e *200ed once (ore3 b2t it sti00 )o20dnGt o*en. Maybe he needed so(ethin+ to +i1e hi(
0e1era+e.
Boin+ into the kitchen3 !i00 0ooked aro2nd 2nti0 his eyes fastened on the *arin+ knife his
(other had 2sed for c2ttin+ 2* the *otatoes theyGd had for dinner. That (i+ht )ork. And if there
)as anythin+ inside the +o2rd that )as ho0din+ it c0osed3 tho2+h !i00 had no idea )hat that (i+ht
be3 the knife )o20d be ab0e to c2t thro2+h it3 as )e00.
%ack in the dinin+ roo(3 !i00 once (ore took ho0d of the 1ine hand0e3 b2t this ti(e on0y for
s2**ort as he *0aced the ti* of the s(a00 knife at the ed+e of the 0id )here it had a0ready been s0iced
thro2+h. e tried *2shin+ the b0ade bet)een the 0id and the body3 b2t fo2nd it )as so0id. That )as
e1en cra8ier. !hy )o20d anyone +o thro2+h a00 this tro2b0e of car1in+ s2ch a *erfect :ack9o9
0antern3 on0y to sea0 it so it )o20dnGt o*en>
"e*0acin+ his 0eft hand so it )as f0at on to* of the *2(*kinJs 0id3 he chan+ed his *oint9of9
0e1era+e3 *2shin+ harder on the knife3 tryin+ to sho1e it into )here the +a* sho20d be for for(in+ a
0id on this thin+.
The knife s2dden0y *02n+ed dee*0y )ithin the she003 (o1in+ faster and easier than heGd
e?*ected. The s2dden (o1e(ent had ca2+ht hi( off9+2ard3 ho)e1er3 ca2sin+ hi( to s0ice into the
)ebbin+ of f0esh bet)een his 0eft handGs th2(b and forefin+er.
FShitIH he screa(ed e1en 0o2der than he had before3 re0easin+ the knife and +rabbin+ ho0d
of his c2t hand. !i00 danced abo2t in the dinin+ roo( for se1era0 (in2tes3 a0ternate0y ho0din+ onto
and then s2ckin+ on the c2t in his hand3 )aitin+ for the *ain to s2bside before +oin+ any f2rther.
As the *ain sett0ed do)n eno2+h for hi( to think rationa00y once (ore3 he +0ared at the
offendin+ +o2rd that had been the ca2se of a00 his tro2b0e and *ain toni+ht. The *arin+ knife st2ck
o2t fro( the ed+e of the 0id )here heGd 0eft it 9 as tho2+h ta2ntin+ hi(.
An+er f0ooded inside of hi( fro( ha1in+ been h2rt t)ice a0ready since this :ack9o90antern
had a**eared on his doorste*. The teena+er r2shed 2* to the tab0e3 +rabbed ho0d of the 1ine hand0e
)ith his sti00 b0eedin+ hand3 his other hand ho0din+ the *2(*kin onto the tab0e. e yanked 2*)ard
)ith an e?*0osi1e *200.
The 0id sti00 didnGt co(e free3 so !i00 t2++ed harder3 *2ttin+ a00 his stren+th into the effort.
The 0id fina00y *o**ed off3 co(in+ free in his hand so that he sta++ered back)ard3 his head strikin+
the )a00 behind hi(. Once (ore he cracked his head. Once (ore he s)ore at the 2ne?*ected i(*act
that bro2+ht abo2t so (2ch *ain.
FDa(n itIH e fe0t the back of his head )ith his ri+ht hand3 his 0eft hand no) ho0din+ the 0id
that had s2dden0y co(e free fro( the offendin+ *2(*kin. !hen he once (ore *200ed his ri+ht hand
a)ay fro( the back of his head and 0ooked at it3 he sa) e1en (ore b0ood on it. T2rnin+3 he co20d
see there )as a s*atterin+ of b0ood at the i(*act *oint )here heGd str2ck the )a00. is (other rea00y
)asnGt +oin+ to be ha**y abo2t that. Neither )o20d his father. Most 0ike0y heGd +et +ro2nded for at
0east another )eek for that b0ood r2inin+ his *arentsG *erfect )a00 in their *erfect ho2se.
No) he )as rea00y an+ry. Lookin+ at the freed 0id he0d in his hand fro( the *2(*kin3 !i00
f02n+ it across the roo(3 )atchin+ it hit the )a00 on the far side of the dinin+ roo(.
"e+ard0ess of the (ess the *2(*kin 0id (2st ha1e (ade )here it s*0attered on the )a003
!i00 ste**ed 2* to the :ack9o90antern that sat 0id0ess on the tab0e. e bent o1er and *eered inside=
)antin+ (ore than e1er to see )hat it )as that )as *rod2cin+ the 0i+ht inside this +0o)in+ she00 of
ho0iday e1i0. After a00 he had +one thro2+h3 it )as the 0east he co20d do3 findin+ o2t the secret
behind this cand0e0ess i002(ination.
So(ethin+ )as definite0y inside the :ack9o90antern3 b2t !i00 )asnGt ab0e to te00 e?act0y )hat
it )as. It see(ed ro2nd. No3 that )as )ron+. Ob0on+. That )as it. !hate1er it )as3 it )as ob0on+ in
sha*e.
And )hite. L2(inescent0y )hite. !hate1er this )as inside here3 it )as the so2rce of the
+0o)in+ 0i+ht that 0it 2* the inside of this :ack9o90antern.
is hands rested on the )ide ri( of the o*enin+ as he *eered )ithin3 sti00 tryin+ to fi+2re
o2t this (inor (ystery. %0ood fro( the c2t on his 0eft hand dri**ed inside the o*enin+ at the sa(e
ti(e that b0ood fro( his ri+ht hand3 fro( the in:2ry on the back of his head3 dri**ed inside. %oth
dro*s of b0ood fe00 onto the ob0on+3 )hite ob:ect inside3 restin+ on the botto( of the car1ed o2t
*2(*kin she00.
The ob:ect t2rned. J2st 0ike that3 )itho2t hi( to2chin+ it3 it t2rned3 rotated 2*)ards so that
the front of it that had been facin+ to)ard the feat2res of this :ack9o90antern no) 0ooked strai+ht 2*
at his *eerin+ eyes.
The +0ea(in+3 +0o)in+3 dead eye sockets of a h2(an sk200 stared 2* into his yet 0i1in+ eyes.
The t)o ro)s of f2003 )hite teeth +rinned 2* at hi(3 as tho2+h )ith f200 kno)0ed+e of )hat
)as +oin+ on and )hat )as abo2t to ha**en )ithin this other)ise D2iet ho2se.
The eeriness of the e1i0 face that stared back at hi( ca2sed !i00 once (ore to ste* back
fro( the *2(*kin. On0y this ti(e he fo2nd the (2sc0es of his 0e+s and feet 2nab0e to (o1e 9 as
tho2+h they )ere no 0on+er contro00ed by his brain.
!i00 tried to re(o1e his hands fro( the ed+e of the ri( o*enin+3 b2t fo2nd his hand and
ar( (2sc0es eD2a00y as o2t9of9his9contro0 as )ere those of his 0o)er e?tre(ities.
F!hat they f2..>H he started to say3 b2t D2ick0y fo2nd his :a) (2sc0es ti+htenin+ 2* on hi(3
c2ttin+ off his )ords as his teeth c0a(*ed to+ether ti+ht0y3 *re1entin+ hi( fro( s*eakin+.
%eads of s)eat instant0y for(ed on his forehead. e co20d fee0 the *resence of so(ethin+
e1i0 *ryin+ o*en his (ind3 sD2ee8in+ itse0f inside his brain3 infi0tratin+ e1ery nook9and9cranny of
his *syche3 his so20.
The dark3 ho00o) sockets of the sk200 starin+ 2* at hi( +0o)ed )ith a 02(inescence that
see(ed a00 too )icked3 de0i+htf200y )icked3 as tho2+h they 2nderstood e?act0y )hat )as ha**enin+
to this yo2th )ho no 0on+er had contro0 o1er his o)n body.
As !i00Gs eyes in1o02ntari0y stared back into the de*ths of the 0ife0ess sockets3 he co20d fee0
the ener+y of this thin+ b2rnin+ into his brain K strai+ht thro2+h his eyes.
A searin+3 si880in+ so2nd faint0y ca(e to his ears3 ca2sin+ !i00 to rea0i8e his eyes act2a00y
)ere b2rnin+. !hate1er ener+y this )as e(anatin+ 2*)ard fro( the sk200 )ithin this :ack9o9
0antern3 it )as searin+ his eyeba00s fro( the inside9o2t. ad this yo2th been ab0e to 0ook at hi(se0f
fro( the o2tside3 he )o20d ha1e noticed the once c0ear s2rface of his eyeba00s be+in to b2bb0e3 as
tho2+h bein+ cooked in a *an3 fried in +rease3 0ike e++s bein+ cooked for breakfast.
The b2bb0in+ of the (e(brane s2rro2ndin+ his eyes si880ed 0o2d0y 2nti0 both eyes *o**ed3
sendin+ tiny s*0attered *ieces of the( a00 abo2t the roo(.
&et e1en )ith his eye sockets no 0on+er ho0din+ the s(a003 o1a0 orbs that had been there
since birth3 e1en )ith the e?cr2ciatin+ *ain )hich had acco(*anied the e?*0osion of his eyeba00s3
!i00 fo2nd hi(se0f 2nab0e to screa(3 tho2+h he )anted so terrib0y to do so.
The +0o)in+ face of the sk200 b2rned bri+hter than e1er before3 enticin+ this eye0ess !i003
beckonin+ hi( for)ard3 in)ard to)ard the sk200 that in1ited hi( to :oin )ith it3 enter into this
ho00o)ed9o2t she003 beco(e one )ith the essence of the 2n0ife that *er(eated the sk200.
!i00 no 0on+er had any )i00*o)er )ith )hich to resist. The 0ast 1esti+e of his )i00 had
disso01ed e1en as his eyeba00s si880ed and e?*0oded.
is hands (o1ed for)ard no)3 inside the s(a00 s*ace of the o*enin+ at the to* of this +o2rd
that had once 0ain so si0ent0y in a fie0d3 )aitin+ for so(eone to co(e a0on+ and c2t it free fro( the
1ine )hich tethered it to that one s*ot on the +ro2nd.
As !i00Gs hands (o1ed into the ho00o) she003 fi00ed so0e0y )ith the 2n0i1in+ sk200 that
beckoned hi( in)ard3 the di+its that once )ere fin+ers be+an to disso01e3 as tho2+h to2ched by a
corrosi1e che(ica0 that disinte+rated the 1ery f0esh it to2ched. %0ood f0o)ed free0y no)3 !i00Gs
b0ood3 as the f0esh that once he0d this 0ife9f02id in check no) disa**eared3 o*enin+ the 1eins in this
body so that the red f02id co2rsin+ )ithin cascaded no) free0y3 *o2rin+ )ithin the *2(*kin she003
co1erin+ the once )hite sk200 )ith this sticky3 red 0iD2id.
The teeth of the sk200 se*arated3 o*enin+ )ide in order to recei1e the offerin+ of b0ood this
yo2th )as (akin+3 as an initiate into a dark3 sacred rit2a0 of de(onic 0ore offerin+ 2* his b0ood3 his
1ery 0ife3 to the s(a003 o1er*o)erin+3 a009contro00in+ de(on that )as as a +od in this instance.
#1en as the free0y f0o)in+ b0ood )as recei1ed inside the o*en (a) of the sk2003 the 0iD2id
see(ed to 1anish3 as tho2+h s)a00o)ed )ithin a non9e?istent throat3 feedin+ a non9e?istent body
that co20d not be seen.
The h2(an f0esh of )hat )as once !i00 D2ncan contin2ed disso01in+ at an e1er9increasin+
rate3 first his ar(s (o1in+ in)ard thro2+h the o*enin+ that3 a0tho2+h )ider than (ost o*enin+s in a
:ack9o90antern3 sho20dnGt ha1e been )ide eno2+h for a boy his si8e to fit thro2+h. Ne?t the 1ery
head of !i00 D2ncan hi(se0f and then his h2nched o1er sho20ders3 *2shin+ thro2+h the c2t9o2t
o*enin+ that sho20d ha1e been too s(a003 b2t so(eho) ine?*0icab0y )asnGt.
#1ery tiny bit3 e1ery o2nce of f0esh3 of this once 0i1in+3 h2(an yo2th3 sD2ee8ed itse0f
in)ard3 bein+ acce*ted as the offerin+ it )as by this h2n+ry3 de1o2rin+3 a009cons2(in+ +od of A00
a00o)s #1e3 this (onster that e?isted in the darkness b2t once a year for the so0e *2r*ose of
stea0in+ the 0ife fro( so(e 2ns2s*ectin+ h2(an.
Second9by9second the body3 the 0e+s3 the feet of )hat )as once3 yet no 0on+er co20d be
reco+ni8ed3 as !i00 D2ncan3 fo2nd itse0f cons2(ed )ithin the ho00o)ed o2t she00 of this *2(*kin9
t2rned9:ack9o90antern.
Min2tes after the *rocess be+an3 it )as co(*0eted. A00 that re(ained of the teena+e boy
)ho once 0i1ed in this ho2se )as a s(a00 stain of b0ood3 a red s*ot3 on the car*et beneath his
(otherGs *ri8ed antiD2e tab0e.
The (a0e1o0ent0y +0o)in+ feat2res of the :ack9o90antern t2rned and stared o2t fro( the tab0e
to)ard the front door. The co(*0ete and deso0ate darkness of the ho2se (ade it see( a00 the (ore
eerie.
A fe) ho2rs 0ater the front door o*ened3 a (an and )o(an entered fro( the darkness of the
o2tside *orch. The (an )as dressed to (ake hi(se0f 0ook 0ike a *irate and the )o(an )as dressed
as a fairy. Neither )as a 1ery +ood cost2(e3 b2t for *eo*0e )ith 0itt0e9to9no i(a+ination they )ere
the best that co20d be con:2red 2* on s2ch short notice.
FDa(n that kidIH !a0ter D2ncan the *irate9)anna9be +ro2sed3 fi+htin+ to *200 his key fro(
the 0ock. FI to0d hi( to kee* the front 0i+ht on so )e co20d see )hen )e +ot ho(e.H
FeGs *robab0y )atchin+ TC in the dark3 !a0ter3H Shir0ey D2ncan the a0(ost9fairy s*oke
(ore ca0(0y3 tryin+ in 1ain to sti00 the an+er that a0)ays +re) so D2ick0y )ithin her h2sband o1er
any s0i+ht fro( their teena+e son.
FIf he is3H !a0ter D2ncan *eered thro2+h the darkness of the 0i1in+ roo(3 FheGs )atchin+ it
in his o)n roo(.H
is eyes )ere ca2+ht by the +0o)in+ face starin+ o2t fro( the dinin+ roo( tab0e.
F!hat the he00> I tho2+ht !i00 )as finished )ith car1in+ :ack9o90anterns>H
FThatGs )hat he said3 dear3H Shir0ey D2ncan ans)ered her h2sband3 noticin+ the sa(e eerie
0i+ht he did. FOh3 I ho*e he didnGt da(a+e the finish on (y antiD2e tab0e.H
FNo) )hoGs (ore concerned>H !a0ter ch2ck0ed3 c0osin+ the front door behind the( as his
)ife f0icked on a 0i+ht and crossed o1er to the dinin+ roo( in order to ins*ect her tab0e. She ran her
hands a0on+ the s(ooth s2rface3 ens2rin+ herse0f that nothin+ abo2t this tab0e had been har(ed.
er h2sband t2rned do)n the ha00 and )a0ked brisk0y to)ard their sonGs roo(.
O*enin+ the bedroo( door3 !a0ter f0icked on the 0i+ht. The i002(ination re1ea0ed no one
*resent. e scanned the s(a00 roo( thoro2+h0y3 ens2rin+ hi(se0f that his son )asnGt hidin+
any)here in *re*aration for :2(*in+ o2t in an atte(*t to scare hi(.
F!i00 in the kitchen>H !a0ter ca00ed o2t to his )ife3 e1en as he hi(se0f )a0ked thro2+h the
o*en door)ay to the roo( 2sed (ost by e1eryone in this fa(i0y.
FI donGt think so3H Shir0ey ans)ered3 sti00 in the dinin+ roo(. !a0ter had entered the kitchen
and co20d see for hi(se0f their son )asnGt any)here aro2nd.
FDa(n it3H his face +re) darker3 (ore an+ry no). Fe )ent o2t )ith his friends3 e1en
tho2+h )e to0d hi( he co20dnGt +o any)here.H
F&o2 to0d hi( he co20dnGt +o any)here3 dear3H Shir0ey D2ncan corrected her h2sband
D2iet0y3 not )antin+ to (ake hi( an+rier than he a0ready )as.
FeGs in serio2s0y bi+ tro2b0e )hen he +ets ho(e toni+ht3H !a0ter th2ndered3 enterin+ the
dinin+ roo(. is )ife )as :2st re*ositionin+ the :ack9o90antern3 satisfied that the 0ar+e *2(*kin
hadnGt (arred her tab0e in any )ay.
!a0ter sto**ed beside her and +0anced to)ard the +o2rd )ith the 0i+ht +0o)in+ o2t of its
)icked90ookin+ face.
F!i00Gs ne1er car1ed anythin+ that intricate before3H he (2sed3 st2dyin+ the handi)ork
(ore caref200y3 as tho2+h it )ere a fine *iece of art)ork heGd :2st disco1ered in a st2dio.
F!hatGs that inside it>H e bent 0o)3 tryin+ to *eer *ast the car1ed face in the front to the
inside.
FIG( s2re I donGt kno)3 dear3H Shir0ey had a0ready t2rned a)ay fro( the tab0eGs ne)
ho0iday center*iece. She )asnGt a00 that interested in :ack9o90anterns.
FLetGs take a 0ook3H !a0ter D2ncan 0ifted the 0id fro( the to* of the :ack9o90antern and bent
to *eer inside.
$ $ $ $ $
%#COMINB D"ACA
, -..< Jacob M. Drake
The throbbin+ in his head contin2ed on and he kne) it had no intention of sto**in+ any
ti(e soon. !ith an effort that see(ed as tho2+h it )as co((andin+ e1ery o2nce of ener+y he had
)ithin hi(3 he forced his eyes to f02tter o*en.
Dirty )ater f0o)ed *ast his ri+ht eye0id and crashed a+ainst the (i0ky )hite orb )ithin the
socket. %0inkin+ )o20d reD2ire too (2ch effort and he kne) he didnGt ha1e eno2+h stren+th 0eft
)ithin hi( for e1en that (inor (2sc20ar (o1e(ent. Instead he chose to 0ie )ith his face in the
(2rky *2dd0e and a00o) his o*en eye to bathe in the )ater that s0o)0y +re) dee*er as the rain
contin2ed fa00in+ fro( the dark c0o2ds in the (idni+ht sky.
#1ent2a00y he co20d fee0 the )ater risin+ to co1er his ri+ht nostri0. It )as then he decided he
)o20d ha1e to force hi(se0f to 2ti0i8e the ener+y needed for 0iftin+ hi(se0f fro( this *2dd0e.
"e(ainin+ as he )as (eant he )o20d e1ent2a00y dro)n in this s(a00 a(o2nt of dirty )ater a(idst
this dank3 stinkin+ a00ey.
Nic Draca a0(ost screa(ed fro( the e?ertion reD2ired to raise hi(se0f 2* to a sittin+
*osition. is head see(ed to 0o00 back9and9forth fro( one side to the other as he steadied hi(se0f in
this 2*ri+ht *osition. e )anted to 0ift a hand to his head= to sto* it fro( bobbin+ side9to9side. %2t
that3 too3 reD2ired (ore effort than he had ener+y )ithin hi( :2st no).
;or the ne?t fe) ho2rs K or so it see(ed to hi( K Nic Draca sat starin+ 2nb0inkin+0y do)n
in the *oo0in+ )ater of the *2dd0e he yet sat )ithin. The near0y ha0f (oon rose to a *osition hi+h
abo1e hi( i002(inatin+ the )ater3 ca2sin+ it to ref0ect his i(a+e back 2* to his eyes3 a00o)in+ hi(
to see ho) dreadf200y terrib0e he 0ooked at this (o(ent.
Then his hand fina00y did (o1e 2*)ard to)ard his head. On0y it (o1ed not to steady the
throbbin+ he yet e?*erienced3 b2t to a00o) his fin+ers to +ent0y to2ch the fresh0y tattooed desi+n
that co1ered the 0eft *ortion of his face. A desi+n he had ne1er seen 2*on his face 2nti0 this
(o(ent.
Tracin+ the tattoo )ith his fin+ers3 Nic si+hed so2nd0ess0y. e had ne1er desired a tattoo.
ad ne1er serio2s0y considered +ettin+ e1en a s(a00 one on his sho20der the )ay so (any others
did3 )here it )o20d not be noticed )hen )earin+ the nor(a0 a(o2nt of c0othin+ in this society.
&et no) he not on0y did ha1e a tattoo3 b2t s*orted one so 0ar+e3 so *redo(inant0y ob1io2s
across near0y one ha0f of his face3 that he co20d ne1er +o 2nnoticed a+ain.
As bri+ht0y as the (oon )as shinin+3 it )asnGt eno2+h i002(ination in this dark corner of
this ni+ht9ti(e )or0d. As ref0ecti1e as the *2dd0e )as it )asnGt eno2+h to a00o) hi( eno2+h c0arity
for discernin+ e?act0y )hat )as inscribed )ithin his f0esh. ;or that he )o20d need better 0i+htin+
and a rea0 (irror.
Nic *ositioned his hand o1er the tattooed *ortion of his face and rea0i8ed it )asnGt near0y
0ar+e eno2+h to concea0 the entire tattoo. It rea00y )as +oin+ to be diffic20t to hide this (arkin+
fro( those )ho )o20d shake their heads at his 2tter foo0ishness3 e1en tho2+h he (2st ha1e been far
(ore dr2nk than heGd e1er been before and not in his ri+htf20 (ind )hen he had +otten the tattoo.
Other)ise3 he ref0ected )ithin hi(se0f3 he )o20d ha1e re(e(bered ha1in+ so(ethin+ this 0ar+e
done. e didnGt e1en reca00 the *ain s2ch a 0ar+e *iece of art)ork s2ch as this sho20d ha1e
en+endered. Odd0y eno2+h3 he noticed he didnGt fee0 any *ain e1en no).
Sittin+ here )as +ettin+ hi( no)here3 tho2+h. Nic fina00y forced hi(se0f to stand to his feet3
tho2+h that (a:or effort itse0f ca2sed e1ery fiber of e1ery (2sc0e that co(*rised his body to screa(
e1en (ore at hi(. It )o20d be (2ch easier to 0ie back do)n in the a00ey and a00o) the rain to end
his tro2b0es ri+ht here. "i+ht no).
%2t Nic Draca had a0)ays been a s2r1i1or3 e1en if he had a0so a0)ays been )hat he
considered a 0oser. eGd a0)ays tho2+ht that so(eone s*ortin+ a na(e as coo0 as Nico0ae Draca
)o20d certain0y ha1e been :2st as coo0 hi(se0f. After a003 his first na(e Nico0ae )as of "o(anian
ori+in and draca )as the "o(anian )ord for dra+on. o) coo0 )as a na(e that trans0ated as
dra+on>
And yet he had ne1er 0i1ed 2* to s2ch a na(e as he o)ned. Most often he fe0t as tho2+h the
na(e o)ned hi(. e had (ere0y been an ineffect2a0 too0 for s2ch a (oniker and had fai0ed
(iserab0y at tryin+ to 0i1e 2* to s2ch a herita+e. Maybe his fai02re )as d2e to the fact that he had
no idea )hat his "o(anian herita+e )as. It ob1io2s0y had been *assed do)n fro( his fatherGs side
of the fa(i0y3 of )hich as far as his (other kne)3 had ceased to e?ist before his father had
:o2rneyed to A(erica. &et his father had died )hen Nic had been no (ore than three years o0d.
Certain0y the e0der Draca (2st ha1e be0ie1ed heGd ha1e *0enty of ti(e to re0ate s2ch a 2niD2e
herita+e as heGd besto)ed 2*on his first and on0y son as they +re) in their years to+ether. &et fate
had inter1ened and erased the (anGs s0ate so that his ti(e had r2n o2t far too ear0y.
e forced hi(se0f to t2rn fro( the dreariness of the a00ey and to)ard the street. !ith each
(o1e(ent he rea0i8ed (ore and (ore ho) drained he )as. e needed no2rish(ent. ;ood.
So(ethin+ to D2iet this +na)in+ h2n+er )ithin hi( that )as +ro)in+ stron+er by each *assin+
second3 threatenin+ to cons2(e hi( by its o)n ferocity.
M2sic drifted to his ears and he kne) there )as yet at 0east one f2nctionin+ bar sti00 o*en
and o*eratin+ nearby. Perha*s there he )o20d be ab0e to find so(ethin+ to eat that )o20d D2iet this
+ro)0in+ h2n+er that )as +ro)in+ (ore 1oracio2s )ith each *assin+ (in2te.
St2(b0in+ a0on+ the side)a0k3 he fo00o)ed the (2sic as it +re) 0o2der. a0f)ay do)n the
b0ock he t2rned 0eft and st2(b0ed thro2+h the o*en door)ay of the bar. Li+hts f0ashed. M2sic K
0o2d and fast9*aced K b0ared a+ainst his ears. e f0inched fro( the 1o02(e3 not beca2se he didnGt
0ike 0o2d rock (2sic3 b2t beca2se he )as a0ready in s2ch *ain K e1ident0y fro( a han+o1er fro( a
drinkin+ bin+e he co20dnGt as yet reca00 K that the throbbin+3 *20satin+ beat of the (2sic str2ck hard
at hi( as tho2+h it )ere a :ackha((er *o2ndin+ at the concrete it )as assi+ned to de(o0ish.
Nic be+an to *2sh his )ay *ast those )ho cro)ded aro2nd the entrance at the stoo0s 0inin+
the 0on+ bar. S2dden0y the s(e00 of food fo2nd its )ay to his nostri0s and he sto**ed3 t2rnin+ his
head in the direction of the s(e00. e *eered *ast those )ho 0ined the bar3 strainin+ his neck
(2sc0es to see )hat ty*e of food )as *200in+ hi( that direction.
Nothin+ )as e1ident. Not nachos3 nor b2rritos3 nor any of the *se2do9A(ericani8ed
Me?ican food he dear0y 0o1ed. Not e1en the ob0i+atory bo)0s of s(a00 dried *ret8e0s or *o*corn so
(any bars offered their c0iente0e in order to kee* the( orderin+ drinks to )ash the snack food
do)n )ith.
e (o1ed c0oser to the bar and noticed the on0y thin+ anyone in front of hi( had )ere their
drinks. %2t that )asnGt )hat )as assa20tin+ his nostri0s. !hate1er it )as3 it )as a0(ost into?icatin+
in its aro(a.
e (o1ed in c0oser 2nti0 he )as near0y *ressed 2* a+ainst the nearest *erson seated on a
stoo0 K a sto2t3 b2r0y (an in his (id9thirties. The (an co20d fee0 this intr2derGs *resence and
0ooked back o1er his sho20der at the one )ho )as in1adin+ his *ersona0 s*ace.
F&o2 +ot a *rob0e(>H the (an ha0f t2rned to)ard Nic3 the e?*ression on his face *0ain0y
e1ident he )asnGt one to s2ffer foo0s easi0y.
FI3H NicGs 1oice cracked fro( the *arched dryness he fe0t. e 0icked his 0i*s and s)a00o)ed.
No easy task since he fo2nd he didnGt ha1e e1en eno2+h sa0i1a for s)a00o)in+.
FSorry. J2st 0ookin+ for so(ethin+ to eat.H Nic fo2nd his eyes sco2rin+ the (an in front of
hi(. e sniffed se1era0 ti(es and )as a**a00ed at )hat he )as e?*eriencin+. The s(e00 of this (an
see(ed to be )hat )as ca00in+ o2t to hi(. o)> !hy> eGd ne1er had any se?2a0 inc0inations
to)ard (en. Bir0s K 1o02*t2o2s and o1erf0o)in+ their bras )ith fir(3 ro2nded breasts that )ere
a0)ays f2n to sD2ee8e and *0ay )ith )hi0e ha1in+ se?3 as )e00 as the ni**0es so fir( and hard that
)ere en:oyab0e for nibb0in+ and s2ckin+ on K these )ere )hat heGd a0)ays been attracted to.
And yet here he )as3 *2shed 2* a0on+side a hi+h0y 2nattracti1e3 at 0east as far as he )as
concerned3 *a2nchy3 ba0din+ (an )ith a 1ery intense fi1e oGc0ock shado). A (an )ho stank not
on0y of the sta0e beer that heGd recent0y b2r*ed 2* *ast his throat3 b2t of the s)eat that yet 0in+ered
a00 o1er the f0esh of his body fro( the )ork heGd *erfor(ed this *re1io2s day. So(eone 0ike hi(
sho20d rea00y 0earn to )ear (ore c0othin+ to co1er 2* s2ch an offensi1e body odor. #1erythin+
abo2t hi( sho20d ha1e re*20sed Nic. So )hy )as he attracted to this (an>
F!e00 (aybe yo2 better (o1e to an e(*ty s*ot f2rther do)n3 ya feather9faced fa++otIH the
(an +ro)0ed3 not 0ikin+ the )ay this odd0y tattooed intr2der )as (o1in+ c0oser to hi(. As if to
e(*hasi8e his )ords3 the (an *ressed the f0at of one hand a+ainst NicGs chest and sho1ed hi(
ro2+h0y a)ay fro( his face.
Nic st2(b0ed back)ard3 his body c02(si0y fa00in+ a+ainst the coat rack standin+ a+ainst the
)a00 :2st inside the door. The c0atterin+ and (otion of NicGs f0ai0in+ ar(s as he tried 1ain0y to sto*
his (o1e(ent ca2sed those seated c0osest to ch2ck0e. #ach one t2rned eno2+h on their o)n stoo0s
so they )o20dnGt (iss anythin+ e0se that (i+ht trans*ire bet)een the (an at the bar and this
ob1io2s c0o)n )ho )as findin+ it diffic20t to e?tract hi(se0f fro( the coats that )ra**ed
the(se01es abo2t his ar(s and body.
!ith +reat effort Nic fina00y *200ed free of the coats and once (ore stood to his feet. The
h2n+er )ithin hi( no) *200ed e1en (ore fierce0y3 his sto(ach +ro)0in+ )ith a ferocity that
s2r*rised e1en Nic.
e noticed the +0are fro( the (an )ho had *2shed hi( and fe0t as tho2+h he sho20d
reta0iate for the assa20t a+ainst hi(. A fera0 ferocity seethed dee* )ithin hi(3 desirin+ to ri* into
this br2ta0 o**onent. %2t he kne) he )as too )eak to +et hi(se0f e(broi0ed in a fi+ht )ith
so(eone )ho 0ooked as tho2+h he co20d easi0y hand0e the 0ikes of Nic. And he had ne1er been a
fi+hter. Not in schoo0 and not in the )orkin+ )or0d since 0ea1in+ schoo0 not that (any years hence.
That had been a +reat *art of )hy heGd a0)ays fe0t hi(se0f s2ch a 0oser. So(eone )ith a
na(e 0ike Nico0ae Draca sho20d ha1e been one he00 of a fi+hter. e sho20d ha1e kno)n e1ery for(
of (artia0 arts there )as in e?istence3 yet Nic didnGt kno) e1en one for( of these Asian fi+htin+
techniD2es. e sho20d ha1e been a 1eritab0e cha(*ion at s)ord*0ay3 yet he c2t hi(se0f too often
:2st tryin+ to b2tter his bread.
And yet no)3 )ith his sto(ach ch2rnin+ and +r2(b0in+ )ith s2ch ferocity )ithin hi( he
tho2+ht *erha*s :2st this once he (i+ht be ab0e to take so(eone in a fi+ht and kick his ass.
Nic t2rned fro( those +athered abo2t the bar )atchin+ hi( and (ade his )ay f2rther into
the cro)ded roo(. #ach *erson he *assed e?2ded a scent that to hi( s(e00ed as the (ost desirab0e
aro(a fro( the (ost de0ectab0e of foods. Ma0e and fe(a0e a0ike K it (attered not to hi(. They a00
had the sa(e scent. The sa(e de0icio2s aro(a )aftin+ fro( their bodies and driftin+ across the
s0i+ht c2rrents of air to )here they ended 2* dee* inside his nostri0s. is (ind be+an to )hir0 fro(
the +reat0y conf2sin+ tho2+hts that no) fi00ed his head. Tho2+hts of his teeth sinkin+ the(se01es
into the f0esh of any one of these s2rro2ndin+ hi(.
The 1isions ca2sed his (ind to be horrib0y re*20sed3 )hich in t2rn ca2sed his sto(ach to
)retch3 b2t as the so2nd e(itted fro( his throat he fo2nd the 2r+e to feed off h2(an f0esh
redo2b0in+ itse0f.
e cast his eyes abo2t. Certain0y he )o20d be attacked by e1eryone e0se aro2nd hi( if he
+a1e in to his desires and bit so(eone3 tore a h2+e ch2nk fro( so(eoneGs throat3 the )ay he )as
)antin+ to. e )o20d ne1er (ake his )ay o2t of this bar a0i1e.
P2shin+ hi(se0f f2rther into the cro)d he soon fo2nd hi(se0f starin+ at a (an )ho )as
screa(in+ at the )o(an he )as )ith3 tho2+h the 0o2d (2sic *0ayin+ fro( the :2kebo? he0*ed to
b2ffer the 0o2d beratin+ this )o(an recei1ed so e1eryone e0se co20d +o on abo2t their o)n
b2siness. They )ere seated off to one side )ithin a s(a00 booth. The )o(an had her head bent
do)n a0(ost to the tab0e )here her hands c02tched her beer bott0e as tho2+h it )as the on0y thin+
kee*in+ her a0i1e at this (o(ent. er hands )ere )hite not on0y at the kn2ck0es3 b2t a00 a0on+ the
thin3 bony a**enda+es that sho20d ha1e been a 0i+ht0y tanned shade of bro)n the )ay the rest of her
body )as. The on0y rea0 co0or on this )o(an )ere the br2ises that )ere dis*0ayed in se1era0
*ro(inent *0aces across her face and ar(s. They )ere a00 *2r*0e and b02e and ye00o)3 )ith the
o0dest of the( tin+ein+ on a sick0y bro)n.
The (an beratin+ the )o(an )as 2nke(*t and ro2+h. ;ar )orse than the (an )ho had
accosted Nic near the door. The difference bet)een that one and this3 Nic rea0i8ed as he contin2ed
st2dyin+ this (an3 )as that this one )as far (ore dr2nk than the *re1io2s (an. So (2ch3 in fact3
that he )as s02rrin+ his )ords as he s*at the( K D2ite 0itera00y K into the face of the co)erin+
)o(an he )as )ith.
!onderin+ )hat he )as +oin+ to do3 )hat he co20d do3 )ith the scenario before hi(3 Nic
)as s2r*rised )hen the (an s2dden0y 02rched o2t of the booth and (o1ed to)ards hi(.
Nic (o1ed s0i+ht0y back3 fee0in+ as tho2+h once (ore he )as abo2t to be str2ck by a
stran+er. The (an sho1ed *ast hi(3 ho)e1er3 not carin+ that heGd been so *hysica0 )ith a stran+er
he kne) nothin+ abo2t in a cro)ded roo( as this one3 and (o1ed 2nsteadi0y thro2+h the cro)d to a
door in a )a00. The sin+0e )ord M#N )as etched into a s(a00 *0aD2e affi?ed to the door.
;or the briefest of seconds Nic stood indecisi1e. Then his feet )ent into (otion as tho2+h
of their o)n 1o0ition and he entered the (enGs restroo( on the hee0s of the ab2si1e dr2nkard.
The (an )as standin+ at a tro2+h 2rina03 re0ie1in+ his b0adder of the (any *itchers of beer
he had cons2(ed. Nic (o1ed 2* ne?t to hi( at the tro2+h. e +0anced D2ick0y abo2t and fo2nd no
one e0se )as c2rrent0y aro2nd.
is face t2rned to)ard the (an standin+ ne?t to hi(. is nostri0s f0ared fro( the desirab0e
s)eatiness of the other. J2st as the (an )as abo2t to t2rn to)ard this stran+er3 ha1in+ noticed ho)
c0ose he )as standin+ at an other)ise e(*ty 2rina03 NicGs (o2th o*ened. is 0i*s *200ed back in a
snar03 re1ea0in+ t)o rather shar* canines that had not been in his (o2th before this ni+ht. %efore
another second co20d e0a*se3 NicGs 0i*s *ressed a+ainst the (anGs throat e1en as his teeth sank
dee*0y into the throatGs f0esh.
In (ore fear than heGd e1er e?*erienced in his br2ta0 0ife before3 this (an )ho )asnGt at a00
2sed to bein+ the 1icti( be+an to str2++0e3 b2t Nic )ra**ed his ar(s aro2nd his *rey )ith a
+ro)in+ and rene)ed ener+y that stren+thened itse0f as each second a00o)ed the (anGs b0ood to
f0o) do)n NicGs throat and into his ra1eno2s0y e(*ty sto(ach.
S2ckin+ in +reat (o2thf20s of b0ood3 Nic contin2ed drinkin+ 2nti0 he kne) there )as
nothin+ (ore to drink.
"e0easin+ his +ri* on the (an3 he fo2nd the 0ife0ess she00 that had on0y (o(ents before been
soft3 0i1in+ f0esh3 s0idin+ to the f0oor. S2dden horror at )hat he had done fi00ed NicGs (ind. e
kne) at any (o(ent so(eone (i+ht )a0k in thro2+h the door and find this 2ncharacteristic3 at
0east for this D2iet city bar3 tab0ea2 o2t of a horror no1e0. e )o20d then s*end the rest of his 0ife in
*rison K or inside a (enta0 instit2tion. #ither one )as (ore than his t2(20t2o2s (ind co20d fatho(
at the (o(ent.
Brabbin+ ho0d of the body once (ore3 he dra++ed his 1icti( inside a toi0et sta00 and seated
hi( on the stoo0. e c0osed the door3 tho2+h it co20dnGt be 0ocked fro( the o2tside3 and D2ick0y
e?ited the restroo(. #1en if so(eone fo2nd the (an3 he )o20d initia00y a**ear *assed o2t. %y the
ti(e anyone rea0i8ed he )as dead3 Nic )o20d be far eno2+h a)ay that no one )o20d kno) )here to
find hi(3 0et a0one connect hi( to this (anGs death.
Nic )ent to the first of the t)o +ri(y3 dirty3 *orce0ain sinks set into the )a00 across fro( the
2rina0s. It )as ob1io2s fro( the a**earance of each one that they had not been c0eaned in (any
(onths 9 if e1er. As )ith (ost 0o)9c0ass di1es 0ike this bar3 there )ere no (irrors abo1e the sinks.
S2ch accessories )o20d ha1e 0on+ since been broken by the dr2nken c0iente0e3 any)ay. Nic t2rned
on the fa2cet and bent o1er the bo)0 of the sink3 catchin+ the )eak0y r2nnin+ )ater in his c2**ed
hands. e s*0ashed as (2ch of it onto his face as he )as ab0e3 r2bbin+ a00 aro2nd his (o2th
es*ecia00y3 :2st in case he had +otten so(e of his 1icti(6s b0ood on hi( )hi0e drinkin+ it fro( the
(an6s throat. Nic scr2bbed 0on+er and harder than )as necessary3 b2t his fri+htened and horrified
(ind )as atte(*tin+ to scr2b a)ay the fact of the atrocio2s (2rder he had co((itted as )e00.
P2shin+ thro2+h the cro)d he (ade his esca*e back o2t onto the street 2nnoticed. #1en
those at the bar he had enco2ntered ear0ier )ere no) far too ca2+ht 2* in their o)n se01es to *ay
hi( any attention as he 0eft.
O2t in the cris* ni+ht air3 coo03 yet dank fro( the recent rains3 he (o1ed do)n the side)a0k
2nti0 he )as far eno2+h a)ay fro( the bar that the noise faded to the sa(e d200 din as )hen he had
first noticed it in the a00ey.
Nic sto**ed and ti0ted his head back3 his eyes c0osed. e tried to inha0e a dee* breath of air
to c0ear his head and he0* hi( in 2nderstandin+ )hat )as ha**enin+ to hi(. o)e1er3 he fo2nd
hi(se0f 2nab0e to dra) air into his 02n+s.
Panic set in. !hy )as he 2nab0e to breathe> !as it a side effect fro( ha1in+ +or+ed hi(se0f
on h2(an b0ood> o) 0on+ before he died of s2ffocation>
%2t the *anic D2ick0y s2bsided as he rea0i8ed that e1en no) his 02n+s )ere once (ore
be+innin+ to f2nction as they a0)ays had. e c0osed his eyes and re0a?ed as his 02n+s re*eated0y
dre) in dee* breaths of the co0d3 cris* ni+ht air.
It )as then Nic rea0i8ed that 2nti0 this (o(ent he had not been breathin+ the entire ti(e
since )akin+ 2* )ith his face in the (2d *2dd0e. !hich )as )hy his nostri03 ha1in+ been so
i((ersed as it )as in the dirty )ater3 hadnGt ca2sed hi( to inha0e the )ater into his 02n+s. e had
been too *reocc2*ied )ith first his s*0ittin+ headache3 then the a**earance of this (ysterio2s tattoo
on his face3 and then the ra1eno2s h2n+er that had b2i0t 2* )ithin hi(3 ca2sin+ hi( to seek o2t a
he0*0ess3 innocent 1icti( a(on+ so (any others.
No. e0*0ess K at 0east to)ard hi( K the (an (ay ha1e been3 b2t innocent> Ne1er. Not if
the a+itated ner1es of the )o(an he had been )ith )ere any indication. Not )ith the e?istence of
so (any br2ises sheGd acD2ired o1er a *eriod3 (ost 0ike0y3 of not9so9(any days. e )as anythin+
b2t innocent. She )o20d ha1e been the first to testify to that fact. On0y )o(en 0ike her ne1er
testified a+ainst the (an K either her h2sband or boyfriend K )ho ab2sed the( and beat the( so
horrib0y. !hat Nic had done )as a ser1ice not on0y to this )eak9)i00ed )o(an )ho )as 2nab0e to
defend herse0f3 b2t for a00 of h2(anity. Cretins 0ike that assho0e didnGt e1en deser1e to breathe the
sa(e air that )as bein+ breathed )ithin the 02n+s of the rest of this )or0dGs *o*20ation.
Ca0(in+ his (ind )ith his +ro)in+ sense of rationa0i8ation he b0inked his eyes and 0ooked
abo2t hi(. No) that he )as fee0in+ stron+er K a**arent0y the b0ood he drank see(ed to be a+reein+
)ith hi( K he be+an noticin+ that e1erythin+ s2rro2ndin+ hi( )as bri+hter. Cris*er. C0earer to his
si+ht than e1er he had kno)n it to be before no).
e co20d fee0 the stren+th of his bein+ co2rsin+ thro2+h his body. e he0d 2* his hands in
front of hi( and 0ooked do)n at his ar(s. They see(ed to be +ro)in+ 0eaner3 stron+er. More
(2sc20ar. !ith each *assin+ second. Not that he )as s2dden0y s*ortin+ Arno0d Sch)ar8ene++er9
sty0e (2sc0es3 b2t they )ere definite0y (ore de0ineated and defined than heGd had before this ni+ht.
o) co20d drinkin+ so(eoneGs b0ood ca2se hi( to +ro) so (2ch stron+er> It (ade no
sense. And hadnGt e1erythin+ heGd 0earned in hi+h schoo0 bio0o+y c0asses to0d hi( that the h2(an
sto(ach )as 2nab0e to di+est h2(an b0ood )ithin it>
The so2nds of distant sirens fro( a *o0ice cr2iser +ro)in+ 0o2der as it neared his 0ocation
*200ed hi( fro( his re1erie. e +0anced back o1er his sho20der at the bar that )as no) far behind
hi(. So(eone (2st ha1e fina00y fo2nd the body and ca00ed the *o0ice.
Nic (o1ed D2ick0y do)n the street and disa**eared bet)een t)o b2i0din+s into a dark
a00ey. The ease and s*eed )ith )hich he (o1ed dis*0ayed (ore f200y the stren+th and ener+y that
co2rsed thro2+h his f0esh.
To)ards the end of the a00ey he s*otted a fire esca*e. e (o1ed D2ick0y to)ard it. The
0adder )as too far abo1e hi( to reach easi0y. e tensed his 0e+ (2sc0es and 0ea*t3 tho2+h he kne)
it )as too hi+h to reach. Sti003 he kne) he had to atte(*t his esca*e before the *o0ice be+an
searchin+ the s2rro2ndin+ streets and a00eys for anyone )ho (i+ht ha1e (2rdered that (an.
is 0ea* s2r*rised hi( as his hands c0osed aro2nd the 0o)est r2n+ of the 0adder. It *200ed
do)n)ard as his )ei+ht sett0ed on it3 b2t before it sto**ed its (o1e(ent he )as a0ready in (otion3
sca0in+ the 0adder and then the fire esca*e itse0f 2nti0 he )as safe0y at the to* of the b2i0din+.
P200in+ hi(se0f easi0y o1er the *ara*et3 he cro2ched on the roofto*. !o20d anyone be ab0e
to see hi( 2* here>
e t2rned s0o)0y3 scannin+ in e1ery direction.
On0y a fe) b2i0din+s s2rro2ndin+ this one )ere hi+h eno2+h to a00o) anyone inside the( to
see hi( if they decided to 0ook o2t their )indo)s. At this ho2r e1eryone sho20d be as0ee*. %2t )ith
the sirens dra)in+ c0oser at 0east so(e of those inhabitin+ these a*art(ents at this ear0y ho2r of the
(ornin+ )o20d )aken and *eer o2t3 tryin+ to see )hat co20d be brin+in+ the co*s into their s0ee*y
nei+hborhood at s2ch a ti(e as this. So(eone (i+ht yet s*ot hi( o2t here and ca00 hi( in to the
co*s as a s2s*icio2s *erson of interest.
Nic (o1ed stea0thi0y3 sti00 in his cro2chin+ *osition3 r2nnin+ to the ed+e of the b2i0din+.
!itho2t sto**in+ to think of )hat he )as abo2t to do3 one foot sett0ed in on the ed+e of the roof3
the other *2shed off3 sendin+ hi( h2rt0in+ to)ard the ne?t b2i0din+ o1er. is feet to2ched do)n
harder than he )o20d ha1e 0iked3 b2t the noise he (ade )as sti00 (ini(a0 eno2+h that it )o20d +o
2nnoticed for the (o(ent. e *a2sed (o(entari0y in st2nned a(a8e(ent at the feat heGd
acco(*0ished. o) co20d he *ossib0y ha1e done so(ethin+ 0ike that> The distance bet)een these
t)o b2i0din+s )as )hat> Se1en3 ei+ht feet> That )as farther than heGd e1er 0ea*ed in schoo0 )hen
forced to *artici*ate in the standin+ broad :2(* d2rin+ P# c0asses.
Sti00 (ar1e0in+ o1er this o2tstandin+ abi0ity heGd ne1er had3 0et a0one 2sed before3 Nic ran to
the ed+e of this b2i0din+ and 0ooked o2t to)ard the ne?t one. No +ood. This b2i0din+ )as at the end
of the b0ock. The ne?t b2i0din+ o1er )as a +ood si?ty feet a)ay. #1en so(eone acco(*0ished at
*hysica0 acti1ities as track stars K )hich he (ost certain0y )as not K co20d ne1er (ake s2ch an
i(*ossib0e distance. e ran a0on+ the ed+e of the b2i0din+ and searched 2nti0 he fo2nd a fire esca*e
0eadin+ do)n into another a00ey a0on+ the backside. ;ro( there he (ade his )ay D2ick0y and
efficient0y f2rther a)ay fro( this *art of to)n 2nti0 he )as safe0y o2t of har(Gs )ay.

Nic dro**ed fro( a fire esca*e and *a2sed in the 0atest a00ey he fo2nd hi(se0f )ithin. e
he0d his hands 2* in front of his face and st2died the( as tho2+h they s2dden0y intri+2ed hi( to no
end.
o) co20d he be doin+ the thin+s he fo2nd hi(se0f doin+ toni+ht> o) co20d he3 so(eone
)ho had ne1er been o1er0y ath0etic3 so(eone )ho had fai0ed at e1ery s*ort heGd e1er atte(*ted
thro2+ho2t his chi0dhood and teena+e years3 so(eone )ho had o*ted for a dreary3 a0(ost 0ethar+ic
0ifesty0e d2e to his 0ack of ener+y3 *ossib0y be sca0in+ b2i0din+s and sca(*erin+ across roofto*s the
)ay he had toni+ht> e )asnGt a s2*erhero in a co(ic book. No irradiated insect had bitten hi(.
No 0aboratory e?*0osion had en1e0o*ed hi( )ithin a shro2ded (ist or c0o2d of *artic0es that co20d
ca2se s2ch a reaction )ithin his s2b9*ar body. No a0ien had a**eared to hi( and a0tered his
*hysio0o+y to the e?tent that he )o20d no) be ab0e to *erfor( s2*erh2(an feats of stren+th.
Or had one> Certain0y he co20dnGt reca00 the e1ents that 0ed to his )akin+ 2* face do)n in
that a00ey toni+ht. Most definite0y he had no (e(ories that e?*0ained )hy he no) s*orted this
0ar+e3 feathery9see(in+ tattoo across the +reater *art of his faceGs ri+ht side.
One hand s0o)0y dre) itse0f to his face. is fin+ers traced the 0i+ht0y9scarred o2t0ines of the
tattoo on his f0esh.
Did his ath0etic abi0ities ha1e so(ethin+ to do )ith his tattoo> !as there (ore to this fresh
facia0 scar than he co20d *ossib0y concei1e> ad an e?tra9terrestria0 shan+haied hi( and a0tered his
body che(istry so he )as ab0e to do a00 that heGd fo2nd hi(se0f doin+ toni+ht> ad this a00e+ed #T
+i1en hi( this tattoo as a si+n of the abi0ities he no) *ossessed> Or )as the tattoo itse0f so(eho)
the *ro1ider of these *hysica0 +ifts>
%2t ho) co20d a (ere tattoo3 a thin+ of ink3 *ossib0y endo) a *erson )ith 2niD2e abi0ities
he did not *re1io2s0y ha1e>
Then he reca00ed the fact that he had attacked a (an and s2nk his teeth K no3 fan+s K into the
(anGs throat. e o*ened his (o2th and fe0t his canines )ith his fin+ers. They definite0y )ere
0on+er and shar*er than heGd e1er kno)n the( to be. And the fact that heGd 2sed these fan+s to
o*en a (anGs throat in order to s2ck the (an dry of his b0ood bes*oke of on0y one *ossib0e
e?*0anation K Ca(*ire.
!as that it> ad a 1a(*ire attacked hi( and chan+ed hi( into the sa(e ty*e of creat2re of
the ni+ht> !as he no) a d)e00er of darkness> A drinker of h2(an b0ood> Certain0y e1erythin+
abo2t this ni+ht see(ed to *oint in that direction. %2t ho)> !erenGt 1a(*ires as fictiona0 as e?tra9
terrestria0s> o) co20d either e?*0anation be the ri+ht one>
A00 the )onderin+ in the )or0d )o20dnGt *ro1ide hi( the ans)ers he so2+ht. Nic Draca
dro**ed his hand fro( his face and res2(ed )a0kin+= 0ea1in+ the a00ey and t2rnin+ the corner that
*0aced hi( back on a dark3 near0y deserted street.
e )asnGt too far fro( his o)n street no). Perha*s if he )ent ho(e and s0e*t he )o20d
)ake )ith a ne) *ers*ecti1e on this stran+est of a00 ni+hts. Maybe he )o20d e1en disco1er this
ni+ht to ha1e been a drea(. A ha002cination. Tho2+h )hy his (ind )o20d in1ent so(ethin+ this
bi8arre )as beyond hi(. Maybe so(eone had +i1en hi( dr2+s )itho2t his kno)0ed+e. That co20d
e?*0ain )hy he )as i(a+inin+ s2ch )hacked9o2t and )eird ha002cinations 9 if ha002cinations they
)ere. At 0east that e?*0anation )as *referab0e to the *ossibi0ity of this a00 bein+ rea0ity.
e )a0ked a fe) (ore b0ocks )itho2t seein+ anyone e0se. %2t 0ess than t)o (ore b0ocks
fro( his a*art(ent he ca(e across a s(a00 +ro2* of *eo*0e standin+ aro2nd on the side)a0k
direct0y in his *ath.
Nic *a2sed3 )onderin+ if he sho20d cross the street and +o aro2nd the(. e kne) this ty*e.
They )ere *2nks. &o2n+ (en of their teens or *ossib0y ear0y t)enties )ho had no other *2r*ose in
0ife than to harass and ab2se others 0ess fort2nate than they the(se01es )ere.
The cro)d *arted s0i+ht0y as the yo2ths (i00ed abo2t and Nic )as ab0e to see another fi+2re
bet)een the( on the side)a0k at their feet. One of the 0oca0 transients )ho 0i1ed on the streets of
this city. Nic had seen this one before3 an o0d (an )ho (eant no har( to anyone. So(eone )ho sat
on a street corner )ith his cardboard si+n and 0i1ed off the 0oose chan+e and offerin+s of those )ho
*assed by. Un0ike so (any )ho 2sed s2ch tactics these days to bi0k a 0i1in+ off the (ind0ess (asses
+oin+ abo2t their dai0y ro2tines3 this transient rea00y needed the s*are chan+e he )as handed on a
dai0y basis. Nic had seen this (an for too 0on+ and3 o1erco(e by c2riosity 0ate one e1enin+3 had
e1en fo00o)ed the (an ho(e as he fo0ded 2* his si+n and de*arted his 2s2a0 corner )here he (ade
his 0i1in+. The (an had entered an a00ey not far fro( here and took 2* a *osition behind a s(e00y
d2(*ster that )asnGt in 2se d2rin+ the ni+ht ho2rs. e )as tr20y ho(e0ess in e1ery sense and
(eanin+ of the )ord.
On0y no) the o0d (an had b0ood co1erin+ his face fro( )here these *2nks had ob1io2s0y
been hittin+ and kickin+ hi(.
Nic dre) in1o02ntari0y nearer and one of the th2+s t2rned his direction3 s*ottin+ hi(
0ookin+ at )hat they )ere doin+.
F&o2 +ot an interest in this3 bitch>H The *2nk t2rned f200y his )ay3 as did the others )hose
backs had been to Nic. So(e of the( he0d broken beer bott0es3 others kni1es. A00 of the( +0ared at
this inter0o*er as tho2+h he )as (ere0y another *ortion of fresh (eat *ri(e for the ki00.
FIG( not in1o01ed in this3H Nic tried to *rotest3 (o1in+ to)ard the street3 ho*in+ he co20d
yet circ2(1ent these )ho )ere no) be+innin+ to +ra1itate his )ay.
F&eah3 I think yo2 are in1o01ed3H another of the +ro2* (o1ed o2t fro( the rest. Ob1io2s0y
their 0eader3 if s2ch a *ack of (ind0ess *2nks co20d be said to ha1e a 0eader.
This one he0d a )icked90ookin+ knife in his hand. It a0ready had b0ood dri**in+ fro( it. The
b0ood of the transient.
Nic in1o02ntari0y +0anced to)ard the o0d (an on the side)a0k. is eyes bare0y (o1ed. e
(i+ht yet 0i1e if he )as ab0e to +et to a hos*ita0 in ti(e.
The *2nk )ith the knife )a0ked 2* to Nic fear0ess0y3 his )ea*on and those at his back
fa0se0y fi00in+ hi( )ith bra1ado3 b0ockin+ NicGs 1ie) of the transient.
FNice tat yo2 +ot3H the *2nk 0ifted his knife to)ard NicGs face3 ai(in+ it at the side )here
the tattoo )as. FMaybe I sho20d add (y o)n car1in+ to it. Make it a 0itt0e (ore *ersona03 yGkno)>H
The knife (o1ed c0oser to)ard NicJs face.
!itho2t thinkin+3 NicGs 0eft hand raised itse0f3 sei8in+ ho0d of the *2nkGs )rist and t)istin+
it shar*0y o2t)ard3 a)ay fro( hi( and to the *2nkJs ri+ht side. A 0o2d sna* so2nded thro2+ho2t
the other)ise sti00 ni+ht. A shocked e?*ression a**eared on the *2nk 0eaderGs face. The knife
dro**ed )ith a c0atter to the concrete at his feet.
The yo2th )ho had see(ed so (enacin+ a (o(ent before screa(ed horrib0y3 0ike a 0itt0e
+ir03 his other hand (o1ed to ho0d onto the one )hich had *re1io2s0y he0d the knife. The th2+Gs
knees b2ck0ed as he s02(*ed do)n and str2ck the side)a0k.
F#ddie>H another of the yo2ths (o1ed for)ard3 concern on his face. e 0ooked at his fa00en
0eader3 then at the one )ho had )o2nded the to2+hest of their +an+. F!hat the f2ck yo2 do to
#ddie>H The yo2th *200ed a +2n fro( inside his 0eather :acket as he (o1ed a fe) (ore ste*s in
NicGs direction.
F!e donGt need to do this3H Nic he0d o2t a hand3 a feeb0e atte(*t to )ard off f2rther
conf0ict.
F&eah3 )e do3H yet another of the *2nks (o1ed c0oser3 his s)itchb0ade f0ickin+ o*en as he
:oined the one )ith the +2n3 dra)in+ his stren+th fro( the fact of not ha1in+ to enter into this fray
a0one. The rest of the +an+ c0osed in3 s2rro2ndin+ this intr2der3 b0ockin+ his esca*e fro( a00 sides.
FShitIH Nic )his*ered (ore to hi(se0f than those s2rro2ndin+ hi(. e shook his head
s0i+ht0y side9to9side.
FThatGs ri+ht3H the +2n9totin+ th2+ *ressed the (2880e of his )ea*on a+ainst NicGs cheek.
F&o2 f2cked 2*3 (other9f2cker.H is th2(b knocked back the ha((er of the re1o01er3 t2rnin+ the
cy0inder and *0acin+ a ro2nd in *osition.
FBi1e hi( a third nostri03H another *2nk snickered3 his fear0essness stren+thened by bein+
*art of a *ack (enta0ity.
NicGs hands )ere he0d o*en3 *a0(s for)ard3 chest9hi+h as the (eta0 of the )ea*on *ressed
dee*er into his f0esh. The s)eatiness of the one standin+ so c0ose ca2sed his nostri0s to f0are as they
had back at the bar.
;ood. e s(e00ed food. And he )as sti00 h2n+ry.
is eyes ca(e 2* and f0ashed bri+ht0y as he he0d the eyes of his c2rrent anta+onist. ;or a
brief (o(ent the *2nk sneered3 ass2(in+ he had the s2*erior *osition in this scenario. Then the
*2nk noticed the 0ack of fear in his 1icti(Gs eyes and he tre(b0ed. is +2n hand fa0tered3 the barre0
0osin+ contact )ith NicGs cheek.
Nic rea0i8ed he easi0y co20d ha1e c0osed a hand aro2nd the re1o01er and torn it fro( the
yo2thGs +ri*. Instead he 0ashed o2t to the sides and +rabbed ho0d of the shirts of the nearest t)o
+an+ (e(bers. e yanked the( in)ard e1en as he hi(se0f (o1ed a ste* back3 a00o)in+ the heads
of these t)o to s(ash to+ether )ith a d2003 b2t 0o2d cr2nch. Their co00idin+ bodies strikin+ the +2n
bet)een the(3 ca2sin+ the hand it )as )ithin to re0ease its ho0d. The )ea*on c0attered noisi0y to
the +ro2nd. Nic re0eased his ho0d on these t)o and they s02nk to the +ro2nd at his feet3 :oinin+ the
discarded )ea*on.
The others s2rro2ndin+ hi( fa0tered at that *oint3 2ns2re of the(se01es as the s2*eriority
they had ass2(ed s2dden0y )aned fro( the(.
Nic +rabbed ho0d of the one )ho had )ie0ded the +2n and bro2+ht the yo2thGs forehead into
contact )ith his o)n forehead. ard. The yo2th s02(*ed back)ards as Nic re0eased hi(3 st2(b0in+
back3 b2t not yet fa00in+ as had the others.
FBet o2t of hereIH NicGs )ords )ere D2iet0y s*oken3 b2t the stren+th they he0d )as eno2+h
to scatter the re(ainin+ yo2ths. They ran fro( this s*ot3 +0ancin+ back as they f0ed3 ha**y to +et
a)ay )ith their f0esh in tact.
!atchin+ the( f0ee3 Nic noticed none had sto**ed to he0* their for(er 0eader3 )ho yet
co)ered3 ho0din+ his in:2red hand )ith the broken )rist in the +ri* of his other hand3 before this
no90on+er91icti( )ho sD2atted do)n before hi(.
FLooks 0ike they for+ot yo23 #ddieH Nic )his*ered so D2iet0y that his *rey co20d bare0y hear
his 1oice. Nic reached do)n and took ho0d of the no) )hi(*erin+ +an+ 0eader by his 0eather :acket
and 0ifted hi( 2* fro( )here he )as tryin+ des*erate0y to (er+e hi(se0f )ithin the concrete of the
side)a0k beneath his back. e s(e00ed the stink of fear e?2din+ fro( this co2ra+e0ess *2nk e1en as
he bent o1er the bare f0esh of his throat.
Odd0y eno2+h3 Nic Draca noticed ho) he see(ed to be +0eanin+ tho2+hts3 (e(ories3
scenes fro( this 1icti( he0d before hi(3 as tho2+h the (ind of this h2(an *rey )as o*ened
so(eho) to his o)n (ind for 1ie)in+. e D2ick0y f0ashed thro2+h the scenes3 as tho2+h )atchin+
a (o1ie or *0ay on fast9for)ard3 seein+ the boy he once had been3 the ro2+h3 sordid 0ife9sty0e the
boy had been born into and bro2+ht 2* )ithin. e )atched as the boy +re) o0der3 (ade the )ron+
choices and be+an :oinin+ in )ith the )ron+ cro)ds 2nti0 he )as s)e*t 2* )ithin the sa(e )or0d
as the rest of those born into his nei+hborhood.
NicGs conscience bothered hi( on0y brief0y as he re1ie)ed these scenes3 and then sniffed
the scent of fear and s)eat that co9(in+0ed3 e(anatin+ fro( this *2nk. is fan+s sank s2dden0y3
dee*0y3 )ithin the soft f0esh that yie0ded 2* the hot3 s0i+ht0y sa0ty red f02id NicJs sto(ach cra1ed so
h2n+ri0y.
!hen he finished3 he dro**ed the no) 0ife0ess h2sk 2ncere(onio2s0y to the +ro2nd. This
one )o20dnGt deser1e his res*ect and consideration e1en if he )ere yet a0i1e. !hy bother )ith s2ch
niceties o1er so(eone )ho didnGt deser1e the( and certain0y co20dnGt a**reciate the( no)>
T2rnin+ to the side he conte(*0ated the others )ho 0ay 2nconscio2s near hi(. Sho20d he drain their
0ife as )e00> It )as a diffic20t decision3 b2t fina00y he stood to his feet )itho2t +or+in+ hi(se0f
f2rther and )a0ked to)ard the b0eedin+ transient )ho yet tre(b0ed in fear that he (i+ht be f2rther
beaten.
FDonGt )orry3 Po*s3H Nic )his*ered in the o0d (anGs ear. FIG( not one of the(. I )onGt
h2rt yo2. I )as raised to res*ect the 0i1es of others. #1en if I )as born into the sa(e nei+hborhoods
as these3H he +0anced back at those 0yin+ inert or dead behind hi(.
Liftin+ the decre*it o0d (an 2* into his ar(s3 his ne)9fo2nd stren+th yet s2r*risin+ hi(3
Nic c02tched the (an to his chest and :o++ed aro2nd the corner3 headin+ do)n the street. e kne)
a fire station )as on0y a co2*0e of b0ocks do)n. They had (edics there )ho co20d ho*ef200y *atch
this +2y 2* and kee* hi( fro( b0eedin+ to death.
#nterin+ the o*en door of the station3 Nic sa) no one *resent. e sho2ted o2t as 0o2d as he
)as ab0e in order to +et so(eoneGs attention. FeyI Anyone )orkin+ here> I +ot an o0d (an )hoGs
been h2rtIH
!ithin (o(ents a (an dressed in the 2nifor( of the Seatt0e ;ire De*art(ent e?ited thro2+h
a door3 a )o(an si(i0ar0y dressed ri+ht behind hi(. They both scanned the sit2ation before the(3
noticin+ the odd co2*0in+ of this a**arent transient bein+ born a0oft by a yo2th in )e009)orn :eans
and a short9s0ee1ed stri*ed shirt. The yo2th )o20d a**ear as nor(a0 as any other F2s2a0 )hite
breadH yo2th3 e?ce*t for his bi8arre and o2t9of9*0ace facia0 tattoo. Nic ho*ed they )o20dnGt notice
his face in this a009too9*resent e(er+ency.
F!hat ha**ened>H the (a0e (edic acce*ted the transient fro( NicGs ar(s and set hi(
+ent0y do)n on the concrete f0oor of the fire station. The fe(a0e (edic had retrie1ed her aide kit
and be+an checkin+ the o0d (anGs 1ita0 si+ns.
Fe )as attacked by a street +an+ and K 0eft for dead3 I +2ess.H Nic sta((ered o1er his
)ords3 2ns2re as to ho) (2ch tr2th he sho20d re1ea0.
F&o2 +2ess>H the fe(a0e (edic +0anced 2* fro( her *atient.
F!e003 yeah. I (ean3 I ca(e a0on+ as they )ere r2nnin+ a)ay. I donGt kno) )hat they
)anted3 :2st that they had c2t this +2y 2* *retty bad. Is he +oin+ to 0i1e>H
FDonGt kno)3 yet3H the fe(a0e (edic dre) her attention back to her *atient. F!eG00 need to
+et hi( to the hos*ita0.H
Other (e(bers of this station )ere *resent no)3 tho2+h none of the( :oined in to assist.
They )ere a00 fire(en3 not (edics as )ere the other t)o. They kne) their co2nter*arts )ere better
eD2i**ed to hand0e the sit2ation than )ere they.
As the t)o (edics (ade certain the transient )asnGt +oin+ to b0eed to death on the )ay to
the hos*ita03 another (an ste**ed 2* to Nic )ith so(e for(s in his hand.
F&o2 )ant to fi00 (e in on yo2r friendGs infor(ation>H
Nic stared at the (an 2nco(*rehendin+ for a (o(ent3 before fina00y 2nderstandin+ )hat
)as bein+ asked of hi(.
FeGs not a friend. I donGt kno) anythin+ abo2t hi(. I :2st fo2nd hi( on the side)a0k.
ThatGs a00.H
e started to ed+e a)ay to)ard the o*ened door of the station3 his *art in this resc2e
atte(*t (ore than f20fi00ed.
Fo0d on3 kid3H the other fire(an reached o2t a hand and +rabbed Nic by the ar(. FI sti00
need infor(ation fro( yo23 and the co*s are +oin+ to )ant to D2estion yo2 abo2t )hat ha**ened.E
Nic co20d fee0 the 0ar+er3 o0der (anGs stren+th3 )hich nor(a00y )o20d ha1e been eno2+h to
*re1ent hi( fro( *200in+ a)ay and 0ea1in+. %2t that )as before he had +ained these added abi0ities
he fo2nd )ithin hi(se0f this ni+ht.
FSorry3H he yanked his ar( o2t of the otherGs +ras*3 start0in+ the fire(an3 FIG1e to0d yo2
e1erythin+ I kno). I canGt be of any (ore he0* to yo2 or the co*s.H
FeyIH the fire(an ye00ed o2t3 02n+in+ for the retreatin+ yo2th e1en as Nic bo0ted to)ard
the side)a0k :2st o2tside the station. The fire(an )asnGt as D2ick as Nic )as no) and (issed the
ar( heGd been reachin+ for. Nic3 on the other hand3 hit the side)a0k )ith his feet (o1in+ and s*2n
on his toes3 t2rnin+ to)ard the ri+ht and s*eedin+ do)n the street before any of the cre) fro( this
station co20d start off after hi(.
eadin+ into the nearest a00ey he once (ore (ade his )ay to the to* of the b2i0din+s and
once (ore 2sed this roofto* hi+h)ay for his esca*e ro2te.
The door to the a*art(ent o*ened :2st as the first rays of the (ornin+ S2n fi0tered in *ast
the ha0f9dra)n shade at the )indo). Nic Draca reached o1er and *eered o2t his c0osed )indo) to
the street be0o). It )as near0y deserted and no one a**eared as tho2+h they )ere fo00o)in+ hi( or
e1en 0ookin+ his )ay. e *200ed the shade the rest of the )ay do)n3 then t2rned and )a0ked *ast
his kitchenette to the bathroo( that )as set into the a*art(ent :2st before his s(a00 bedroo(.
;0ickin+ on the 0i+ht he stood before the (irror and *0aced his face c0ose so he co20d fina00y
st2dy the tattoo that he kne) (2st be the ca2se of a00 that had ha**ened to hi( recent0y.
Nothin+ 0ooked o2t at hi( fro( )ithin the de*ths of the (irror. Nothin+ other than the
+ri(y3 soi0ed c0othin+ he )ore.
;or the briefest of (o(ents he stood transfi?ed by the 0ack of ref0ection he cast. F!hat the
f2ck>H is eyes sD2inted. Then )idened in horror e1en as he backed a)ay fro( the (irror3 strikin+
the )a00 o**osite the sink a0(ost instant0y3 since this bathroo(3 0ike the rest of this a*art(ent he
rented3 )as too s(a00 to a00o) any (ore (o1e(ent than that.
The to)e0 rack *ressed into the s(a00 of his back. e (o1ed a)ay fro( it3 0ookin+ do)n at
his hands as tho2+h to reass2re hi(se0f that he did sti00 e?ist3 that the 0ack of ref0ection )asnGt d2e
to his ha1in+ ceased to be 0i1in+ in this 0ife.
is hands and ar(s )ere yet attached to the rest of his body= the soi0ed c0othes that had
sho)n in the (irror yet co1ered the(. e (o1ed back in front of the (irror3 ho*in+ the res20ts
)o20d be different this ti(e. They )erenGt. Nothin+ stared back at hi( other than his soi0ed
c0othin+. Or to be (ore acc2rate3 he stared at nothin+ in the (irror other than his c0othin+. is face3
hair and bare ar(s beneath the short9s0ee1ed shirt fai0ed to re+ister )ithin the si01er9backed (irror
that set in the )a00 abo1e his bathroo( sink.
is hands )ent to the b2ttons of his shirt and ri**ed the( o*en. No fin+ers sho)ed in the
(irror as the shirt ri**ed (ysterio2s0y o*en3 as tho2+h by its o)n *o)er. No f0esh re1ea0ed itse0f to
the si01ery (irror3 tho2+h the (ateria0 of the c0othin+ h2n+ 0i(*0y back at hi(.
St2(b0in+ in fear fro( the bathroo(3 Nic (o1ed into the short ha00)ay3 then back o2t into
the kitchenette70i1in+ roo( co(bo. e cast his eyes abo2t for anythin+ that (i+ht ho0d a ref0ecti1e
s2rface. They fe00 2*on the toaster that )as cra((ed in bet)een his dri* coffee (aker and the
sto1e. Brabbin+ ho0d of it he he0d it 2* in front of his face. A distorted i(a+e stared back at hi(
fro( the d2003 thin (eta00ic side.
!hy sho20d this toaster ref0ect his a**earance )hen the (irror hadnGt> e t2rned his head
side)ays and e?a(ined the tattoo as best he co20d.
An i(itation feathery *attern dis*0ayed itse0f across his face fro( :2st abo1e his 0eft eye to a
*oint a0(ost to2chin+ the :a)90ine of his face. e co2nted the feathers and fo2nd there )ere se1en
of 1ario2s si8es that co(*rised the tattoo. The ones at the to* abo1e his eye and c0osest to his nose
)ere the s(a00est3 )hi0e those r2nnin+ a00 the )ay across his cheek and do)n to)ard his 0eft :a)
0ine )ere the 0ar+est. They c2r1ed do)n)ard )ith the D2i00s connectin+ to+ether on his forehead.
The ti*s of each feather )ere b0ack )ith +ray shadin+ in 1ario2s *0aces on each feather.
Fo) the..>H e sti00 co20dnGt 2nderstand ho) this tattoo had co(e to be on his face or )hy
it sho20d be there3 since he had no reco00ection at a00 of +ettin+ it *0aced there. And then there )ere
the chan+es to hi( he )as sti00 2nab0e to e?*0ain. e co20dnGt fatho( any (anner in )hich this
desi+n (ade in ink co20d *ossib0y ha1e ca2sed s2ch odd0y *0easin+ K and horrifyin+ K chan+es
)ithin his bein+.
e si+hed hea1i0y3 starin+ at the distorted i(a+e of hi(se0f )ithin the toaster he yet he0d.
Shakin+ his head he then nodded in 2nderstandin+. There )as no other e?*0anation for )hat )as
ha**enin+ to hi(. As i(*ossib0e as it see(ed3 as horrifyin+ as it see(ed3 Nic Draca kne) there
)as on0y one e?*0anation that fit the facts as he kne) the( at this *oint.
I+norin+ the tattoo on his face he s*read his 0i*s back and e?a(ined the no) 0on+er canines
on each side of his 2**er teeth. They )ere not on0y 0on+er3 b2t (2ch shar*er than he had e1er seen
the( before.
FCa(*ire3H the so0itary )ord bare0y hissed fro( bet)een his 0i*s. It )as the on0y )ord in
his 1ocab20ary that fit )hat he had seen K and done K this ni+ht. e stared at the shar* canines once
(ore in the side of the toaster3 then s0a((ed the a**0iance do)n on the co2nter and backed D2ick0y
a)ay as tho2+h it (i+ht s2dden0y bite hi(.
e co20dnGt be a 1a(*ire. S2ch creat2res didnGt e?ist. Not in rea0ity they didnGt. They )ere
(ytho0o+ica0. ;airy ta0es. Ca(*ires )ere the thin+s of 0e+ends. Of horror (o1ies and stories.
;antasies to scare those )ho en:oyed bein+ scared. Nothin+ (ore and certain0y not rea0.
is hands )ent 2* to his (o2th. e fe0t the fan+s that yet st2ck o2t there.
FCa(*ire. IG( a 1a(*ire3H he )his*ered to hi(se0f.
e then +0anced o1er to the s2bd2ed 0i+ht that fi0tered thro2+h the dra)n shade on the
)indo) and rea0i8ed the (ornin+ S2n )as :2st be+innin+ to rise 2* in the eastern sky. !itho2t
thinkin+ he (o1ed to it and *200ed do)n3 a00o)in+ the shade to be dra)n 2*)ard as he re0eased his
ho0d on it.
The bri+ht 0i+ht that bathed hi( ca2sed Nic Draca to sc2tt0e back in *ain. e 0ooked do)n
at the 1a*or of )hat a**eared to be stea( K or *erha*s s(oke K )aftin+ 2* fro( his s(o0derin+
f0esh. e D2ick0y (o1ed as far a)ay fro( the s2n0i+ht *o2rin+ in *ast the o*en shade as he )as
ab0e3 then darted do)n the short ha00 to his bedroo(.
;ort2nate0y he a0)ays ke*t not on0y the shade3 b2t the dra*es3 c0osed in his bedroo(. That
)ay the (ornin+ S2n )o20dnGt )ake hi( on days he didnGt )ork.
!ork. o) )as he s2**osed to )ork )hen he co20dnGt +o o2t into the S2n> Branted he
)orked inside3 b2t he sti00 had to 1ent2re o2t into the S2n in order to +et to9and9fro( his :ob. !hat
)as he s2**osed to do to earn a 0i1in+ no)>
The abs2rdity of his tho2+hts ca(e to hi(. e be+an 0a2+hin+ and shakin+ his head. ere
he had so(eho) beco(e *art of those heGd a0)ays ter(ed 2ndead and be0ie1ed to be (ere +othic
fantasy3 and he )as concerned )ith as si(*0e a thin+ as )orkin+. Co20d there be anythin+ (ore
02dicro2s than that>
Dro**in+ to his bed he 0ay on his back starin+ at the cei0in+3 thinkin+ back thro2+h a00 the
e1ents of the *ast ni+ht3 ho*in+ to catch a +0i(*se of anythin+ that (i+ht e?*0ain )hat had
ha**ened to hi(. Nothin+ see(ed 0ike0y to shed any 0i+ht on his c2rrent sit2ation.
The 2nintended *2n ca2sed hi( to ch2ck0e once (ore. Li+ht )o20d ne1er a+ain be ab0e to
shed itse0f 2*on hi(. Not s2n0i+ht3 at 0east. And he did en:oy s2nnin+ hi(se0f )hene1er he )as
ab0e3 (ost0y on the roof of this 1ery a*art(ent b2i0din+3 b2t so(eti(es on the beach near one of the
(any ri1ers or in0ets that *er(eated this area of the Breat North)est each s2((er3 +ettin+ )hat
0itt0e tan he co20d before the dreary3 re0ati1e0y s2n0ess )inters sett0ed in 2* here in this re+ion of the
co2ntry.
e scanned his ar(s once (ore3 b2t this ti(e in order to st2dy the (edi2(9dark tan he yet
had fro( this *ast s2((er. !o20d it fade in ti(e as he contin2ed to re(ain o2t of the S2n> Or
)o20d it fore1er be e?act0y as it )as at this (o(ent>
eGd a0)ays heard it e?*0ained in 1a(*ire stories that once a *erson )as t2rned into a
1a(*ire he re(ained e?act0y as he )as at the ti(e of his t2rnin+.
Is that ho) it )o20d be for hi(> !o20d his skin a0)ays be e?act0y as tan as it )as at this
(o(ent> If so3 at 0east he )o20dnGt ha1e a death0y *a0e skin that re1ea0ed hi(se0f to e1eryone )ho
(et hi( as one of the 2ndead. Or )o20d his f0esh yet *a0e in ti(e3 beco(in+ 0ike the 1a(*ires of
so(e stories he kne)3 cha0k9)hite3 china9do00 co(*0e?ions that to0d e1eryone aro2nd they )ere
decided0y not *art of the 0i1in+ in this )or0d>
Once (ore his fin+ers f0e) to his face as he traced the feathery *attern across his cheek.
This tattoo )o20d fore1er be e1ident on his face. e )as doo(ed to s*end a00 of eternity )ith this
2ne?*ected and 2n)anted desi+n sho)in+ itse0f to the entire )or0d.
That )as not at a00 cond2ci1e to 0i1in+ a 0ife of anony(ity the )ay he tho2+ht of 1a(*ires
as 0i1in+.
Li1in+. Life. Those )ere )ords he )o20d ha1e to e?cise fro( his 1ocab20ary. At 0east as
they a**0ied to hi(se0f. e )as no 0on+er a0i1e. e had no 0ife. Mere0y an e?istence.
Sittin+ 2* on the side of his bed he r2bbed his hands across his face. !hat cr2e0 t)ist of fate
)o20d not on0y (ake hi( into a 1a(*ire3 b2t ca2se hi( to be (arked )ith a tattoo so ob1io2s as to
(ake hi( hi+h0y noticeab0e to e1eryone aro2nd>
!as that the *oint of his tattoo> ad it been *0aced there in order to (ark hi( as )hat he
no) )as> If so3 by )ho(> The one )ho had so cr2e00y chan+ed hi( into )hat he )as no) or
so(eone e0se3 so(eone )ho had co(e a0on+ after)ard and c0ear0y 2nderstood )hat fo20 thin+ of
the 2nder)or0d he had recent0y beco(e>
e stood to his feet and be+an to *ace the s(a00 roo(. So(eone had de0iberate0y (arked
hi( )ith this desi+n. e co20dnGt reca00 +ettin+ it 1o02ntari0y3 so it had to ha1e been *0aced there by
so(eone e0se for )hate1er reason. And if he K as a 1a(*ire K )as to fore1er a**ear e?act0y as he
did at the (o(ent of bein+ (ade into a creat2re of the 2ndead3 )o20dnGt that necessari0y (ean that
the tattoo had been car1ed into his f0esh before heGd been chan+ed> S2re. That (ade *erfect sense.
Other)ise his face )o20d a0ready be erasin+ the ink desi+n that had been (ysterio2s0y *0aced there3
)o20dnGt it> So ho) had the one )ho tattooed hi( kno)n he )as abo2t to beco(e a 1a(*ire>
A+ain 9 co20d that *erson ha1e been the one )ho (ade hi( into a 1a(*ire> If so K )hy>
!hat *ossib0e reason co20d his K sire K he reca00ed the ter( fro( e1ery book heGd e1er read or
horror (o1ie heGd e1er )atched on the s2b:ect K ha1e for (arkin+ hi( this )ay before t2rnin+ hi(
into )hat he no) )as> !asnGt a sire s2**osed to n2rt2re a ne)0y9t2rned 1a(*ire> !asnGt a sire
res*onsib0e for ens2rin+ a f0ed+0in+ 1a(*ireGs s2r1i1a0 as one of the 2ndead in the )or0d of the
0i1in+> !asnGt there s2**osed to be so(e for( of 1a(*iric +o1ern(ent that r20ed e1erythin+
ha1in+ to do )ith 1a(*ires and enforced s2ch r20es as sires no2rishin+ their ne)0y9t2rned
f0ed+0in+s>
!hether it )as the *rocess of thinkin+ so hard on )hat had ha**ened to hi( or the fact of it
beco(in+ day0i+ht3 Nic fo2nd he )as s2dden0y e?ha2sted. is eye0ids f02ttered se1era0 ti(es :2st
before c0osin+ co(*0ete0y. e had :2st eno2+h ti(e to ret2rn to his bed before co00a*sin+ into
2nconscio2sness.
!hen he a)oke it )as dark o2tside. The b0inds and dra*es )ere yet c0osed3 yet so(eho) he
instincti1e0y kne) it )as no) e1enin+ and the S2n had 0o)ered itse0f do)n beyond the )estern
hori8on no) so(e)here *assed Ja*an3 )hich )as as near0y d2e9)est fro( his 0ocation as any
co2ntry co20d be. ;or a)hi0e he 0ay )here he )as on his bed3 2n)i00in+ to (o1e. There )as too
(2ch at stake here to 0ea1e this a*art(ent :2st yet.
Once (ore he *0ayed o1er the e1ents of the *re1io2s ni+ht in his (ind3 reca00in+ 1i1id0y a00
the (e(ories since )akin+ in that *2dd0e in the a00ey. The sin+20ar )ord 1a(*ire3 a0on+ )ith an
i(a+e of hi(se0f )ith his 0i*s bared back3 re1ea0in+ his fan+s and sinkin+ the( into the throats of
his 1icti(s3 contin2o2s0y *0ayin+ itse0f thro2+h his (ind as an end0ess90oo* ree0 fro( a horror
(o1ie.
Did he ha1e any ri+ht to 0ea1e this a*art(ent and 1ent2re o2t in search of ne) *rey> !asnGt
it (ore than (ere0y i00e+a0> !asnGt it into0erab0y i((ora0 for hi( to choose his o)n contin2ed
e?istence as a beast fro( the *its of e00 at the *rice of the 0i1es of those he )o20d need to feed off>
o) co20d he (ake s2ch a decision> !o20dnGt it be better to si(*0y +o 2* onto the roof of this
b2i0din+ and )ait 2nti0 (ornin+ so the risin+ S2n co20d bathe hi( in its radiance> !o20dnGt he then
be incinerated> %2rned co(*0ete0y to a cris*3 0ea1in+ on0y a s(a00 hea* of ash resid2e behind as
e1idence that he had e1er e?isted at a00>
&eah3 that see(ed the *ro*er choice for hi( to (ake3 e1en if he hi(se0f )asnGt the one at
fa20t for the condition he no) fo2nd hi(se0f st2ck in.
Sittin+ 2* on the ed+e of his bed3 Nic 0ooked aro2nd his roo(. There )as 1ery 0itt0e here to
s*eak o2t concernin+ his 0ife. No acco(*0ish(ents. No a)ards or tro*hies. No *ict2res fro( s*orts
tea(s. Not e1en his hi+h schoo0 di*0o(a3 )hich heGd 0eft )ith his (other )hen heGd (o1ed o2t on
his o)n a fe) short years back. !hat +ood )o20d it do hi(>
Shakin+ his head in 0a(entation of s2ch a 0ife 1oid of acco(*0ish(ents3 he stood and be+an
to stri* off the soi0ed c0othin+ heGd been )earin+ since the *re1io2s ni+ht )hen heGd )oken in the
*2dd0e. If he )as +oin+ to (ake the s2*re(e sacrifice and end his sorry e?istence3 the 0east he
co20d do )as to sho)er and *2t on c0ean c0othes.
e snorted in derision of hi(se0f. o) 02dicro2s to care ho) he )as dressed )hen the S2n
ca(e 2* and ca2sed hi( to b2rst into f0a(es.
Ste**in+ o2t of his :eans and dro**in+ his briefs to the f0oor3 Nic )a0ked the fe) feet fro(
his bedroo( door to the bathroo( door in the short ha00)ay. P2shin+ aside the *ebb0ed ye00o)
+0ass doors he reached )ithin the sta00 and t2rned on the hot )ater3 then added so(e co0d to te(*er
the heat. e +rinned once (ore. !o20d *2re hot )ater sca0d hi( in this for(> !o20d ice9co0d
)ater free8e hi(> Once (ore shakin+ his head he ste**ed )ithin the sta00 and dre) the +0ass door
c0osed. "e+ard0ess of his abi0ity to resist e?tre(es in heat and co0d in this state3 he decided to stick
to habits heGd for(ed thro2+ho2t his 0ife and take a hot sho)er3 scr2bbin+ the fi0th fro( his f0esh.
After)ards3 dryin+ hi(se0f3 he )a0ked naked into his 0i1in+ roo( and o*ened the )indo).
Leanin+ on the )indo) fra(e he *oked his head o2tside and stared 2*9and9do)n the near0y e(*ty
street. The ni+ht )as co0d3 b2t at 0east it didnGt a**ear as tho2+h it )as +oin+ to be rainin+ toni+ht
as it had 0ast ni+ht. In fact3 the )eather see(ed to be chan+in+ so that the ni+ht (i+ht be sho)in+ a
0itt0e frostiness. At 0east it )asnGt sno). As (2ch as heGd en:oyed sno) as a chi0d3 he no 0on+er
cared for the )hite3 f02ffy s2bstance3 (ere0y beca2se it (ade tra1e0in+ to )ork and e1ery)here e0se
he 0iked to +o so (2ch (ore diffic20t.
P200in+ his head back in he 0o)ered the )indo) and sh2t the c2rtains. !hy3 he )asnGt at a00
s2re3 since he )as *0annin+ on endin+ his e?istence in the (ornin+.
Startin+ to (o1e back to)ard his bedroo( to se0ect the a**ro*riate c0othes for his 0ast ni+ht
on #arth3 Nic sto**ed and s(i0ed at hi(se0f. e then thre) back his head and re0eased a 0o2d3 roar
of 0a2+hter. !hy not head 2* to the roof :2st as he )as no)> !hy bother )ith c0othin+> The
free8in+ )eather )asnGt +oin+ to affect hi(3 and any c0othin+ he )ore )o20d (ere0y b2rn as
D2ick0y as his o)n f0esh3 ri+ht> Or )o20d the c0othes be 0eft behind as a re(inder of ho) e(*ty his
short 0ife had been>
O*enin+ the door to his a*art(ent he +0anced both )ays a0on+ the ha00. No one *resent at
the (o(ent3 b2t )hat if so(eone )a0ked o2t of their a*art(ent or ca(e 2* the stairs :2st as he )as
headin+ for the door that 0ed to the roof> e didnGt )ant anyone ca00in+ the co*s and ca2sin+ hi( to
end 2* in :ai0. That )o20d r2in his *0ans for the (ornin+ +reetin+ of the S2n and :ai0 )asn6t the
*0ace )here he )anted to s*end his 0ast ni+ht on this #arth.
C0osin+ his door he headed back to his )indo). It )as dark eno2+h o2tside and he )as on
the to* f0oor of his b2i0din+3 so that anyone chancin+ by on the street be0o) )asnGt 0ike0y to 0ook 2*
and see hi( c0i(bin+ fro( the )indo) to the 0ed+e of the roof abo1e hi(. It )o20d take )hat> A
)ho0e fifteen seconds to tra1erse the short distance>
P0acin+ one foot 2* on the 0ed+e Nic *2shed hi(se0f for)ard and 2*)ard3 t2rnin+ as he
(o1ed so that he faced the brick )a00 of the b2i0din+ that had been o0d before e1en his +rand*arents
had been born. is fin+ers reached o2t as he sho1ed 2*)ard3 catchin+ ho0d of the *ara*et that 0ined
the roof. P200in+ his naked body D2ick0y o1er the ed+e3 Nic stood strai+ht 2*3 0eanin+ for)ard and
0ookin+ do)n 2*on the fe) cars and *edestrians that yet tra1e0ed a0on+ on their )ay to their ho(es.
If they on0y kne) a stark9naked 1a(*ire 0oo(ed abo1e the(. e +rinned sardonica00y3 en:oyin+ his
(i0d atte(*t at h2(or.
Nic strode s0o)0y a0on+ the roofto*3 +0ancin+ back9and9forth as tho2+h to reass2re hi(se0f
he )as indeed a0one. !ho e0se )o20d be 2* here this ti(e of year> Perha*s in the s2((er )hen it
)as hot3 s2re3 b2t in this co0d> No3 this )as his do(ain a0one this ni+ht. No one e0se )as insane
eno2+h to be o2t here.
F&o2Gre +oin+ to free8e to death that )ay3H a decided0y fe(inine 1oice stabbed thro2+h the
icy darkness3 ca2sin+ Nic to sto* dead in his tracks3 one foot he0d i((obi0e abo1e the ro2+h
co(*osition (ateria0 of the roof. e +0anced D2ick0y abo2t and noticed a +ir03 a 1ery *retty
br2nette3 as far as he co20d te00 in this darkness3 *erha*s ei+hteen to t)enty or so years o0d3 standin+
on the other side of one of the (any d2cts that e?ited o2t onto the roof K so(e fro( the air9
conditionin+3 others fro( the f2rnace. She )as s0i+ht0y bent o1er so(ethin+ in front of her. !itho2t
(o1in+ f2rther3 Nic craned his neck to see )hat she )as doin+.
FThis is one of the best ti(es of )inter to 0ook at the stars3H she offered of her o)n 1o0ition3
see(in+ to i+nore his condition of nakedness and 0eanin+ for)ard once (ore to *0ace an eye
a+ainst the eye9*iece of the te0esco*e she )as 2sin+.
Nic s0o)0y (o1ed her direction3 (ore ac2te0y a)are of his n2dity no) than he )as before
she had s*oken to hi(. e )asnGt certain ho) she (i+ht react if he (o1ed too D2ick0y. !o20d she
see it as an act of a++ression> !o20d she ca00 o2t for a co*>
A0(ost as tho2+h she )as ca*ab0e of readin+ his tho2+hts3 the +ir0 t2rned his direction once
(ore3 s(i0in+ as she see(ed to be st2dyin+ the entirety of his naked body.
F!o)3 yo2 rea00y ha1e so(e nice3 0ean (2sc0es3 donGt yo2>H She t2rned back to)ard her
star+a8in+ as tho2+h (eetin+ naked (en 2* here )as so (atter9of9fact as to (atter not at a00.
FUh3 yeah I 9 I +2ess so3H )as a00 he fo2nd to say. Maybe he sho20d +o back do)n to his
a*art(ent and +et so(ethin+ on>
FI 0ike the )ay yo2r ni**0es stand o2t erect in the co0d ni+ht air3 b2t not other *arts of yo2r
anato(y3H she offered once (ore3 castin+ yet another brief +0ance his )ay. FLooks 0ike yo2G1e had
*ractice at kee*in+ yo2rse0f 2nder contro03 h2h>H
!as this a co(e9on> !as she attracted to hi(3 or at 0east the abs2rdity of seein+ hi( naked
in s2ch an 2nco((on and 2ne?*ected *0ace at s2ch an 2nco((on ti(e of the year>
F#?c2se (e3H he bare0y (2r(2red3 headin+ back the )ay heGd co(e. FIG00 be ri+ht back.H
!itho2t another tho2+ht he )as o1er the *ara*et and s)in+in+ hi(se0f back inside his o*en
)indo)3 his bare feet 0eadin+ the )ay as his entire body +0ided effort0ess0y thro2+h the o*enin+.
is feet to2ched 0i+ht0y do)n 2*on his )orn3 ratty3 threadbare car*et and he raced to his bedroo(
and *200ed o2t a dark b02e t2rt0eneck s)eater his (other had +i1en hi( a co2*0e of years a+o for
his birthday. eGd ne1er )orn it3 not carin+ (2ch for anythin+ 0ayin+ a+ainst his throat3 b2t it )as
*erfect3 since it )asnGt too )orn3 the )ay (ost of his c0othes )ere. e then s0i**ed on a *air of
)orn :eans )itho2t botherin+ to *2t a *air of briefs on beforehand. e did s0i* on a *air of socks
before :a((in+ his feet into his fa1orite )orn o2t shoes. e co20dnGt stand )earin+ shoes )itho2t
socks3 1a(*ire or not.
Satisfied in ho) he )as dressed3 he )ent back to the roof in the sa(e (anner as before3
fi+2rin+ it (ade no difference no) )hat this +ir0 tho2+ht. SheGd a0ready seen hi( at his )orst K or
best K de*endin+ 2*on her o)n 1ie) of seein+ hi( naked.
earin+ the so2nd of feet 0andin+ on the s*arse0y scattered +ra1e0 of the roof3 the +ir0 t2rned
to see this dark0y9c0ad fi+2re (o1in+ to)ard her.
FAre yo2 the sa(e +2y )ho )as :2st Jstr2ttin+ his st2ff in the b2ffG o2t in the o*en a
(o(ent a+o>H She s(i0ed3 (akin+ Nic fee0 (ore at ease. F&eah3 I can te00 by the rea00y nice0y
tattooed feathers on yo2r face. There canGt be t)o +2ys 02rkin+ Jro2nd the roofto*s here in Seatt0e
)ith that desi+n.
FI donGt kno) )hy yo2 bothered +ettin+ dressed. If the co0d )asnGt botherin+ yo23 yo2r
naked f0esh )asnGt botherin+ (e. !e003 ok3 (aybe a 0itt0e3 b2t not that )ay.H
I+norin+ her re(arks3 Nic )a0ked 2* beside her3 (akin+ certain not to (ake any (o1es that
(i+ht indicate an a++ressi1e beha1ior. FSo yo2 0ike star+a8in+>H
FNo3 IG( :2st tryin+ to see if I can +et the 0i+ht fro( the (oon to tra1e0 do)n this t2be into a
:ar so I can sea0 it off and kee* it for a 0ater date )hen there isnJt any (oon o2t3H she D2i**ed
1a*id0y3 addin+3 FereGs yo2r si+nIH in a s0i+ht so2thern dra)0 that so2nded a009too fa(i0iar to hi(.
Nic +rinned and shook his head s0i+ht0y. FB2ess I deser1e that one3 h2h> Sorry. B2ess the
disco1ery that I )asnGt a0one )hen I e?*ected to be 2nner1ed (e. I )as 0ookin+ for an ice9breaker3
I +2ess.H
FGAn ice9breakerG>H she stood erect and +rinned )ide0y. Nic noticed ho) nice0y ro2nded her
breasts )ere beneath the tan s)eater she )ore3 *2shed to+ether )ith a bra that had to be a F*2sh9
2*H bra3 2n0ess her breasts rea00y )ere so nice and fir( that they *2shed 2* that )ay3 enticin+ a00
the (en )ho sa) the(. e 0iked the effect. FAfter )hat I :2st sa) yo2 needed so(ethin+ to break
the ice> o) (2ch (ore broken can it +et than yo2 str2ttin+ aro2nd naked 2* here in the o*en>H
FOk. To2chL3H he st2ck a hand o2t in +reetin+. FIG( Nic3 and yo2Gre>H
FBettin+ (ore of an eye9f200 than I e?*ected to +et 2* here toni+ht.H She st2ck her hand in
NicGs and *2(*ed 1i+oro2s0y a fe) ti(es. FA0e?is. Or :2st A0e?. My 0itt0e brother3 )hoGs a *ain9in9
the9ass3 ca00s (e A0. DonGt e1en think it.H The +0intin+ +0are fro( her eyes to0d hi( she )as
serio2s.
FNot Le?is>H he 1ent2red a D2ery.
FI tried that in hi+h schoo0. So(e s(art ass :ock on the footba00 tea( decided it )o20d be
f2nny to co((ent on ho) Jnice it )o20d be to Fdri1e a Le?is a00 ni+ht 0on+HG. After I +ot back fro(
a )eekGs s2s*ension no one ca00ed (e that any 0on+er.H
FOk. Bot the *ict2re. A0e? it is.H
F;2nny yo2 chose that deri1ation. Does it (ean yo2Gre (ore into +2ys than +a0s>H She
s(i0ed )ith her 0i*s *2rsed to+ether3 ca2sin+ di(*0es to a**ear at the corners of her 0i*s.
FNo3 I :2st...3H Nic )as f02stered no). !as she thinkin+ he )as +ay> e didnGt )ant that.
FJ2st :erkin+ yo2r chain3 Nic. DonGt +et too serio2s on (e. Not after sho)in+ off a00 yo2r
+or+eo2s0y fashioned hard)are in f200 fronta03 1ie).H
e 0o)ered his head3 thinkin+ he (2st be b02shin+3 and then )ondered if he co20d b02sh
any 0on+er. Did 1a(*ires b02sh> FSorry. IG00 try not to be too serio2s. B0ad yo2 0iked the i(*ro(*t2
sho). !asnGt intentiona0. Is this o2tfit a00 ri+ht>H
FItJs fine. Liked the other one better3H A0e?is stated f0at0y3 bendin+ back to her te0esco*e.
Nic co20dnGt he0* b2t notice her )e009ro2nded ass as she *2shed it o2t f2rther than he )as certain
she act2a00y needed in that *osition. FKno) anythin+ abo2t astrono(y>H
FJ2st that I donGt be0ie1e the stars can deter(ine a *ersonGs 0ife3H he ans)ered f0at0y.
A0e?is stood strai+ht and raised a cocked eyebro) his )ay3 shakin+ her head.
FThatGs astro0o+y3 not astrono(y3 and I donGt either.H
F&o2 donGt either )hat>H
FI donGt be0ie1e in astro0o+y3 either. Astrono(y I be0ie1e in )ho0ehearted0y. Lookin+ at the
stars o2t there in the 1astness of s*ace fascinates (e.H She see(ed to sco2r the 0en+th of his body
)ith her eyes before *0acin+ the( a+ainst the te0esco*eGs 0ens once (ore. FA0(ost as (2ch as the
hea1en0y body I )itnessed behind (e the first ti(e yo2 ca(e 2* here toni+ht.H
FOk3 thatGs at 0east the third co(e9on IG1e heard fro( yo2 toni+ht. Are those intentiona03 or
are yo2 :2st *rone to stickin+ yo2r foot in yo2r (o2th the sa(e )ay I a(>H
FOh3 itGs not (y foot I )anted to stick in (y (o2th )hen I 0ooked back and sa) yo2r
han+in+9dan+0y9thin+y s)in+in+ aro2nd a00 free and c0ear a 0itt0e bit back.H A0e?is stood 2* strai+ht
and (o1ed c0oser to Nic. e tho2+ht for a (o(ent he co20d fee0 his heartbeat D2icken3 then
co20dnGt reca00 if he e1en had a heartbeat any 0on+er. ad he fe0t it beatin+ since he6d )oken 2* in
that a00ey 0ast ni+ht> e tried concentratin+ on it3 b2t her c0oseness3 her *ro?i(ity at this (o(ent3
her *erf2(e K no K he inha0ed dee*0y3 his eyes c0osin+ in concentration 9 she )asnGt )earin+ any
*erf2(e K ok3 her scent )as into?icatin+.
A0e?is *0aced a hand 2*on his chest and 0eaned c0oser. No) he co20d fee0 his heartbeat3 and
it definite0y )as beatin+ faster )ith her this 2*9c0ose and *ersona0.
The tho2+ht of his heartbeat ca2sed hi( to reca00 )hy it )as he had co(e 2* to the roof in
the first *0ace. e had intended on endin+ his 0ife K e?istence K co(e (ornin+. No) here he )as
)ith a yo2n+3 1ery hot and se?y3 br2nette co(in+ on to hi( the )ay no other +ir0 had e1er tho2+ht
of a00 his 0ife.
!as this :2st one (ore e?a(*0e of ho) fick0e and 2nre0entin+ fate co20d be3 to take a)ay
his 0ife and h2(anity and at the sa(e ti(e brin+ a *ossib0e 0o1e interest into it> o) (ore scre)ed
2* co20d anythin+ +et>
FSo3 :2st )hat )ere yo2 doin+ *rancin+ aro2nd 2* here )itho2t a stitch of c0othin+ on in the
(idd0e of a2t2(n> DonGt yo2 kno) thatGs the best )ay to +et frostbite> Or (aybe yo2 think yo2Gre
i((2ne to free8in+ te(*erat2res>H Once (ore her eyebro) )as arched in a D2i88ica0 (anner. e
noticed for the first ti(e that she had the (ost intense0y +reen eyes heGd e1er seen. Maybe it )as
:2st ho) he )as seein+ the( )ith his enhanced 1ision3 b2t they a0(ost see(ed to be s*ark0in+3
+0i((erin+3 as tho2+h there )as a hidden *o)er beneath her eyes that ca2sed the( to s*ark0e as no
other eyes *ossib0y co20d.
FU(3 yeah3 )e003 I a( kind of resistant to co0d )eather3H Nic fina00y (ana+ed to (2tter
thro2+h 0i*s he )as tryin+ to kee* c0osed as (2ch as *ossib0e3 no) that she )as direct0y facin+ hi(
c0ose eno2+h that if he )asnGt caref20 she (i+ht notice his 0en+thened canines.
FAnd are yo2 a0so a card9carryin+ (e(ber of The Nat2rist Society>H she D2i**ed
cheerf200y3 c0osin+ the +a* bet)een the(.
FA )hat>H Nic )as e1en (ore conf2sed no).
FA card9carryin+ (e(ber of The Nat2rist Society. ItGs one of the nationa0 (e(bershi*s
he0d by *eo*0e in A(erica )ho are *racticin+ nat2rists or n2dists. &o2G1e ne1er heard of it>H
FUh3 no3 I canGt say that I ha1e. Are yo2 one>H
F&2*. A00 (y 0ife. !e003 (y *arents )ere (e(bers since before I )as born3 and then I
beca(e one )hen I t2rned ei+hteen3 )hich )as fi1e years a+o3 :2st in case yo2 )ere )onderin+ if I
)as 0e+a0 or not. %een one e1er since and en:oy the he00 o2t of it3 since a00 the n2dist c02bs across
A(erica a0)ays ha1e 0ots (ore (a0e (e(bers than fe(a0e. That (eans )here1er I tra1e0 thereGs
a0)ays a c02b )i00in+ to a00o) (e free access on a 0i(ited basis3 kno)in+ that the *resence of a
n2bi0e3 yo2n+3 fe(a0e as bea2tif20 as I a( )i00 2ndo2bted0y attract others.
FIt )orks D2ite )e003 and I ne1er ha1e to b2y (y o)n dinner or drinks.H
Nic knitted his bro)s to+ether as he tho2+ht this o1er. F!o)3 not st2ck on yo2rse0f at a003
are yo2> So2nds to (e 0ike yo2Gre D2ite a1aricio2s3 at 0east )here (enGs attentions are concerned.H
FBet off it3H she a0(ost see(ed irritated no). FMen of a00 a+es 0o1e thro)in+ (oney aro2nd
on *retty +ir0s3 as 0on+ as they think thereGs a +ood chance of +ettin+ se? o2t of it. "i+ht> !hy
sho20dnGt an enter*risin+ yo2n+ )o(an 0ike (e take ad1anta+e of s2ch )i00in+ness fro( those
sa(e (en to +a(b0e their riches on a chance to +et (e into bed>H
Fey3 090ook3 A0e?is3H Nic fo2nd hi(se0f st2tterin+ in a )ay heGd ne1er done before3
FMaybe )e sho20d start o1er. I )asnGt tryin+ to offend yo2. A00 I (eant )as that yo2 see( to kno)
)hat yo2 )ant and ho) to +o abo2t +ettin+ it. B2ess I :2st didn6t say it the )ay I intended.E
er sho20ders re0a?ed and facia0 feat2res s(oothed o2t. FI +2ess. Sorry. Anyti(e I ha1e a
(an co(e on to (e and not +i1e hi( )hat he thinks he deser1es3 I a0)ays find (yse0f defendin+
(y decision not to ha1e se? )ith hi(. After a003 ha1in+ se? isnGt necessari0y a +i1en :2st beca2se a
(an b2ys dinner and drinks. I (ean3 itJs 0ike *0ayin+ the 0ottery or sittin+ do)n at a tab0e or s0ot
(achine in Ce+as3 ri+ht> J&o2 *ays yo2r (oney3 yo2 takes yo2r chances3G as (y dad a0)ays said.H
FU(3 no3 I +2ess not.H
F2h3 (eanin+ yo2 think so3 too.H She snorted3 fo0din+ her ar(s o1er her breasts and
t2rnin+ back to *eer into the eye*iece of the te0esco*e3 i+norin+ the (an ne?t to her.
F!ait9a9(in2te3H he e?c0ai(ed. FA00 I did )as co(e 2* here to be a0one K to try and reso01e
so(e *ersona0 iss2es. o) co(e I ended 2* bein+ the Jbad +2yG to so(eone I :2st (et> And for
yo2r infor(ation3 no3 I donGt think se? is a +i1en )here dinner and drinks are concerned3 b2t
re(e(ber ho) yo2Gre the one )ho ca(e on to (e )hen )e first (et. More than once.H
A0e?is re(ained *oised o1er her sco*e a (o(ent or t)o 0on+er before once (ore
strai+htenin+ 2* to face hi(.
FOk3 I +2ess yo2Gre ri+ht. I did co(e on to yo2. I 0iked the )ay yo2 0ooked K es*ecia00y sans
c0othin+ K and the )ay yo2 see(ed to be bra1in+ the North)est c0i(ate. I tho2+ht it )as K hot K if
not an o2tri+ht t2rn9on.H
F&o2 (ean3 yo2 +ot t2rned on seein+ (e Jstr2ttin+ (y st2ffG3 as yo2 ter(ed it.H Nic )as the
one +rinnin+ no).
F!e003 yeah. I +ot an 2ne?*ected hot f0ash fro( seein+ yo2 in9the9b2ff3 as nat2rists tend to
ca00 bein+ n2de.H
F!hich (eans in 0ay(anGs ter(s3 yo2 +ot horny>H Nic +rinned so broad0y no) he for+ot to
hide his teeth. They f0ashed forth in the (oon0i+ht so that A0e?is co20dnGt he0* b2t notice.
F!o). &o2G1e +ot +reat fan+s3H she D2i**ed3 (o1in+ in to e?a(ine the( (ore c0ose0y. Nic
i((ediate0y c0a(*ed his 0i*s ti+ht0y to+ether and took an in1o02ntary ste* back fro( her.
FOh.H A0e?is sto**ed short. FI +2ess (y i(*20si1eness +ot the better of (e a+ain. Sorry. I
hadnGt tho2+ht abo2t yo2 (aybe bein+ sensiti1e abo2t yo2r teeth. B2ess yo2 *robab0y +ot teased
abo2t the( a 0ot )hen yo2 )ere a kid3 h2h> &o2r *arents ne1er heard of Orthodontics>H
e shr2++ed his sho20ders3 not s2re ho) to broach a s2b:ect 0ike this. e hadnGt considered
ta0kin+ abo2t it to anyone and )as ca2+ht (ore than a 0itt0e off9+2ard.
is reticence ca2sed A0e?is to beco(e (ore contrite o1er her o1erbearin+ for)ardness.
FSorry3 Nic. IG( not teasin+ yo2 or (akin+ f2n of yo2. I :2st tho2+ht it )as kind of coo0 that yo2
had3 2(3 )e003 fan+s3 yGkno)> Not too (any *eo*0e do3 ri+ht> Certain0y not as *rono2nced as yo2rs
are. I 0ike the(. They kind of +i1e (e +oose b2(*s and t2rn (e on a00 at the sa(e ti(e.H
FNo3 I +2ess there arenGt too (any *eo*0e )ho ha1e teeth 0ike (ine3H he si+hed s0i+ht0y3
tryin+ to kee* his 0i*s (ost0y to+ether.
FDonGt be se0f9conscio2s aro2nd (e abo2t it3 *0ease>H A0e?is fo2nd herse0f a0(ost be++in+.
F!e )ere startin+ to +et a0on+ so )e00 and then I o*ened (y (o2th and inserted (y foot3 :2st 0ike
yo2 i(*0ied ear0ier.H A s0y +rin s*read across her face and she +0anced do)n to)ard his +roin. F%2t
as I said then3 I )o20dnGt (ind insertin+ so(ethin+ e0se inside (y (o2th. Anyti(e yo2Gd 0ike3 too3
Nic. Bot a hot date *0anned toni+ht>H
The abs2rdity of )hat )as ha**enin+ +ot the better of hi(. e for+ot hi(se0f in her
*resence and fo2nd hi(se0f +rinnin+ once (ore3 no 0on+er carin+ that his fan+s sho)ed.
FThatGs so (2ch better.H A0e?is (o1ed 2* to hi( and *0aced her hands 0i+ht0y aro2nd his
)aist3 *200in+ hi( a+ainst herse0f. e )as s2r*rised to find she )as a0(ost as ta00 as he )as3 her
eyes starin+ strai+ht into his (o2th )itho2t her ha1in+ to ti0t her head either 2* or do)n.
FM(((3 nice *ear0y9)hiteGs yo2 +ot there3 Nic. &o2 )onJt be0ie1e the fantasies theyJre
+i1in+ (e ri+ht no). ;antasies I )o20dnJt (ind *0ayin+ o2t )ith yo23 either.H !itho2t hesitation3
A0e?is *ressed her 0i*s a+ainst his3 forcin+ her ton+2e bet)een his teeth in search of his o)n.
Nic re0a?ed the tension inside hi( and res*onded to her ad1ances3 his o)n ton+2e ro00in+
aro2nd inside his (o2th3 as tho2+h )rest0in+ )ith hers3 then inside of hers3 inti(ate0y e?*0orin+
this ne) *erson so )i00in+0y t2rnin+ hi( on and bein+ t2rned on by hi(.
e (o1ed his face a)ay fro( hers3 *0acin+ tender3 hot kisses a+ainst her throat3 fee0in+ the
*20sation of her b0ood as it *2(*ed its )ay fro( her heart to her brain. e heard her +roan in
res*onse3 her body *ressin+ e1er9(ore ti+ht0y a+ainst his3 one of her 0e+s *ressin+ its knee 2* and
into his +roin3 +ent0y (assa+in+ his a0ready erect (anhood.
A +ro)in+ h2n+er dee* inside hi( s*ran+ forth3 ca2sin+ hi( to s2dden0y *200 back3 fearf20
that he (i+ht res*ond by bitin+ her throat and drinkin+ her b0ood.
She 0ooked )ide9eyed at hi(= c2rio2s as to )hy he had c2t off the ob1io2s0y (2t2a0
attraction they )ere each res*ondin+ to. FDid I do so(ethin+ e0se )ron+>H
FUh3 no3 itGs not yo23 A0e?3H he +0anced ner1o2s0y aro2nd3 searchin+ for the best )ay to e?it
fro( this *otentia00y 1o0ati0e sit2ation. FI3 2h3 :2st ha1e so(e)here I need to be.H
e broke their e(brace and (o1ed D2ick0y back. FP0ease donGt take this the )ron+ )ay3
ok> I rea00y 0ike yo2 and K )ant to finish )hat )e started. No) :2st isnGt the ti(e for it. Ok>
F&o2 0i1e here in this b2i0din+3 ri+ht>H e be+an ed+in+ a)ay fro( her3 their hands bare0y
to2chin+ by their fin+erti*s no). FMaybe yo2 can co(e by (y a*art(ent in say3 an ho2r>H
!itho2t another )ord he darted for the ed+e of the roof on the other side of the b2i0din+3
and do1e off headfirst to)ard the dark a00ey be0o). %y the ti(e A0e?is ran to )here she co20d *eer
o1er into the darkness3 he had 1anished co(*0ete0y fro( si+ht.
;a00in+ head0on+ into the a00ey3 ha1in+ 0ea*ed fro( the roofto* 0ike an idiot )ho )as
serio2s0y intent on s2icide3 )hich he no) rea0i8ed *0easant0y that he )as no 0on+er intent 2*on3 Nic
+rabbed ho0d of the botto( r2n+ of the fire9esca*e :2st before he )o20d ha1e *02n+ed *ast it. is
hands +ri**ed it ti+ht0y3 ca2sin+ the r2sted9iron 0adder to sD2eak as his added )ei+ht a**0ied
do)n)ard *ress2re to it. %efore the 0adder co20d be+in to break free fro( the *osition it had 0ain
inert )ithin for so (any years of non92se3 he had s)2n+ hi(se0f for)ard3 feet9first3 s)in+in+ o2t
to)ard the street. e 0anded on his toes3 his knees bent3 then i((ediate0y s*ran+ for)ard3 s*rintin+
do)n the no) 1acant side)a0k and a)ay fro( the searchin+ eyes of A0e?is3 )ho )as :2st no)
*eerin+ o1er the roofto*.
e ran se1era0 b0ocks before decidin+ it )as safe eno2+h to once (ore take to the roofto*s
as his *ersona0 and *ri1ate hi+h)ay. e hadnGt )anted to 0ea* fro( one roof to the ne?t in f200 si+ht
of this stran+e ne) +ir0 he )as D2ick0y fa00in+ head9o1er9hea0s for. Maybe his a**earin+ for the
first ti(e e1er in front of her tota00y naked hadnGt ca2sed her any a0ar(. Perha*s his facia0 tattoo
hadnGt bothered her any. Certain0y she hadnGt been re*20sed by his 0on+3 shar* canines3 b2t (aybe3
:2st (aybe3 if sheGd )itnessed hi( 0ea*in+ i(*ossib0y a0on+ the roofto*s at breakneck s*eed3 the
)ay he )as doin+ no)3 it :2st (i+ht ha1e freaked her o2t eno2+h to chan+e her (ind abo2t +ettin+
se?2a00y in1o01ed )ith hi(.
e co20d definite0y fee0 his heart beatin+ faster and faster )ithin his chest3 the *20sin+ of his
b0ood a constant throb )ithin his eardr2(s. It )asnGt the e?ertion of his (2sc0es ca2sin+ this ra*id
rate of heartbeat3 he kne) K it )as the tho2+ht of ha1in+ se? )ith s2ch a 1ita00y attracti1e and
se?2a00y ener+i8ed3 bea2tif20 +ir0 0ike A0e?is. e )anted her (ore than heGd e1er )anted anyone
e0se in his entire 0ife.
More e1en than heGd )anted Cictoria Lynn !oodin+ton3 the *retty 0itt0e br2nette heGd first
(et his first day of first +rade. eGd had an instant cr2sh on her and it hadnGt been any easier
findin+ she 0i1ed direct0y 2*stairs fro( hi( in the sa(e a*art(ent b2i0din+. Bood thin+ she had
beco(e friends )ith his sister or he (i+ht ne1er ha1e had an o**ort2nity to +et her into his
a*art(ent. S2re3 heGd on0y been si? years o0d3 b2t heGd beco(e instant0y infat2ated )ith this
b2ddin+ ba00erina )ith the a0ready nice0y9(2sc0ed thi+hs and ca01es fro( her dance c0asses. eGd
hated it )hen her *arents had (o1ed a)ay3 forcin+ her to +o a0on+ )ith the( and breakin+ his then
se1en9year o0d heart.
%2t A0e?is K no) there )as a da2ntin+ bea2ty as rare as rare co20d *ossib0y be. And )ith
abso02te0y no inhibitions )hatsoe1er as far as he co20d te00. She had co(e on to hi(3 not the other
)ay aro2nd. o) (any ti(es had that ha**ened in his short90i1ed 0ife s*an> Mero.
A shar* so2nd of a +2n *ierced his hearin+. e ca(e 2* short3 :2st as he )as abo2t to 0ea*
across yet another a00ey)ay beneath hi(. e fa0tered3 rea0i8in+ he hadnGt been concentratin+ on
0ocatin+ a *rey for toni+ht3 his (ind too ca2+ht 2* in the se?2a0 fore*0ay heGd been so
i(*ro(t2i1e0y in1o01ed in.
Catchin+ hi(se0f as he fe00 into the dank3 s(e00y a00ey3 Nic t2rned his fa00 into a so(ersa20t
and 0anded :2st as he had ear0ier )hen he first ran fro( A0e?is. e *a2sed for a brief (o(ent3 a00
his hei+htened 1a(*iric senses on f200 a0ert stat2s. No second +2nshot so2nded to his hearin+3 b2t
he co20d hear *eo*0e sho2tin+ no)3 so(eone cryin+ K a )o(an 9 as tho2+h in fear of her 0ife K or
*erha*s that of so(eone )ith her K )ho (i+ht be the one shot.
e s*ran+ for)ard3 headin+ that direction3 his senses no) on f2003 his (ind ha1in+ *2shed
a00 tho2+ht of A0e?is do)n dee* for the (o(ent. e )as intent on his *rey K his need to f20fi00 his
h2n+er K and this (i+ht *ossib0y be )hat he needed.
"o2ndin+ the corner a0on+ the street he *200ed 2* short3 bein+ as he )as confronted )ith a
scenario of t)o (en and a )o(an. One (an )as on the +ro2nd. The )o(an )as on her knees3
sobbin+3 ho0din+ onto the (an on the +ro2nd. %oth )ere b0ack3 African9A(ericans3 he re(inded
hi(se0f absent0y. The other (an )as (aybe )hite3 (aybe is*anic K he co20dnGt te00 fro( this
an+0e behind hi(3 yet. e )as the one ho0din+ the s(okin+ +2n3 a0tho2+h the s(oke had 0on+ since
c0eared the barre0. Sti003 the acrid scent of +2n*o)der 0in+ered in the air. Nic inha0ed dee*0y and
ca2+ht the acrid scent *2n+ent0y stin+in+ his nostri0s.
FBi1e (e those f2ckinG dr2+s3 bitchIH the (an )ith the +2n )as screa(in+ 0o2d0y. Nic
didnGt need enhanced hearin+ to *ick his )ords 2*. Anyone a)ake on this entire b0ock co20d hear
hi( *0ain0y. Nic ho*ed there )erenGt too (any *eo*0e a)ake and *ayin+ attention. e needed
*ri1acy for )hat he )as abo2t to do.
Poisin+ hi(se0f 2* on his toes3 Nic ran s)ift0y 2* behind the attacker of these other t)o. e
had heard the sho2ted )ords. e kne) none of the( )ere co(*0ete0y innocent in a00 of this. The
*eo*0e bein+ attacked )ere either dr2+ *2shers or 2sers K at 0east they )ere in *ossession of dr2+s.
The other one K their attacker K )anted )hat they had. No3 there )ere no innocents in this scenario3
:2st the decision in NicGs (ind to take o2t the (ost anta+onistica00y *rota+onist in the scene.
The 0ook on the )o(anGs face (2st ha1e a0erted NicGs 1icti( that so(eone )as behind
hi(. e be+an to (o1e K to t2rn aro2nd K his +2n 0eadin+ the )ay as he t2rned to)ard Nic3 )ho
)as :2st no) reachin+ o2t for the co00ar of the (anGs b0ack :ean :acket. The (an ne1er co(*0eted
his t2rn. The o2tstretched hand +rabbed fir(0y aho0d of the co00ar and s)2n+ the (an do)n to the
side)a0k. The )o(an screa(ed as (2ch )hen NicGs other hand s0a((ed into his 1icti(Gs face as
she had )hen this (an had shot the (an she )as ho0din+ onto. Maybe she :2st 0iked screa(in+.
The *2nch in the face ca2sed the attacker9t2rned91icti( to re0ease his ho0d on his )ea*on.
The +2n c0attered D2ick0y to the concrete3 b2t Nic had the (an 0ifted 2* in both ar(s and )as
s*rin+in+ a)ay fro( the scene before the )ea*on co20d sett0e do)n 2*on the +ro2nd. e had
(o1ed for)ard3 *ast the t)o )hoGd been attacked3 *2ttin+ hi(se0f and his *rey on the backside of
the others. Nic didnGt )ant this )o(an +ettin+ any better 0ook at hi( than she a0ready had.
Dartin+ D2ick0y )ithin the nearest a00ey he s0a((ed his 1icti( a+ainst the nearest )a00. The
i(*act :arred the (anGs teeth and ca2sed b0ood to s*atter fro( the back of his head as a (inor
abrasion res20ted fro( the i(*act.
FThis :2st isnGt yo2r 02cky ni+ht3 is it>H Nic h2ski0y breathed the )ords e1en as he s2nk his
teeth )ithin the (anGs f0esh. is 1icti( had no ti(e to cry o2t in fear or a0ar(. is b0ood f0o)in+
fro( his body and into this stran+erGs (o2th )as too s2dden and astonishin+ an e1ent to a00o) his
brain the ti(e to do anythin+ that (i+ht conscio2s0y assist in his esca*e.
It didnGt take 0on+ for Nic to drain the (anGs body of a00 the necessary f02id that ke*t hi(
a0i1e. !ithin 0ess than a (in2te the body had beco(e a she003 )here once a 0i1in+ bein+ had
resided. No) it )as 0ess than a cor*se.
Nic re0eased his ho0d on the body3 a00o)in+ it to s02(* to the fi0thy +arba+e9stre)n a00ey.
e )i*ed his (o2th )ith the back of his hand3 tho2+h there )as no need to )i*e it. e had not
s*i00ed any b0ood or ca2sed any 1iab0e (ess that necessitated his )i*in+ his (o2th. The action )as
(ere0y a ref0e? fro( )hen heGd been h2(an.
A so2nd fro( the street behind hi( ca2+ht NicGs attention. !itho2t 0ookin+ back to see if
anyone )as headin+ his )ay3 he chose instead to 0ea* 2*)ards3 catchin+ ho0d of the nearest
)indo) 0ed+e )ith the toes of his shoes3 +rabbin+ ho0d of the cre1ices bet)een a co2*0e of bricks
as )e003 *ro*e00in+ hi(se0f f2rther 2*)ard )here he 0anded 2*on the roof of the b2i0din+. !itho2t
another tho2+ht3 he D2ick0y headed off in the direction of the a*art(ent b2i0din+ he 0i1ed in. !here
A0e?is 0i1ed. !here ho*ef200y she )as a)aitin+ his ret2rn.
On0y a fe) (in2tes *assed before he 0ea*ed do)n fro( the roofto* of the b2i0din+ ne?t to
his3 an+0in+ his descent so that he 0anded *erched on his o)n )indo) 0ed+e. eGd 0eft the )indo)
f200y o*en3 so it )as easy eno2+h to *200 hi(se0f in before anyone o2tside K not that heGd noticed
anyone this ti(e of (ornin+ 9 co20d see hi( (akin+ s2ch an a(a8in+ 0ea*.
F&o2 ha1e a )ay of (akin+ the (ost astonishin+ entrances3 donGt yo2>H A0e?is s*oke
cas2a00y3 soft0y3 fro( his 0i1in+ roo(. Start0ed3 Nic cast his eyes abr2*t0y to)ard the so2nd of her
1oice. The 0i+hts had been on )hen heGd 0eft ear0ier. They )ere off no). e hadnGt noticed the
difference. e kne) he had to be (ore caref20 fro( no) on K if he )as +oin+ to contin2e on in this
bi8arre ne) e?istence.
Fo)Gd yo2 +et in here>H e reached o1er and t2rned on the nearest 0a(*3 one of on0y t)o
in this s(a00 roo(. The +ir0 )hoGd been a stran+er not an ho2r before )as sittin+ in his on0y
rec0iner3 a +0ass of )ine he0d in her ri+ht hand. e noted it )as red )ine and she )as s0o)0y3
+ent0y3 s0oshin+ the 0iD2id )ithin the +ob0et3 ca2sin+ it to s)ir0 a0(ost hy*notica00y.
e a0so noted that he didnGt ha1e any )ine in the a*art(ent. She (2st ha1e bro2+ht it fro(
her o)n *0ace.
FCare for so(e>H A0e?is s)eet0y offered the crysta0 +ob0et o2t to)ard her host. FOr is this
the )ron+ ty*e of red 0iD2id for yo2> A0ready had yo2r fi00 toni+ht>H
!hat )as she sayin+ to hi(> Did she kno) )hat he )as> %2t ho) co20d she> TheyGd on0y
:2st (et. S2re3 he had fan+s that sheGd co((ented on3 b2t sheGd see(ed to think heGd a0)ays had
the( K e1en as a chi0d. !hy )o20d she no) ass2(e different0y>
FNot too (any *eo*0e )ho ha1e canines 0ike yo2rs can *200 off the a(a8in+ st2nt yo2 did
)hen yo2 Jf0e)G fro( the roofto* abo1e3 Nic.H She stood fro( the chair and sa2ntered o1er to hi(3
the )ine+0ass sti00 he0d *oised in her hand. FNot that I didnGt a0ready kno) a00 abo2t yo2.H
F!hat>H is (ind )as ree0in+ no). In a fo+. o) co20d she *ossib0y kno) abo2t hi(>
This chan+e had :2st ha**ened. e hadnGt e1en had ti(e to tr20y co(e to ter(s )ith )hat he )as.
Fo)>H the )ord )as bare0y o2t *ast his 0i*s before other )ords entered his (ind. !ords not of
his o)n choosin+.
Not e!ery mortal is as mundane as most. Some of us are uite literally adept at the most
ama"ing feats oursel!es.
Nic b0inked his eyes se1era0 ti(es as he stood (2te0y starin+ at this bea2tif20 yo2n+ +ir0
heGd tho2+ht a (ere innocent bystander )hen heGd (et her. No) he )asnGt so s2re.
FInnocent bystander3 Nic>H A0e?is 0a2+hed so s)eet0y3 so bea2tif200y he fo2nd hi(se0f
bein+ dra)n to her3 enticed by her a002re3 her a**ea0 K (ore than (ere0y se?2a0.
F&o2 are +oin+ to e?*0ain a00 this to (e3 arenGt yo2>H NicGs )ords bare0y 0eft his (o2th
before A0e?is *ressed her 0i*s a+ainst his o)n3 *re1entin+ any f2rther disc2ssion.
Later3 the so0itary )ord *enetrated his (ind e1en as he fe0t her hands ent)ine his neck3
*200in+ hi( (ore fir(0y a+ainst her fir( body. Absent0y K so(e)here far back )ithin the recesses
of his s2bconscio2sness K he )ondered )hat had ha**ened to the )ine+0ass. She hadnGt sto**ed to
set it any)here before *0acin+ both hands aro2nd his neck. So )here )as it>
#ou really are uite the enigma$ Nicolae %raca. Stop thinking and start ra!ishing me. The
way you know you want to.
Nic *icked A0e?is 2* in his ar(s and carried her do)n the short ha00 to his bedroo(3 0ayin+
her caref200y on to* of his bed as tho2+h he feared she (i+ht break if he dro**ed her. She s(i0ed at
his e?a++erated care.
!itho2t another tho2+ht K conscio2s or other)ise K NicGs hands be+an 2ndressin+ this (ost
bea2tif20 +ir0 heGd e1er kno)n3 his 0i*s no) caressin+ her throat K and e1ent2a00y her bare breasts K
)itho2t once fearin+ he (i+ht take a bite o2t of her f0esh. !hat they )ere en+a+ed in to+ether )as
far (ore a**ea0in+ to hi( e1en than +or+in+ hi(se0f on h2(an b0ood. And the sta(ina he fo2nd he
had )hi0e ha1in+ se? )as a(a8in+. Ne1er before had he e1er been ab0e to 0ast this 0on+ before
co(in+. It )as a0(ost 0ike he )as the star of a *orno (o1ie and he fo2nd he )as en:oyin+ it
i((ense0y.
!hen they finished the t)o ne)0y9acD2ainted 0o1ers 0ay side9by9side 2nti0 A0e?is decided
to sn2++0e3 )ra**in+ her 0e+s and ar(s across Nic6s body3 her a(*0e breasts *ressed fir(0y a+ainst
his chest.
e fe0t hi(se0f +ro) hard once (ore. A0e?is fe0t it as )e003 his or+an standin+ strai+ht 2*
and *ressin+ a+ainst the inner thi+h of the 0e+ that )as across his +roin.
EOh3 yo2 rea00y are insatiab0e3 aren6t yo2>E she 0a2+hed3 n2880in+ his throat )ith her o)n
0i*s and takin+ a s(a00 bite.
That set so(ethin+ off inside of Nic6s head3 inside of the *ri(a0 beast he had recent0y
beco(e. More than the se?2a0 stirrin+ he fo2nd do)n in his *2bic re+ion he fe0t another h2n+er
+ro)in+ dee* inside of hi(. A h2n+er that )o20d t2rn 2+0y if he didn6t do so(ethin+ abo2t it.
A0e?is ro00ed her body o1er on to* of his and s0i**ed his sti00 erect or+an bet)een her
thi+hs3 fir(0y seatin+ it inside of her f0esh. She then n2880ed his throat once (ore3 kissin+3 0ickin+3
bitin+ his throat and stirrin+ the dee*er *assion that 0ay )ithin hi(.
Nic6s head *2shed dee*er into his *i00o) e1en as his body arched 2*)ard at his (idriff as
the 1i?en ato* hi( thr2st her hi*s (ore and (ore forcef200y3 their *2bic re+ions (eetin+ to+ether
harder and harder. is heart be+an beatin+ )ith a ferocity3 a tr20y insatiab0e h2n+er he had ne1er
e?*erienced before3 as tho2+h it )anted to 0ea* ri+ht o2t of his chest.
S2dden0y he +rabbed ho0d of A0e?is6 hair and *200ed her back fro( hi(. e stared
(o(entari0y into her 0ar+e3 ro2nd3 fri+htened eyes. ;or a (o(ent she 0ooked e?act0y 0ike the
*ro1erbia0 Edeer in the head0i+htsE he had a0)ays heard abo2t3 tho2+h ne1er seen hi(se0f.
ENic> !hat are yo2 doin+>E she bare0y )his*ered3 sensin+ the desire that )as b2rnin+
)ithin hi(3 the *ri(ordia0 02st of )hat he no) )as beco(in+ (ore than he co20d ho0d back.
ENic3 I...E She didn6t +et the chance to say anythin+ (ore. Nic *200ed her do)n to hi( e1en
as he 0ifted his head to)ard her. is fan+s sank dee* )ithin her throat. is 0i*s fe0t the *20sin+ of
her b0ood as it throbbed thro2+h her carotid artery. e be+an s2ckin+ and that sa(e b0ood be+an
fi00in+ his (o2th3 *o2rin+ do)n his o)n throat 2nti0 it )as +2shin+ faster than any 0iD2id he had
e1er dr2nk before.
A0e?is6 body thrashed as she atte(*ted feeb0y to break free fro( his +ras*3 b2t his ar(s
)ra**ed abo2t her body3 ho0din+ her ti+ht a+ainst his o)n f0esh3 his en+or+ed and enf0a(ed (a0e
or+an yet thr2stin+ )ithin her o)n f0esh 2nti0 he c0i(a?ed3 his seed s*e)in+ inside of this body that
had been so )i00in+ 2nti0 a (o(ent a+o. Soon she sto**ed fi+htin+ a+ainst hi( and 0ay sti00. As sti00
as death.
Once his thirst )as sated Nic *200ed A0e?is a)ay fro( his (o2th. On0y a s(a00 dro* of
b0ood re(ained on her skin )here the t)o ro2nd *iercin+s )ere to sho) any si+n of the br2ta0ity
)ith )hich he had ended her 0ife. A 0ife )hich he had 1ie)ed in e?cr2ciatin+0y ra) detai0 as her
1ery 0ife6s b0ood f0o)ed fro( her into hi(.
is ton+2e snaked for)ard and 0icked that dro* of b0ood a)ay3 0ea1in+ her throat no)
*ristine in its *a0e )hite bea2ty.
Death. o) s*ectac20ar it co20d be.
;or the briefest of (o(ents he (o2rned the fact that her 0ife had been 0ost after +i1in+
herse0f to hi( so )i00in+0y. %2t then3 she had kno)n )hat he )as and had chosen to +i1e herse0f to
hi( of her o)n 1o0ition. Co20d she b0a(e hi( for +i1in+ in to the 02st of his f0esh after a00 she had
a0ready +i1en hi( this ni+ht>
Nic ch2ck0ed soft0y as the th2(b of his ri+ht hand caressed the sti00 f0esh of her throat
before hi(.
Maybe s*endin+ the rest of his 0ife as a 1a(*ire )asn6t +oin+ to be so bad after a00.
$ $ $ $ $
PO!#" #COLUTION
, -./. Jacob M. Drake
Abo1e the city of Chica+o a 0one fi+2re broods. e stands hi+h abo1e !i00is To)er3 the
ta00est b2i0din+ in the city and once the ta00est b2i0din+ in the )or0d.
As he 0ooks do)n 2*on this city that he has ca00ed ho(e for too (any years to e1en be
feasib0e3 this bein+3 (a0e in a**earance3 tho2+h he 0on+ a+o +a1e 2* his h2(anity in order to ha1e
his +reatest )ish f20fi00ed3 his (2sc20ar body3 +0ea(in+0y +o0den in h2e3 +i1in+ hi( the a**earance
as a stat2e of a Breek +od3 s0o)0y descends to the to* of !i00is To)er3 his feet bare0y co(in+ to
rest on the 0ed+e of the *ara*et )hich o1er0ooks !acker Dri1e (any stories be0o).
e contin2es 0ookin+ do)n3 his (e(ory (o1in+ back)ard in ti(e to the day he first +ained
the *o)ers )hich no) i(b2e his bein+3 not si(*0y his body3 b2t his (ind and essence of bein+ 9
his so203 as )e00. It see(ed s2ch a har(0ess thin+ )hen t)enty9t)o year o0d "obby %2rns had been
beaten by t)o th2+s )ho roa(ed the streets of Chica+o3 0ookin+ for those )ho )o20d be
2n*re*ared for the s2dden attack thro2+h )hich these th2+s )o20d rob their 1icti(s. Indeed3 he had
been 2na)are that heGd been fo00o)ed3 2nti0 t)o ro2+h hands +rabbed hi( fro( behind3 thre) hi(
do)n the f0i+ht of stairs )hich 0ed to a s2b)ay t2nne0 )hich had been c0osed in order to affect
e?tensi1e re*airs.
A0tho2+h his body had been se1ere0y beaten he )o20dnGt ha1e be+r2d+ed the th2+s their i009
+otten +ain3 e?ce*t for the fact that they then d2(*ed his broken body do)n an o0d (anho0e that
fed into the (assi1e se)er syste( beneath the city.
The yo2n+ (an heGd been back then fe0t certain he )as soon +oin+ to die in that dank3 dark3
rat9infested *it r2nnin+ )ith )aste se)a+e3 e?ce*t that so(eho) he had br2shed 2* a+ainst an
artifact )hich had been the ho(e of an &frit %'inn3 )hat in other 0an+2a+es )o20d be ca00ed a genie$
freein+ the s2*ernat2ra0 creat2re contract2a00y bo2nd by )hoe1er )as res*onsib0e for a)akenin+ it
fro( its c2rse9ind2ced s02(ber to +rant the +reatest desires of that *ersonGs heart3 2* to fo2r
)ishes3 b2t no (ore.
is (ind a)ash )ith the b0ood )hich )as then see*in+ thro2+h his +ray (atter3 infectin+
his thinkin+ after s2ch a br2ta0 beatin+3 fo00o)ed by bein+ dro**ed no 0ess than se1enty feet before
strikin+ the s02d+e9encr2sted botto( of that se)er3 tho2+ht the (ystica0 creat2re to be nothin+ short
of an ha002cination bro2+ht abo2t as he neared deathGs door3 so he (ade his first )ish3 )hich )as
that his body and (ind both )o20d be co(*0ete0y hea0ed in s2ch a (anner that not on0y )o20d
(ake the( )ho0e once (ore3 b2t that )o20d (ake the( both thereafter co(*0ete0y in120nerab0e to
any and a00 for(s of i00ness3 disease3 1ira03 bacterio0o+ica03 *sychic3 *hysica0 har( of any kind3
(a+ica0 and any other nor(a03 s2*ernat2ra0 or any other force of nat2re of anythin+ e0se in or e1er
*ossib0y bein+ in e?istence.
In short3 he )ished to beco(e i((orta0.
The D:inn +ranted that )ish3 a0tho2+h the battered yo2th yet be0ie1ed he )as (ere0y
e?*eriencin+ a near9death ha002cination.
As his ne?t )ish the yo2th then asked for the *o)er )ithin hi(se0f to brin+ abo2t any and
a00 *o)er of any kind3 be it (a+ica03 (ystica03 of etherea0 for(3 e?tra9terrestria0 ori+in3 that )hich
co20d *ossib0y be constr2cted by science3 or abso02te0y anythin+ at a00 he co20d e1er con:2re 2*
)ithin the i((ense i(a+ination he had a0)ays been b0essed )ith ha1in+.
In short3 he )ished to beco(e a +od.
S2dden0y beco(in+ i(b2ed )ith s2ch *o)er as e1en he )ith a00 his i(a+ination co20d
ne1er ha1e drea(ed of3 this yo2n+ (an tested o2t his ne)fo2nd *o)ers a(idst the stink3 the
se)a+e )aste and the infestation of 1er(in the se)er )as cra)0in+ )ith. e s2r(ised that either he
act2a00y had been i(b2ed )ith a00 that he had reD2ested of this D:inn or he )as e?*eriencin+ the
(ost rea0istic ha002cination of )hich the h2(an (ind co20d e1er concei1e.
The third *ossibi0ity )as that he had a0ready died and this )as the after0ife to )hich he had
been re0e+ated to.
e chose to be0ie1e the first of the *ossibi0ities.
e then 2sed his ne)0y +ained *o)er to e?tricate hi(se0f fro( the se)er3 c0ean hi(se0f 2*3
and +o in search of those )ho had so 2ncere(onio2s0y de*osited hi( )ithin the *0ace )here he
)as s2**osed to ha1e (et his (aker.
At first he had tho2+ht re1en+e )o20d be too +ood for s2ch as these3 b2t his basic instinct
took contro0 of hi( at one *oint and he s*ared the 0i1es of these t)o )ho deser1ed no (ercy fro(
anyone. e (ade on0y one sti*20ation 2*on the( before re0easin+ the( fro( the death that )aited
)ere he to o*en his (i+hty hands and a00o) these th2+s to fa00 the se1era0 (i0es of distance )hich
stood bet)een )here he he0d the( abo1e the city and the hard s2rface of the road be0o). That
condition )as that they (end their )ays and ne1er a+ain e1en consider the cri(ina0 *ath of 0ife. e
infor(ed the( he )o20d be constant0y )atchin+ the( and any de1iation fro( ri+hteo2sness on
their *art )o20d brin+ hi( i((ediate0y to their doors )here he )o20d then (ete o2t their d2e
*2nish(ent.
In a00 the years since then he had on0y needed to re(ind each of the( once.
That a00 took *0ace in the ear0y *art of the t)entieth cent2ry3 d2rin+ the year /NA<. Since
that ti(e this bein+3 this (an9t2rned9+od3 had co((itted hi(se0f to ser1in+ the society into )hich
he had been born. e 2sed his enor(o2s and 2n0i(ited abi0ities for the +ood of a00 (ankind3 sa1in+
the 0i1es of (any h2ndreds of tho2sands3 if not (i00ions o1er the s*an of se1en decades.
The on0y *rob0e( )ith a00 that he had done in *rotectin+ (ankind thro2+ho2t those (any
years )as that he no) )as thoro2+h0y3 co(*0ete0y a0one and bored.
This )as )hy he no) ho1ered o1er the city of his birth and the *0ace of his re9birth K he
needed to (ake a decision as to )hich direction he )o20d +o no) that he had3 as he 1ie)ed his
heroic efforts3 )asted the better *art of a cent2ry.
At first he had tho2+ht the )or0d needed sa1in+3 needed so(eone )ho co20d assist in )ays
that no one e0se 0i1in+ co20d *ossib0y do. !ith his *o)er he had co1ered hi(se0f )ith a 2nifor(
that identified )ho he )as in his +2ise of ne)0y9christened s2*erhero3 sa1ior to the )or0d. !ith this
o2tfit e1eryone soon kne) i((ediate0y )ho it )as )ho s)oo*ed in to resc2e so (any fro(
b2rnin+ b2i0din+s )here no fire(an co20d *ossib0y reach3 to interfere )ith 2n0i(ited n2(bers of
cri(es bein+ co((itted3 fro( si(*0e (2++in+s to bank robberies to (2rders to seria0 ki00in+s a00
the )ay to those terrorists )ho *0otted to ki00 tho2sands if not h2ndreds of tho2sands )ith the *0ans
they (ade in1o01in+ n2c0ear )ea*onry.
As a s2*erhero he had been ecstatic in bein+ ab0e to sa1e 0i1es. e had beco(e o1er:oyed
each and e1ery ti(e so(eone rea0i8ed that beca2se of his interaction3 that *erson )o20d +o on to
0i1e another day3 )o20d not (iss their (ort+a+e *ay(ents3 )o20d not be *2t o2t onto the streets for
0ack of finances3 )o20d breathe one (ore 02n+f20 of air.
A00 of )hat he acco(*0ished +ranted hi( D2ite a heady e?hi0aration. ;or years he doted on
the thankf20ness of those he he0*ed3 2nti0 that one fatef20 day )hen he sa1ed a chi0d fro( a b2rnin+
a*art(ent b2i0din+3 de0i1erin+ the s(a00 +ir0 to her (ore than +ratef20 *arents )ho h2++ed and
kissed her and thanked hi( o1er and o1er a+ain for restorin+ their fa(i0y ha**iness.
So(eho) on that fatef20 day at that e?act (o(ent he rea0i8ed he had no one to ca00 fa(i0y3
ha1in+ been or*haned hi(se0f at the a+e of fo2rteen )hen his (other had died fro( a heart attack3
his father ha1in+ *assed on se1era0 years *rior d2rin+ the hei+ht of the Breat De*ression )hen he
had been attacked and robbed of the fe) do00ars he had he0d3 that he had )orked so hard to earn in
order to *ro1ide for his o)n fa(i0y.
This hero of heroes stood 0ookin+ on as that fa(i0y )as re2nited thro2+h his efforts3 the
e(*tiness and 0one0iness sett0in+ in 2*on hi( as he rea0i8ed that his *o)er ke*t hi( fro( attainin+
)hat he (ost certain0y )o20d ha1e had if not for the fact that he had chosen to beco(e i(b2ed
)ith s2ch *o)er and t2rned it a00 to)ard he0*in+ (ankind.
e no) )ondered if *erha*s he had (ade the )ron+ decision. That *erha*s he sho20d ha1e
asked for 2nto0d )ea0th3 *erha*s fa(e and fort2ne3 not *o)er.
;or a ti(e he *2t aside his 2nifor( for certain *eriods each day3 so(ethin+ he had ne1er
done in a00 his years of sa1in+ others3 si(*0y in order to )a0k abo2t as an ordinary (orta03 )hat he
once had been3 seekin+ o2t so(eone )ith )ho( he (i+ht be ab0e to share his 0ife3 to b2i0d a fa(i0y
and beco(e 0ike those (any he he0*ed.
S2ch ha**iness e02ded hi( and he be+an to )onder if *erha*s the D:inn )hich had +ranted
his )ishes had so(eho) a0so c2rsed hi(.
e then rea0i8ed that )ith a00 the e?cite(ent bro2+ht abo2t thro2+ho2t the years3 )hich at
this ti(e hade been (ore than t)o decades3 brin+in+ hi( into the ear0y *ortion of the /NO.s3 he had
not 2sed his third and fo2rth )ishes. The hero then ca00ed 2*on the D:inn )ho had +ranted his first
t)o )ishes3 )onderin+ if after so 0on+ a ti(e the creat2re )o20d e1en res*ond.
Instant0y the D:inn had indeed a**eared3 e?act0y as it had that first ni+ht in the de*ths of
that dank se)er3 )here a**arent0y its ho(e artifact yet resided.
The hero had asked the creat2re if he had been c2rsed for his (a+nani(o2s 2se of the +ift
he had been +ranted3 tho2+h the D:inn ass2red hi( no s2ch c2rse had been forthco(in+. e then
decided that it (2st be an affect so(eho) fro( an a2ra he *ro:ected3 so(ethin+ )hich *re1ented
others fro( +ro)in+ c0ose to hi( as they 1ie)ed hi( in his *ersona of the (i+htiest bein+ on the
face of the *0anet.
Considerin+ his o*tions he then reD2ested his third )ish3 )hich )as to 0ocate so(eone3 a
)o(an3 )ho )o20d co(e to kno) hi( and 0o1e hi( not for his *o)ers or (i+hty deeds3 b2t for
)ho he hi(se0f )as dee* inside. e )anted so(eone to see *ast the s2rface hero and 1ie) hi( as
he tr20y )as in s*irit3 for(in+ a ro(ance )ith hi( that )o20d end2re thro2+ho2t 0ife.
The D:inn ass2red hi( s2ch )o20d be *0aced into effect )ithin the rea0( )hich +o1erned
the +rantin+ of s2ch )ishes and the D:inn once (ore 1anished3 0ea1in+ the hero to *onder ho) he
)as to +o abo2t 0ocatin+ the one )o(an in a00 the )or0d )ho )o20d fa00 in 0o1e )ith hi( and be
ab0e to 0i1e o2t her 0ife )ith hi(3 +ro)in+ a fa(i0y to+ether.
e decided to once (ore o2tfit hi(se0f in cas2a0 attire as befitted a nor(a0 h2(an of the
ti(e and +o abo2t *erfor(in+ nat2ra0 h2(an f2nctions3 dinin+ in resta2rants3 drinkin+ in bars3
)a0kin+ thro2+h *arks as )e00 as city streets3 both in the dayti(e and at ni+ht3 and e1en +oin+ so
far as to 1isit the o*era K :2st once.
The hero had ass2(ed he )o20d soon (eet this )o(an and the t)o )o20d D2ick0y for( the
attraction by )hich they )o20d fa00 in 0o1e3 +et (arried and start raisin+ their o)n fa(i0y.
S2ch )as not the case and se1era0 (ore years *assed d2rin+ )hich ti(e he di1ided his days
bet)een bein+ the hero he had chosen in order for *ro*er0y 2ti0i8in+ his *o)er and 0i1in+ as a
nor(a0 non9*o)ered h2(an doin+ a00 that s2ch h2(ans do.
Many ti(es o1er d2rin+ this *eriod he (et )o(en )ho had been attracted to hi(3 b2t as
their re0ationshi* de1e0o*ed each one +re) either :ea0o2s of the ti(e he s*ent a)ay fro( the(
)hi0e he *erfor(ed his heroic f2nctions or +re) s2s*icio2s of hi( d2rin+ his ti(e a)ay3
)onderin+ if *erha*s he )as cheatin+ on the( )ith so(eone e0se3 )hich )o20d certain0y e?*0ain
his secreti1eness and (any disa**earances )hich he )as 0oathe to e?*0ain *ro*er0y.
On0y once he decided to re1ea0 hi(se0f to the )o(an he had been +ro)in+ so fo2nd of and
)ho )as +ro)in+ fo2nd of hi(3 a00o)in+ her to see that he )as (ore than the si(*0e (an she had
s2**osed hi( to be. er (ind )as 2nab0e to hand0e the s2dden shock to its syste(3 to fatho( the
re1e0ation that this (an she had dined )ith3 )atched (o1ies )ith3 kissed so 0o1in+0y and e1en +one
to bed )ith on se1era0 occasions co20d *ossib0y be the hero of a00 the #arth3 the sin+20ar bein+
)ho( a00 (ankind near0y )orshi**ed for his (i+hty and s2*ernat2ra0 feats of herois(.
She had needed to be co((itted to an asy02( and he had ne1er seen her a+ain3 at the
reD2est of her *arents3 )ho( she had been 1ery c0ose to a00 her 0ife.
;or a ti(e the hero forsook the nor(a0 h2(an e?istence and once (ore took 2* the (ant0e
of *erfor(in+ on0y those heroic f2nctions )ith )hich he had been so b2sy the first t)o decades of
ass2(in+ this *ersona. #1ery once in a)hi0e3 ho)e1er3 he endea1ored to 0ocate the )o(an the
D:inn had *ro(ised )o20d be his3 the one )ho )o20d 0o1e hi( so0e0y for the *erson she sa) )ithin
hi(. Ne1er did s2ch forays into the rea0( of the nor(a0 *rod2ce )hat he so2+ht.
O1er the re(ainder of his years he +re) (ore and (ore e(bittered 2nti0 he no) stood 2*on
the *ara*et of the b2i0din+ kno)n as !i00is To)er3 0ookin+ do)n at the h2(anity )hich so hea1i0y
fi00ed the streets and b2i0din+s3 thri1in+ 2nder his *rotection.
F;or so(e reason the D:inn fai0ed to de0i1er in its *ro(ise3H his breath seethed fro(
bet)een his c0enched teeth3 his hands c0enchin+ fists and 2nc0enchin+3 o1er and o1er a+ain as the
inner de*ths of his bein+ f2(ed and boi0ed o1er at the contin2ed abstinence that had been forced
2*on hi( by fate itse0f.
FIf h2(anity )i00 not 0o1e (e for )ho I a(3 then h2(anity )i00 see (e for )hat I sha00
beco(e. And they )i00 *ay for their ne+0ect of (y h2(anity.H
is ar(s s*read o2t )ide3 his hands s*0ayed as they )aited at a *oint far abo1e his
sho20ders. The inner t2r(oi0 that had bothered hi( so dee*0y b2rned thro2+h the )indo)s of his
so203 fire f0ickerin+ fro( the *2*i0 in the center of each iris. As the inner s*ark f0ared fro( the *it of
his orbs an identica0 force f0ashed forth fro( his *a0(s3 a00 of it ai(ed do)n 2*on the 2ns2s*ectin+
h2(anity that (i00ed abo2t be0o).
The force of *o)er er2*ted for( the bein+Gs body3 strikin+ at the base of se1era0 0ar+e
b2i0din+s on the other side of !acker Dri1e3 the i(*act ca2sin+ the concrete of each one to
cr2(b0e. The to)erin+ str2ct2res )hich had he0d safe0y for (any years b2ck0ed at the f0oors )here
no fo2ndation e?isted any 0on+er3 fa00in+ forth onto the *eo*0e be0o). Screa(s fi00ed the air
reachin+ e1en 2* to the hei+ht )here the one that )as no 0on+er a hero stood3 his inner se0f yet
seethin+ )ith the ire that had boi0ed )ithin. Many died that (o(ent3 (any (ore died before the
day ca(e to an end3 the efforts of s2r+eons fai0in+ to re*air )hat a +od had )i00ed 2*on those
he0*0ess and ha*0ess indi1id2a0s so 2nfort2nate as to ha1e been in the )ay )hen the *o)er of a +od
)as so 2ncere(onio2s0y 2n0eashed.
One s2ch *erson )ho stood a(idst the r2bb0e3 the broken and b0eedin+ bodies3 the death
and dyin+ of the after(ath of )hat this +od had decreed3 0ooked 2* to the to*s of the b2i0din+s
to)erin+ o1erhead. er eyes 8oo(ed in as te0esco*ic *ro:ections )hich she contro00ed )ithin her
o*tica0 syste(. Sco2rin+ the b2i0din+s in search of the reason for these b2i0din+sG destr2ction she
fina00y 0ocated the +0ea(in+ f0esh of the bein+ that the )or0d had ca00ed a hero for the *ast se1en
decades. Instead of assistin+ )ith this (ost horrific e(er+ency sit2ation3 ho)e1er3 he stood
(otion0ess abo1e3 as tho2+h a0(ost en:oyin+ )hat he )as seein+ be0o) as so (any screa(ed and
cried a(idst their (isery3 their bodies b0eedin+ o2t fro( the destr2ction she fina00y s2r(ised he
hi(se0f had bro2+ht abo2t.
A *2880ed 0ook crossed this )o(anGs face3 b2t the )onder(ent )ithin her did not *re1ent
her fro( +rinnin+ :2st before her feet 0ifted fro( the r2bb0e9stre)n s2rface of the side)a0k she had
been )a0kin+ 2*on.
Soarin+ a0(ost faster than the h2(an eye co20d see3 this fe(a0e of +or+eo2s0y stat2esD2e
*ro*ortions soon stood 2*on the air itse0f3 ho1erin+ direct0y in front of the +o0den +od )ho had
e?tricated the )orshi* of the (asses for so 0on+. er 0i*s yet stretched forth in the s(i0e )hich
dis*0ayed the e(otion of en:oy(ent she e?*erienced )ithin herse0f. #n:oy(ent at the s2fferin+ of
(ankind. #n:oy(ent of the ra) irres*onsibi0ity fro( so(eone )ho had a)ed the (asses for so
0on+ and recei1ed h2(anityGs ad(iration.
FThis is )hat I ha1e been searchin+ the )or0d for3H this dark9haired 1i?en nodded as she
0ent her o)n ad(iration to this one )ho stood (2te0y i((obi0e )hi0e h2ndreds s2ffered at his
hands. FA (ate )ho )i00 :oin )ith (e as )e to+ether brin+ abo2t the tota0 and s)ift destr2ction of
(ankind.H
$ $ $ $ $
PUMPKIN
, -..< Jacob M. Drake
FO1er here3 DadI This is itIH Danny !a0ker3 a00 of si? years o0d st2(b0ed o1er the 1ines that
c02ttered the )ay thro2+h the *2(*kin *atch. e had )hined to his dad abo2t )antin+ to *ick o2t
his o)n *2(*kin at the *2(*kin *atch his friend To((y had to0d hi( abo2t at schoo0 on ;riday.
Pa20 !a0ker3 tired of hearin+ his son be+ to 1isit the *atch3 instead of si(*0y +oin+ to the 0oca0
s2*er(arket3 )here do8ens of *2(*kins of 1ario2s si8es fi00ed a 0ar+e container3 a0ready c2t fro(
the 1ine and ready to +o3 fina00y re0ented.
The dri1e had been near0y an ho2r fro( Pa20 !a0kerGs a*art(ent3 )here he 0i1ed a0one
since he and his )ife of near0y ei+ht years had fina00y ca00ed it D2its and +otten a di1orce.
No)3 Pa20 s0o++ed thro2+h the (2d and 1ines3 hatin+ the o2tside )or0d this ti(e of year. It
)as too co0d and )et. !hy did the )eather a0)ays ha1e to be so s*itef20 in October> !hy had he
+i1en in to his son on this st2*id e?*edition> No one had e1er taken hi( to c2t his o)n *2(*kin
fro( the 1ine. eGd a0)ays been 02cky to +et )hate1er *2(*kin his *arents bro2+ht ho(e for hi(.
!hy co20dnGt Danny be that )ay>
Pa20 !a0ker ste**ed beside his si? year9o0d son3 a s(a003 thin boy )ho rese(b0ed his
(other (ore than his father3 )ho )as )ide in the sho20ders and had *0enty of (eat on his bones.
FThis is the one I )ant3 Dad.H Danny )ra**ed his ar(s as far as he co20d abo2t the +irth of
this 0ar+e3 oran+e +o2rd 0yin+ a(on+st so (any others 0ike it. The boy tried to *ick the *2(*kin 2*3
b2t it )as the bi++est *2(*kin in the *atch.
FThat oneGs too bi+ for yo23 Danny3H his father shook his head scornf200y. FPick another
one. A s(a00er *2(*kin yo2 can carry.H
FI )ant this one3 DadIH DannyGs )ords ca(e o2t in his *er*et2a0 )hine. So(ethin+ heGd
de1e0o*ed on0y after his *arents had s*0it 2*3 his dad (o1in+ o2t of their ho2se in the s2b2rbs and
into an a*art(ent in the city. FItGs *erfect.H
FItGs not *erfect3 Danny3 itGs :2st too freakin+...H his )ords trai0ed off as he sa) the tears
startin+ to )e0092* in his sonGs eyes. Pa20 !a0ker sc2ff0ed his feet e1en as he reached into his
*ocket for the fo0ded *ocketknife heGd carried e1er since he )as e0e1en years o0d.
FA00 ri+ht3 Danny3H Pa20 si+hed3 then 0eaned do)n3 caref20 to (ake s2re he didnGt +et his
*ants in the (2d that crad0ed this *2(*kin and see(ed to *ro1ide the on0y beddin+ for a00 the
+o2rds that )ere tied to+ether by the ser*entine 1ines that attached to each one.
Pa20 f0icked o*en his knife and c2t the 2(bi0ica0 cord of the *2(*kin3 noticin+ that his
b0ade (2st not be as shar* as he nor(a00y ke*t it. e hadnGt been ab0e to c2t the 1ine that easi0y.
#ither he )asnGt stron+ eno2+h3 so(ethin+ Pa20 !a0ker )o20d ne1er ad(it to3 or the knife needed
to be shar*ened.
C0earin+ the resid2e of the 1ine and a00 the c02tter of 0ea1es fro( aro2nd this *2(*kin his
son had chosen3 Pa20 refo0ded his knife3 *0acin+ it back into his *ants *ocket. e then +rabbed ho0d
of the hand0e (ade by the st2b of the 1ine heGd c2t3 *0acin+ his other hand on the botto( of the
+o2rd. e *ressed 2*)ard )ith his botto( hand )hi0e 0iftin+ )ith the other. The oran+e 1e+etab0e
)as (2ch hea1ier than it 0ooked.
Da(n itI This (eant he )as +oin+ to ha1e to knee0 in the (2d. e hated +ettin+ hi(se0f
dirty. #1en )orse3 the *2(*kin )as )ide eno2+h that he )as +oin+ to ha1e to )ra* his ar(s
aro2nd it and h2+ it to his chest. is nice3 c0ean3 b02e :acket heGd bo2+ht on0y a (onth a+o for the
co0der a2t2(n )eather )as +oin+ to +et dirty as )e00. That (eant he )as +oin+ to ha1e to )ash it3
and the (ateria0 2sed for the *addin+ bet)een the inner and o2ter she00s )as +oin+ to c02(* 2*3
:2st 0ike the 0ast :acket heGd had to )ash.
FIsnGt there another *2(*kin yo2 0ike>H Pa20 !a0ker t2rned on his son3 his )ords far (ore
harsh than the sit2ation ca00ed for3 i((ediate0y ca2sin+ tears once (ore in the eyes of this boy )ho
)as too s(a00 for his a+e.
FNo3 Dad3H Danny )hined in a s(a003 feeb0e 1oice3 FThis is it. This is the one I )ant.H !ith
the boy6s eyes as sad as they )ere he co20d ha1e *osed for one of those *osters that sho)ed a
*er*et2a00y for0orn3 ro2nd9eyed chi0d )ith eyes the si8e of sa2cers.
Pa20 !a0ker +ritted his teeth3 an+er for his sonGs )hinin+ as )e00 as his obstinacy3 :2st 0ike
his (other3 Pa20 tho2+ht3 his e(otions seethin+ anyti(e he tho2+ht of ho) his )ife had )hined
and )heed0ed hi( on e1ery s2b:ect for the *ast ei+ht years. It )as one of the bi++est decidin+
factors in his 0ea1in+ his )ife. e hated her )hinin+. No) he had to 0isten to that sa(e )hinin+ in
the 1oice of his son.
So(eti(es he )ondered )hy he hadn6t insisted on his )ife ha1in+ an abortion>
is teeth c0a(*ed ti+ht0y c0osed3 the 0ar+e3 beefy (an kne0t in the (2d3 fee0in+ the thick3
1isco2s +ro2nd (ateria0 oo8e abo2t his bent 0e+. !o20d the stain e1er co(e o2t of these tan s0acks>
e then )ra**ed his ar(s abo2t the *2(*kin3 *200in+ the +o2rd ti+ht0y a+ainst his chest3 and then
hea1ed )ith a00 his stren+th3 0iftin+ the *2(*kin 2*)ard fro( the +ro2nd.
FAaar+hIH The )ord shot +2tt2ra00y fro( Pa20Gs throat. So(ethin+ t)in+ed in his 0o)er
back and he st2(b0ed3 the hea1y b2rden shootin+ *ain do)n his s*ine and thro2+h the 0o)er
*ortion of his back. Pa20 c0enched his teeth ti+hter. e )as not abo2t to sho) any *ain in front of
his son3 e1en tho2+h the s*as( he fe0t at the base of his s*ine )as ki00in+ hi(.
J2st dro* the da(n thin+3 he tho2+ht to hi(se0f. %2t he he0d on3 st2(b0in+ thro2+h the 1ines
2nti0 he fina00y fo2nd so0id footin+ in the (2d. P0acin+ each foot caref200y3 Pa20 !a0ker carried his
hea1y b2rden for )hat see(ed 0ike an ho2r3 b2t in rea0ity )as on0y a fe) (in2tes. ;ina00y reachin+
the co2nter )here the o0d (an )ho (anned the re+ister )aited3 his eyes s(i0in+ near0y as (2ch as
the ti+ht0y stretched 0i*s s*readin+ across his face.
F!e003 no). Looks 0ike yo2 +ot yo2rse0f the kin+ of a00 the *2(*kins3H the o0d (an bent his
head3 ta0kin+ to the s(a00 boy c0a(berin+ c0ose0y beside his father3 )ho co20dnGt re0ease the +o2rd
fast eno2+h. The 1e+etab0e th2(*ed hea1i0y onto the co2nter. The )ood that co(*rised the
ob1io2s0y ho(e(ade fi?t2re that he0d the ancient9a**earin+ cash re+ister shook3 threatenin+ to fa00
a*art. The (o1e(ent of his co2nter on0y (ade the o0d (an ch2ck0e and +rin )ider.
F!e 2s2a00y char+e by the *o2nd3H he 0a2+hed. FI do2bt yo2 co20d *ay the bi00 if I char+ed
that )ay on this one.H
Pa20 !a0ker didnGt 0ike the s0i+ht the o0d (an )as *ayin+ hi(. !as he tryin+ to say Pa20
0ooked 0ike he didnGt (ake eno2+h (oney> That )as another of the s2b:ects his )hiny )ife a0)ays
har*ed abo2t. F!hy donGt yo2 +et a better :ob3 Pa20> I canGt *ay a00 the bi00s on )hat yo2 (ake3
Pa20. o) a( I +oin+ to b2y the food )e need on yo2r sa0ary3 Pa20>H
FIG1e +ot eno2+h (oney for this thin+3H Pa20 +ro)0ed3 reachin+ into his back *ocket for his
)a00et3 *200in+ it o2t and startin+ a0ready to co2nt the bi00s he6d need for this *2rchase.
The o0d (an :2st contin2ed +rinnin+. Did he e1er sho) any other e(otion>
FTake it easy3 son. I )as :2st statin+ that )e ha1e a set *rice for anythin+ this hea1y. !e
donGt )ant anyone to ha1e to take o2t a 0oan in order to b2y a *ro*er *2(*kin for car1in+ a :ack9o9
0antern o2t of.H
FJ2st rin+ it 2*IH Pa20 sna**ed an+ri0y3 o*enin+ his )a00et and )ithdra)in+ the bi00s st2ffed
inside it3 )aitin+ to see )hat the tab )o20d be.
The re+ister din+ed as the dra)er s0id o*en. FThatG00 be ei+ht do00ars3H the o0d (an )as sti00
s(i0in+. Pa20 handed o1er the (oney3 (akin+ s2re it )as the correct a(o2nt. e didnGt )ant to
)ait aro2nd for chan+e.
FThereGs hot a**0e cider and hot cocoa inside the store3H the o0d (an hooked a th2(b o1er
one sho20der3 indicatin+ the ra(shack0e 0ean9to )here other ite(s of a ho0iday interest )ere so0d.
Danny 0ooked 2* at his dad3 yearnin+ in his face dis*0ayed there o1er the tho2+ht of ha1in+
so(ethin+ hot to drink on s2ch a co0d day.
FIG00 (ake yo2 hot choco0ate )hen )e +et ho(e3H Pa20 +ro)0ed (ore fierce0y than he
intended. is sonGs face fe003 sho)in+ a fro)n. Pa20 didnGt care. e )asnGt s*endin+ any (ore
(oney in a *0ace )here they (ake yo2 carry so(ethin+ as 0ar+e as this *2(*kin after ha1in+ to
)ade thro2+h (2d to find it.
E&o2 can 2se one of the carts )e61e +ot3E the o0d (an +est2red o1er to )here se1era0 (eta0
carts sat3 0o) to the +ro2nd3 the kind 2sed at certain ho(e i(*ro1e(ent centers for ha20in+ 02(ber
and other do9it9yo2rse0f s2**0ies. EThe bi+ tires are *erfect for this (2ddy terrain.E
;ee0in+ as tho2+h the o0d (an )ere (akin+ a foo0 o2t of hi( for not 2sin+ the cart in the
first *0ace ca2sed Pa206s *ride to f0are 2*. EIt6s not that far to o2r car3E he +r2nted3 hoistin+ the hea1y
+o2rd once (ore bet)een the )ide +ras* of his ar(s.
Mana+in+ to once (ore +et the so0id0y b2i0t +o2rd an+0ed a+ainst his body and stabi0i8ed so
he )o20dn6t dro* it3 Pa20 !a0ker st2(b0ed his )ay into the *arkin+ 0ot3 a dirt fie0d co1ered o1er in
*ea9+ra1e0 in order to kee* the cars *arked there fro( sinkin+ into the soft (2d.
FO*en the tr2nk for (e3H Pa20 ordered Danny. FMy keys are in (y ri+ht3 front *ocket.H
Danny reached his tiny hand into his fatherGs *ants *ocket3 f2(b0in+ aro2nd for the keys3
fina00y 0ocatin+ the( at the botto( of the *ocket. Pa20 tho2+ht the boy )as de0iberate0y takin+ his
ti(e3 en:oyin+ the fact that his father )as ki00in+ his back by contin2in+ to ho0d this st2*id *2(*kin
for so 0on+.
F!hich one is it3 Dad>H Danny asked3 sortin+ thro2+h the 1ario2s keys.
Pa20 +re) irritated. Da(n it3 co20dnGt the boy *ay attention> adnGt he )atched his dad
dri1e for si? years> e sho20d kno) )hich key )as )hich.
FItGs the ro2nded key. "i+ht ne?t to the sD2are one.H Pa20 kne) he )as sho2tin+3 b2t he no
0on+er cared.
Danny f2(b0ed )ith the keys3 tried to insert the *oint of the key into the s0ot on the back of
the carGs tr2nk 0id. The keys s0i**ed fro( his fin+ers3 fe00 onto the +ro2nd. Pa20 +re) (ore irritated
)hen he heard the so2nd of (eta0 strikin+ +ra1e0.
FSorry3 Dad3H Danny )hined soft0y3 kno)in+ his dad )as dis*0eased )ith his c02(siness.
FTheyG1e +ot (2d on the(3 Dad.H Danny he0d the keys 2* for his dad to see. S2re eno2+h3 the keys
had 0anded on a section )here other car tires had *2shed the +ra1e0 do)n into the (2d3 a00o)in+
the dark bro)n3 sD2ishy (ateria0 to oo8e 2* aro2nd the tiny rocks.
F!i*e the( on yo2r :acket s0ee1eIH Pa20 +ritted his teeth3 tryin+ hard to kee* his an+er
do)n and fai0in+ (iserab0y.
It see(ed 0ike eternity before Danny fina00y +ot the key into the 0ock and t2rned it. Pa20
heard the *o* of the 0id o*enin+. e 2sed his e0bo) to n2d+e the 0id a00 the )ay 2*3 and then
0o)ered his b2rden as caref200y as he co20d before fina00y re0easin+ it. The car )obb0ed fro( the
)ei+ht3 b2t the *2(*kin re(ained )here it )as. It )as too hea1y to ro00 aro2nd. And there )asnGt
eno2+h roo( in the tr2nk for so(ethin+ this bi+ to (o1e any)here3 any)ay.
Pa20 feared the 0id (i+ht not c0ose and heGd ha1e to c2t off the 1ine hand0e. e kne) that
)o20d ca2se his )hiny son to start cryin+ abo2t ho) heGd r2ined his *2(*kin and the boy )o20d
)ant to +et a different one that had a hand0e on it.
Pa20 kne) the ty*e. is son )as :2st 0ike his (other. eGd hated those kinds of kids
+ro)in+ 2*. e didnGt 0ike it any better in his o)n son. In fact3 he 0iked it far 0ess. !hy co20dnGt
this boy be (ore 0ike hi(> To2+h. Deter(ined. Stron+.
The 0id c0osed :2st bare0y3 0ea1in+ no roo( as the inside of the 0id scra*ed a+ainst the hand0e
of the *2(*kin. At 0east it fina00y c0icked c0osed as he +a1e an e?tra *2sh do)n)ard.
FBet in the car3H Pa20 ordered his son thro2+h +ritted teeth. The boy obeyed )itho2t a )ord.
e see(ed ha**ier no) that his *ri8ed *ossession )as safe0y in the tr2nk. Danny o*ened the
*assen+er side door and c0a(bered 2* onto the seat. e c0osed his door3 then +rabbed his seatbe0t
and stra**ed hi(se0f in.
Pa20 entered fro( the dri1erGs side3 c0osin+ his door and i((ediate0y insertin+ the key into
the i+nition. e t)isted the key. The en+ine roared to 0ife as he +2nned the +as the )ay he had
since he first 0earned to dri1e as a teena+er.
F&o2r seatbe0t3 Dad3H Danny )hined.
FI donGt need to )ear a seatbe0t3H Pa20 ans)ered3 not ha**y that his son )as doin+ the sa(e
thin+ his )ife had done a00 the years theyGd been (arried.
F%2t yo2G00 +et a ticket3H Danny *ersisted3 *ointin+ o2t the ob1io2s.
FCo*s on0y +i1e tickets if they *200 yo2 o1er for so(ethin+ e0se and see yo2 arenGt )earin+
a seatbe0t. They canGt *200 yo2 o1er if yo2 ha1enGt done anythin+ e0se )ron+.H
The *0eadin+ in his sonGs eyes contin2ed as the boy stared at his dad. Pa20 fina00y re0ented3
reachin+ o1er his 0eft sho20der and +rabbin+ ho0d of the stra* that he hadnGt )orn since heGd 0eft his
)ife so (any (onths a+o. e c0icked it in *0ace and +0ared at his son.
FThat better> &o2 satisfied>H The )ords had (ore of an ed+e than the incident ca00ed for3
b2t Pa20 !a0ker didnGt 0ike bein+ to0d )hat to do in his o)n car. Certain0y not by a si? year9o0d
boy. #1en if he )as his son.
Pa20 *0aced the car in re1erse3 backed o2t of the ti+ht s*ot 0eft by the other cars that had
*arked too c0ose to hi(3 then *200ed o2t of the +ra1e0 0ot onto the *a1ed road. A short )hi0e 0ater he
*200ed into the *arkin+ 0ot of the a*art(ent b2i0din+ )here he 0i1ed and *200ed into the s*ot
reser1ed for his car a0one.
More str2++0e ens2ed as Pa20 )ran+0ed the *2(*kin fro( the tr2nk of his car and 2* the
f0i+ht of stairs to his a*art(ent. eGd had the foresi+ht to o*en his a*art(ent door first3 *ositionin+
Danny :2st inside3 to (ake certain no one ca(e in and sto0e anythin+ )hi0e he )as in the *arkin+
0ot. The boy stood a+ainst the door3 ho0din+ it o*en as tho2+h he )ere a doorsto*. is hands
*ressed f0at behind hi( a+ainst the door.
Pa20 (ana+ed to +et the *2(*kin into the a*art(ent. e heard Danny c0ose the door after
he entered. At 0east he )as doin+ so(ethin+ ri+ht )itho2t bein+ to0d. e then 0o)ered the +o2rd
onto the s(a003 chea* tab0e heGd *2rchased at a yard sa0e. It )asnGt (2ch3 b2t it )as a00 that )as
necessary for a bache0or 0ike hi(se0f. The tab0e ca(e )ith on0y t)o chairs3 the others ha1in+ 0on+
a+o broken and been thro)n o2t. A+ain3 it s2ited hi( :2st fine.
The f0i(sy tab0e )obb0ed 2nder the )ei+ht of the b2rden that rested 2*on it. Pa20 feared the
tab0e 0e+s (i+ht co00a*se3 b2t (ercif200y3 they he0d 2*.
Pa20 ste**ed back fro( the tab0e3 0ookin+ at the o1er0y 0ar+e *2(*kin sittin+ there. A s(a00
s(i0e of satisfaction crossed his 0i*s. e had to ad(it3 it )as a da(n +ood90ookin+ *2(*kin. e
)o20dG1e 0o1ed ha1in+ one 0ike this )hen he )as a kid. B2ess he hadnGt had *arents )ho cared
eno2+h to +o thro2+h a00 that tro2b0e for hi( the )ay he had for his son.
FCan )e c2t it o*en no)>H Danny *0eaded3 his hands fo0ded to+ether3 )rin+in+ the( as
tho2+h he )as )orried he )o20dnGt +et to car1e this thin+3 no) that it )as here.
F!e need ne)s*a*er3 first3H Pa20 ans)ered3 thinkin+ abo2t )hen he )as a boy and had
car1ed his o)n :ack9o90anterns. FBo in the kitchen. ThereGs a *a*er ba+ ne?t to the frid+e. ItGs f200
of o0d *a*ers.H
The boy h2rried into the kitchen. J2st as heGd been to0d3 there )ere the ne)s*a*ers. e
)ondered ho) (any theyGd need3 and then fina00y sett0ed on dra++in+ the entire stack3 *a*er ba+
and a003 fro( the kitchen to the s(a00 0i1in+ roo(7dinin+ roo( co(bination in this s(a00 a*art(ent.
F!e donGt need a00 of the(3H Pa20 +ro)0ed3 shakin+ his head at the si+ht of this s(a00 boy
dra++in+ s2ch a 0ar+e ba+ of *a*ers a0on+. Sti003 he had to +rin at the si+ht it bro2+ht to (ind. It )as
kind of co(ica0. The *a*ers )ere (2ch hea1ier than his son )as.
Bood. Teach the boy so(e ad1ersity. Like )hat he hi(se0f had +one thro2+h today 02++in+
this da(n *2(*kin aro2nd. Bod3 )hy co20dn6t this boy ha1e chosen a s(a00er one>
Se0ectin+ ha0f9a9do8en fo0ded sheets of ne)s*a*er3 Pa20 s*read the( o2t on the o**osite
end of the tab0e fro( )here the *2(*kin sat. e arran+ed the( so there )o20d be eno2+h s*ace
co1ered on the tab0e3 and then ti0ted the +o2rd3 ro00in+ it a0on+ the tab0eto* so it co20d sit centered3
(ore9or90ess3 on the 0ayered *a*ers. e s2re as he00 )asnGt +oin+ to tryin+ *ickin+ this da(n thin+
2* a+ain to (o1e it. is back sti00 h2rt fro( the t)in+e heGd +otten 0iftin+ it off the +ro2nd.
FCan I c2t it no)>H Danny (o1ed one of the chairs aro2nd so it )as in front of the
*2(*kin. e c0i(bed 2* in the chair3 standin+ on his feet3 0eanin+ o1er the tab0e and *2(*kin. e
)as too short to sit and car1e3 b2t too ta00 to stand on his feet. Knee0in+ )o20dnGt (ake it any
better. e )as sti00 too short to knee0 and car1e.
Fo0d on3 S*ort3H Pa20 t2ss0ed his sonGs hair the )ay his dad had done to hi( )hen he )as
0itt0e3 e1en tho2+h he had a0)ays hated hi( doin+ that. F;irst )e need the ri+ht knife for the :ob.H
Pa20 entered the kitchen3 o*enin+ dra)ers3 tryin+ to decide if he e1en had a knife that )o20d
be ri+ht for car1in+ a *2(*kin. e reca00ed fro( )hen he )as a kid that serrated kni1es )orked
best. Did he ha1e any that )ere serrated>
There. is set of steak kni1es. They (i+ht be :2st a bit too 0on+ for this *2r*ose3 b2t they
)ere the on0y kni1es he had )ith serrated ed+es.
Carryin+ one knife3 he reentered the dinin+ roo( and )a0ked 2* beside his son3 )ho
fid+eted terrib0y3 an?io2s to start c2ttin+ into his *2(*kin3 0ike there )as a *ri8e )aitin+ inside.
Maybe there )as3 Pa20 tho2+ht3 a s(a00 s(i0e s*readin+ across his 0i*s. To a 0itt0e kid3
car1in+ a :ack9o90antern )as a bi+ thri00. e had a0)ays en:oyed this ti(e of year. The e(otion
acco(*anyin+ the o0d (e(ories f0ooded back into Pa20 as he stood )ith the steak knife *oised
abo1e the *2(*kinGs to*.
FDonGt I +et to c2t it3 Dad>H There )as that )hine a+ain. Pa20 +ritted his teeth3 )hich )ere
set on ed+e by the shar*3 tinny )hine of the boyGs 1oice. e handed the knife o1er3 ho0din+ onto his
sonGs hand3 steadyin+ it as it neared the area aro2nd the *2(*kinGs to*.
Fo0d it steady3H Pa20 ad(onished his son. F&o2 ha1e to an+0e it :2st ri+ht3 0ike this3H he
took ho0d of DannyGs hand and directed it so the b0ade )as at an an+0e3 the ti* :2st bare0y *iercin+
the skin of the +o2rd.
DannyGs e?2berance +ot the better of hi( as he ra*id0y (o1ed his hand and ar(3 far too fast
to do the *ro*er :ob of this ty*e. e ra*id0y s0iced thro2+h the thick f0esh at an a)k)ard an+0e3 not
in a ro2nd sha*e the )ay a *ro*er :ack9o90antern 0id sho20d be sha*ed.
FOk3 no) thatGs )hy I to0d yo2 to be caref203H Pa20 ro2+h0y took the knife o2t of his sonGs
hand and 0ay in on the ne)s*a*er. Fo) abo2t )e dra) a circ0e for yo2 to fo00o)3 ok>H
Pa20 )ent to the kitchen once (ore3 0ookin+ for a b0ack (arker3 b2t not findin+ one. eGd
ha1e to b2y one for :2st s2ch occasions3 b2t for no) a *en )o20d ha1e to do. e took one o2t of his
assorted knickknacks dra)er3 )hich he fi+2red e1eryone in the )or0d had3 and )ent back to the
dinin+ roo(.
Pa20 dre) a ro2+h circ0e aro2nd the to* that )o20d a00o) eno2+h s*ace for the( to reach
inside and *200 the *2(*kin +2ts and seeds o2t. e then set the *en do)n and *icked 2* the knife.
FNooo3H Danny )hined3 seein+ his father abo2t to c2t the *2(*kin. FI +et to c2t it. ItGs (y
*2(*kin.H The boy see(ed to for+et that his dad had carried the da(n thin+ thro2+h the (2d and
co0d. eGd s2ffered the *ain of the )ei+ht of this (onster *2(*kin. e )as the one )ho *aid for it.
%2t in his (ind3 his 0itt0e kidGs (ind3 it )as his *ossession.
Pa20 si+hed3 handin+ the knife o1er. FJ2st (ake s2re yo2 c2t a0on+ the 0ine3 ok> If yo2
donGt3 the 0id )onGt fit ri+ht )hen yo2 *0ace it back onto the *2(*kin 0ater.H
#a+erness dra)in+ hi( on3 Danny 0eaned o1er the 0ar+e +o2rd and :abbed the knife *oint
in)ard. e then seesa)ed back9and9forth )ith the serrated b0ade3 0ike 2sin+ a tiny sa)3 c2ttin+
a0on+ the 0ine his dad had dra)n. Pa20 had to ho0d on to the +o2rd and steady it3 kee* it fro(
(o1in+ aro2nd as his son *200ed back on the knife each ti(e he c2t.
The c2t )asnGt *erfect. It didnGt a0)ays fo00o) the 0ine e?act0y3 b2t it )as c0ose.
FOk3H Pa20 took the knife fro( his son and took ho0d of the 1ine hand0e. FNo) )e c2t the
+2ts a)ay that are connected to the 0id.H To de(onstrate )hat he (eant3 he *200ed the 0id 2* fro(
the body of the *2(*kin. Attached to the 2nderside )as a (ass of 0i+ht oran+e strin+s that e?tended
a00 the )ay into the 0ar+e3 ro2nd *2(*kin body. Seeds c02n+ to the strin+s.
FSee )hat I (ean>H Pa20 ti0ted the 0id so the strin+s and seeds )ere c0ear0y 1isib0e3 e1en to a
si? year9o0d.
FCan I c2t it>H DannyGs face bea(ed )ith an?io2s *0eas2re. Pa20 co20dnGt he0* b2t s(i0e at
the e?2berance of the yo2n+.
FS2re3 S*ort. Bo ahead.H
Once (ore the boy *icked 2* the knife3 this ti(e (ore caref200y a**0yin+ the ed+e to the
2nderside of the 0id. e deft0y c2t the strin+s a)ay3 settin+ the 0id his dad he0d free.
FOk3H Pa20 set the 0id aside3 then )ent back into the kitchen and ret2rned )ith a 0ar+e sa0ad
bo)0 and a 0ar+e s*oon. FNo) )e scoo* o2t a00 the +2ts and seeds.H
F!e 2se the s*oon for that>H DannyGs ea+erness ca2sed hi( to r2n a00 his )ords to+ether so
they so2nded 0ike one 0on+ nonsense )ord.
F;irst3 yo2 ha1e to +et yo2r hands dirty3H Pa20 +rinned.
Danny )aited )hi0e his dad ro00ed his s0ee1es 2* to his e0bo)s3 barin+ his ar(s so the shirt
)o20dnGt +et (essy. Then he )atched )hi0e his dad de(onstrated *200in+ the +2ts o2t.
F&o2Gre not +onna do it a003 are yo23 Dad>H The h2rt 0ook on DannyGs face irritated Pa20
once (ore. !hen )o20d this boy e1er sto* )ith a00 that )hinin+ and 0et hi( sho) hi( ho) this
)as done>
FNo3 Danny3H Pa20 on0y 2sed his sonGs na(e )hen he )as +ettin+ *issed. e 2sed it no)
and Danny 2nderstood )hy. FIG( :2st sho)in+ yo2 ho) itGs done3 ok>H The ed+e to his 1oice )as
ob1io2s. It )as hard a+ain and Danny kne) heGd done so(ethin+ )ron+3 on0y he co20dnGt D2ite
fi+2re o2t )hat it )as.
Pa20 scoo*ed o2t a do2b0e handf20 of *2(*kin +2ts3 settin+ it a00 inside the bo)03 c0eanin+
the +2ts off his hands by )i*in+ each fin+er one at a ti(e )ith his o**osite hand.
FBo ahead3H Pa20 nodded to)ard the o*enin+ in the to* of the +o0den oran+e +o2rd. F&o2
+et to do the rest.H
e )as +0ad his son en:oyed hi(se0f at )hat he )as doin+3 since he didnGt 0ike +ettin+ his
o)n hands dirty )ith a00 that s0i(y cra*. Sti003 the (e(ories of ho) it had fe0t )hen he )as 0itt0e
f0ooded back into his (ind. It had been f2n each year +ettin+ to scoo* o2t his *2(*kins in
*re*aration for car1in+. Maybe he sho20d +o easier on his son. After a003 he )as on0y si? and :2st
0earnin+ ho) to do a00 of this.
FDad>H DannyGs 1oice )as 2ncertain3 his yo2n+ bro) f2rro)ed and )rink0ed in a )ay Pa20
had ne1er seen it before.
F!hatGs )ron+>H Pa20 :oked in his o)n )ay. F&o2 donGt 0ike the s0i(iness of the +2ts>H e
0a2+hed 0i+ht0y as he 0eaned o1er to 0ook inside the *2(*kin the )ay Danny )as doin+.
FDo a00 *2(*kins ha1e 02(*s 0ike that>H Danny *ointed the inde? fin+er of one hand inside
the o*enin+.
Pa20 *eered inside3 noticin+ ri+ht a)ay there )as a 0ar+e 02(* in the botto( of the
*2(*kinGs she003 as tho2+h the +o2rd had for(ed aro2nd so(ethin+ or had :2st (ade a 0ar+e 02(*
in its botto(.
F2h. ThatGs )eird3H Pa20 intoned D2iet0y. FNe1er seen anythin+ 0ike it.H
e *0aced his hands aside the o2ter she00 and ti**ed the *2(*kin3 re1ea0in+ the botto(.
S2re eno2+h3 there )as a *inched area in the center3 (akin+ it 0ook a0(ost 0ike a s*hincter3 a
*ersonGs an2s in the center of their b2tt. Co20d so(ethin+ ha1e been on the +ro2nd )hen the +o2rd
)as for(in+> Did that so(ethin+ +et s)a00o)ed 2* by the soft tiss2e of the *2(*kin as it +re)3
)ra**in+ itse0f aro2nd )hate1er it )as>
Pa20 set the *2(*kin back onto its botto(3 once (ore *eerin+ inside the ca1ity sti00 fi00ed
)ith +2ts and seeds.
!hate1er )as encased )ithin the she00 co20dnGt be dan+ero2s. After a003 e1en if it had been
so(ethin+ that had once been a0i1e3 )hich he kne) it co20dn6t ha1e been3 since anythin+ 0i1in+
)o20d ha1e (o1ed on 0on+ before the s0o)9+ro)in+ +o2rd co20d ha1e for(ed abo2t )hate1er it
(i+ht ha1e been3 it had 0on+ a+o beco(e encased )ithin the for(in+ she00. It )o20d ha1e been
de*ri1ed of o?y+en as the she00 had for(ed a cocoon aro2nd it3 tra**in+ it inside and c0osin+ 2* at
the botto(. There )asnGt eno2+h s*ace bet)een the s*hincter90ike )rink0es on its botto( to a00o)
air to 0eak thro2+h e1en the tiniest a(o2nt.
FIs it ok to car1e3 Dad>H Pa20 0ooked o1er at his sonGs face. The yearnin+ ea+erness sti00
there3 b2t te(*ered by fear of the 2nkno)n. Pa20 didnGt b0a(e hi(. ;or a00 his fear0essness and
bra1ado3 he co20dnGt he0* )onderin+ :2st )hat had +otten tra**ed inside the she00.
F&eah. IG( s2re itGs ok. J2st 0et (e finish scoo*in+ the +2ts o2t3 ok>H Pa20 reached inside
the +o2rd to re(o1e )hat re(ained of the +ooey strands. Danny )as (ore than a00 ri+ht )ith his
dad finishin+ this chore. e didnGt fee0 ri+ht abo2t the 02(* in his *2(*kin. e ho*ed it )o20dnGt
r2in the she00. e so )anted to car1e o2t the best :ack9o90antern e1er.
A fe) (in2tes 0ater Pa20 had the +2ts re(o1ed and had scra*ed (ost of )hat re(ained free
of the inside she00. It )asnGt *erfect3 b2t that fina0 to2ch co20d )ait 2nti0 heGd c2t the 02(* a)ay3
e?*osin+ )hate1er it )as that )as inside it.
e *icked 2* the steak knife3 b2t 0ooked c0ose0y at it3 then decided it )asnGt ri+ht for this
:ob. e *2t it do)n and )i*ed off his hands before reachin+ into his *ants *ocket for his tr2sted
:ackknife. This )as the *erfect b0ade for c2ttin+ o*en s2ch a thin+ as )hate1er it )as that e?isted
inside this *2(*kinGs b2tt.
%0ade in hand3 Pa20 *ierced the soft inner f0esh of the she00 at the to* of the 02(*3 his heart
beatin+ ra*id0y in fear of )hat he (i+ht find beneath the s2rface of this she00. C2ttin+ dee*0y3 the
b0ade str2ck so(ethin+ so0id. It )as on0y abo2t an inch into the f0esh3 indicatin+ that )as as thick as
this inside f0esh )as.
Caref200y Pa20 c2t do)n)ard fro( the to* center of the 02(*3 and then t2rned the +o2rd so
he co20d s0ice another incision of eD2a0 0en+th a0on+ the other side. e had to ad(it3 this )as one
0ar+e 02(*. As bi+ as a bo)0in+ ba003 *erha*s. Maybe thatGs )hat )as inside this thin+. A bo)0in+
ba00. It )o20d certain0y e?*0ain )hy the +o2rd had been so hea1y.
The si00y tho2+ht of findin+ s2ch an ite( inside the *2(*kin *2t Pa20 at ease. At 0east a
0itt0e. Seein+ inside his (ind a b0ack3 hard *0astic ba003 or )hate1er (ateria0 bo)0in+ ba00s )ere
(ade o2t of3 0ike those heGd 2sed o1er the years the fe) ti(es heGd +one bo)0in+ )ith friends3
(ade this task easier.
e c2t t)o (ore incisions so there )ere fo2r eD2a0 c2ts fro( the to* of the 02(* to its
botto(3 on fo2r sides. e then *oked do)n into the center of the 02(* )ith his knife3 and *200ed
back on the soft f0esh. An entire trian+20ar 02(* of soft3 ye00o)ish9)hite f0esh ca(e 0ose in his
hand.
%2t then his heart be+an beatin+ ra*id0y once (ore.
A sk200. A h2(an sk200 )as inside his sonGs *2(*kin.
It canGt be a sk2003 Pa20 to0d hi(se0f inside his (ind. o) )o20d a sk200 +et inside a
*2(*kin> o) )o20d a *ersonGs body +et in the fie0d )here the *2(*kin *atch )as>
It didnGt (ake any sense. %2t there it )as3 the 0eft9side *ortion of a h2(an sk2003 co(*0ete
)ith eye socket3 nasa0 ca1ity and t)o ro)s of teeth c0a(*ed to+ether in a death9+rin3 a0on+ )ith the
0eft :a)bone. A00 of it )as ri+ht there starin+ back at hi( fro( the e?*osed *ortion of this +o2rd.
Sho20d he ca00 the co*s> !as that the ri+ht thin+ to do in this sit2ation> Ob1io2s0y so(eone
had been (2rdered. o) e0se co20d the e?istence of a h2(an sk200 be e?*0ained> So(eone had
been (2rdered and their body tossed into the *2(*kin *atch )itho2t anyone kno)in+ abo2t it.
That )as it. The +o2rd had for(ed aro2nd the sk200 after the f0esh had rotted a)ay3 the thickenin+
f0esh of the *2(*kin sna**in+ the sk200 free fro( the 1ertebrae that for(ed the neck bones.
&eah. That had to be the ans)er. It )as the on0y one that (ade any sense at a00.
FDad>H DannyGs s(a003 feeb0e 1oice )arb0ed 2* at his side. S0o)0y3 1ery s0o)0y3 Pa20 t2rned
his head3 forcin+ his attention a)ay fro( the (acabre si+ht to that of his son3 his *0eadin+3 )orried
e?*ression 0ookin+ 2* at hi(.
FI9itGs ok3 Danny3H Pa20Gs 1oice )as softer than his son had e1er heard it before. That (eant
that )hate1er it )as3 it certain0y )as not ok.
F!hat is it>H Danny asked3 his hands )rin+in+ to+ether in front of hi(. The boyGs an?iety
0e1e0 had increased tre(endo2s0y3 seein+ the fri+htened 0ook on his dadGs face. is dad )as ne1er
scared. It (2st be so(ethin+ a)f20 to scare hi(.
FIt3H Pa20 started to say3 b2t sto**ed short. o) did he e?*0ain this to his son> o) did a
dad +o abo2t te00in+ a si? year9o0d there )as a h2(an sk200 e(bedded )ithin the f0esh of his
*2(*kin>
A )ry s(i0e cre*t across Pa20Gs face. It )as a0(ost a00o)een3 ri+ht> This )as +oin+ to be
a :ack9o90antern3 ri+ht> Then the sk200 in here )as *erfect for this *artic20ar ho0iday.
FItGs :2st3 2(3 so(ethin+ s*ecia0 for yo2r a00o)een :ack9o90antern3 s*ort.H Pa20 +rinned3
then reached inside and *200ed the rest of the soft f0esh a)ay3 *0acin+ it ato* the +ooey +2ts sittin+
inside the bo)0 on the tab0e.
Caref200y he reached inside and *0aced his hands aro2nd the sk2003 no) f200y re1ea0ed as
e?act0y )hat it )as. So(ethin+ si(i0ar to an e0ectrica0 shock resonated fro( the sk2003 2* and into
the fin+ers of Pa20Gs hands3 streakin+ 2* his bare ar(s and a0on+ his ner1o2s syste( into his brain.
FAaar+hIH he bo)ed his head 2*)ard to)ard the cei0in+ e1en as his back arched. e
dro**ed his ho0d on the sk2003 b2t the e0ectrica0 shock had n2(bed his hands and ar(s. e fe0t as
tho2+h the entire 2**er *ortion of his body had been in:ected )ith No1ocain or so(ethin+ si(i0ar
to (ake it n2(b.
FDadIH Danny sho2ted3 fear co2rsin+ thro2+h his o)n body as he )atched his dad stand
)ith his body arched in s2ch an odd fashion. F!hatGs )ron+> Are yo2 ok>H
Danny didnGt kno) )hat to do. e didnGt kno) if he sho20d do anythin+. e )as scared.
More scared than e1er before in his yo2n+ 0ife.
S0o)0y Pa20 fe0t the n2(bness recede. Min2tes after the shock had co2rsed thro2+h hi(3 he
ret2rned to nor(a03 a0tho2+h there )as a faint resid2a0 tin+0in+ that ran a0on+ fro( his hands to his
sho20ders.
FIG( ok3H Pa20 stated too D2iet0y. FJ2st +i1e (e a (o(ent.H
Danny3 stren+thened and re0ie1ed by his dadGs reass2rance3 c0i(bed 2* onto the chair and
0eaned o1er3 *eerin+ inside the ho00o)ed interior of the *2(*kin. e no 0on+er tho2+ht of it as his
*2(*kin. The fear he fe0t re(o1ed the *ersona0 to2ch fro( his tho2+hts.
!hat he sa) inside the 0ar+e +o2rd both e?cited and scared hi(.
A sk200. o) did a sk200 +et inside this *2(*kin>
FBet a)ay fro( thatIH Pa20 s*oke too harsh0y3 scarin+ his son once (ore e1en as he
+rabbed ho0d of one of DannyGs ar(s and yanked hi( back fro( the *2(*kin3 a0(ost knockin+
hi( off the f0i(sy chair.
Danny re(ained standin+ on the chair3 *ressin+ hi(se0f a+ainst the )eak3 feeb0e back of it.
e 0ooked 2* at his dad3 noticin+ the fear on his face3 the beads of s)eat that had for(ed on his
dadGs skin. No) he )as rea00y )orried.
FSorry3H Pa20 to2ched his sonGs ar( (ore tender0y this ti(e. FI didnGt (ean to +rab yo2 so
hard.H
FItGs ok3 Dad3H Danny s*oke D2iet0y3 fearf200y. FI 2nderstand.H
Did he> Pa20 tho2+ht. Did the boy 2nderstand )hat had ha**ened3 or )as he (ere0y feedin+
off the fear e?2din+ fro( hi(> Pa20 co20dnGt be s2re.
Lookin+ inside the o*enin+ in the to* of the *2(*kin once (ore3 Pa20 co20dnGt be certain3
b2t it a**eared as tho2+h the sk200 )as ti0ted back3 0ookin+ 2* at hi(. ad it (o1ed on its o)n3 or
had it :2st been ti0ted by his ha1in+ +rabbed ho0d of it3 then re0eased it the )ay he had>
That )as a cra8y tho2+ht. o) co20d a dead thin+ 0ike this (o1e on its o)n> Pa20 (enta00y
kicked hi(se0f3 then 0a2+hed o2t 0o2d at the bi8arre tho2+ht heGd had.
The e0ectrica0 shock )as *robab0y :2st a *inched ner1e fro( ha1in+ in:2red his back )hen
heGd 0ifted the *2(*kin in the fie0d ear0ier. That )as it.
Once (ore he reached inside the +o2rd3 takin+ ho0d of the bare sk200 that see(ed to +0ea(
)ith a radiance he hadnGt noticed before.
FDad>H DannyGs 1oice sho)ed concern once (ore. F!hereGs that 0i+ht co(in+ fro(>H
Pa20Gs face 0ooked askance at his son. !hat had he said> ad the boy seen the 0i+ht as )e00>
o) co20d that be3 2n0ess there rea00y )as 0i+ht shinin+ o2t fro( the sk200.
%2t ho)..>
The tho2+ht died in Pa20Gs (ind e1en as a b2rnin+ fire co2rsed this ti(e 2* thro2+h his
fin+ers that )ere c0enched ti+ht0y aro2nd the sk200Gs sides. A fire he co20dnGt bear3 b2t )hich shot
thro2+h his ner1es e1en stron+er than the e0ectrica0 shock had ear0ier.
is (2sc0es ti+htened this ti(e3 instead of re0easin+ as they had before. e fo2nd he
co20dnGt re0a? his +ri* on the sk200. In fact3 it see(ed as tho2+h his +ri* ti+htened. Like a death9
+ri*3 one he co20dnGt break free fro(. And the fire K the fire b2rned )ith a terrib0e ferocity a00
thro2+ho2t his body.
is face ti0ted 2* to)ard the cei0in+3 as tho2+h he )anted to screa(3 b2t nothin+ ca(e o2t.
No so2nd e(itted fro( his throat. Not a screa(. Not a )ai0in+. Not e1en a si+h3 tho2+h he kne) he
definite0y )anted to screa(.
is eyes c0enched ti+ht e1en as his :a)s c0a(*ed sh2t in a rict2s +rin that bared his teeth
)ith his 0i*s *200ed back as ti+ht as they co20d *ossib0y +et. The *ain )as 2nbearab0e3 b2t he
co20dnGt re0ease the ho0d his hands he0d on the sk200.
FDad>H DannyGs *0ea )as 0o2der3 b2t there )as nothin+ Pa20 co20d do to ass2a+e the fear in
his sonGs 1oice. There )as a 0ot (ore fear in Pa20Gs o)n brain. ;ear he co20d 0ike)ise do nothin+
abo2t. ;ear he )anted so terrib0y to sti00.
Then the fire intensified.
As if acid had been *o2red onto his f0esh3 ne) *ain co2rsed 2* his ar(s and into the
brainste( 0ocated at the base of his o)n sk200. Sti00 he fo2nd hi(se0f 2nab0e to screa(. Sti00 he
fo2nd hi(se0f 2nab0e to (o1e3 to re0ease this (atri? of s2ch horrib0y a+oni8in+ *ain that resided
)ithin his c0enched hands.
On the f0oor beside his dad3 DannyGs eyes +re) )ide in fear +reater than anythin+ a chi0d
his a+e sho20d e1er ha1e to e?*erience. is f0esh t2rned ashen9)hite. S)eat beaded 2* onto his
skin as co0d as ice c2bes fro( the free8er3 and then trick0ed do)n a0on+ his death0y *a0e f0esh.
The reason for this ne)0y transfi?ed fear )as ob1io2s. The fire that b2rned )ithin his father
)as rea0. The boy )atched transfi?ed3 tho2+h horrified3 as the f0esh of his dadGs ar(s b2rned a)ay
0ike ash3 fro( inside the she00 of the *2(*kin )here he )as 2nab0e to see3 a00 the )ay 2* the bare
ar(s3 then beneath the fo0ded 0ayers of his dadGs shirt3 a00 the )ay 2* to the sho20ders connectin+
the ar(s to the rest of the body3 the f0esh b2rned a)ay to ash in seconds.
%one cr2(b0ed as co0d ash as )e003 as tho2+h it had been incinerated by the hottest f2rnace
d2rin+ cre(ation3 tho2+h fa00in+ co0d to the to2ch onto the tab0e3 then the f0oor3 )here the entire
body of )hat )as once3 on0y recent0y3 Pa20 Da1id !a0ker3 estran+ed h2sband and father3 t2rned to
ash3 f0esh (in+0in+ )ith c0othin+ as a soft3 co0d *i0e of 0i+ht9+ray9)hite ash.
Danny re(ained transfi?ed by this a)f20 fear9ins*irin+ si+ht for 0on+ (in2tes3 his (o2th
han+in+ o*en )ide. Then the fin+ers of his ri+ht hand fo2nd their )ay to his (o2th )here he
c0a(*ed his 0i*s aro2nd the fi1e c02(*ed di+its and be+an s2ckin+ in a (anner he had not done
since he )as a baby s2ckin+ on the *acifier his *arents had +i1en hi( to kee* hi( D2iet and
satisfied at ni+ht so they co20d s0ee*.
On0y this s2ckin+ did nothin+ to *acify hi(. It did nothin+ to satisfy hi(. e s2cked o2t of
fear3 o2t of ner1o2sness3 o2t of an?iety and the rea0i8ation that his father3 as se0fish0y bad a father
as Pa20 !a0ker had been3 )as dead3 ha1in+ been transfor(ed into a *i0e of ash e1en as his son
)atched in horror.
;or 0on+ ho2rs the boy stood starin+ at the si+ht )here his father had once stood. e
re(ained co(*0ete0y (otion0ess3 other than the s2ckin+ of his fin+ers by his (o2th.
is b0adder had 0on+ since +ro)n f200 and re0eased itse0f3 his 2rine in1o02ntari0y r2nnin+
do)n his 0e+s and onto the f0oor at his feet.
The day0i+ht )aned and +a1e )ay to darkness before the so2nd of knockin+ ca(e at the
door to this a*art(ent. No one ans)ered the door3 so the knockin+ ca(e once (ore3 harder this
ti(e3 (ore insistent.
Sti00 no one ans)ered3 the on0y *erson ab0e to do so standin+ (2te0y transfi?ed by the
horror heGd )itnessed ear0ier.
;ina00y3 the door of the a*art(ent o*ened. So(eone ste**ed inside into the darkness.
FPa20>H a )o(anGs 1oice s*oke shar*0y in concern )ithin the darkness. FPa20> Danny>H
Danny reco+ni8ed the so2nd of his (otherGs 1oice3 b2t )as 2nab0e to sto* s2ckin+ on his fin+ers
0on+ eno2+h to ans)er her3 to te00 her he )as standin+ in the darkness not thirty feet fro( )here she
stood at the o*en door.
A 0i+ht f0icked on behind the boy. is (otherGs eyes ad:2sted fro( the darkness to the di(
0i+ht of the +0obe that h2n+ o1er the (ea+er 0i1in+ roo( f2rnit2re3 on0y s0i+ht0y i002(inatin+ the
area )here the boy stood.
FDanny>H his (other had s*otted hi( and ca00ed o2t his na(e. e sti00 didnGt ans)er3 so she
(o1ed D2ick0y o1er and stood by his side. She noticed the fearf20 e?*ression on her sonGs face3
reco+ni8ed the s2ckin+ of his fin+ers3 ob1io2s0y fro( so(e tra2(a the boy had s2ffered recent0y.
She kne0t beside hi(3 her :eans9co1ered knees fee0in+ the co0d )etness of the 2rine he had
re0eased fro( his b0adder.
F!hat>H Marcia !a0ker fe0t the da(*ness on her knees3 b2t ri+ht no) she )as (ore
concerned o1er the fact that her son )as i+norin+ her in fa1or of s2ckin+ on his fin+ers. She
reco+ni8ed )hat this )as. She kne) ho) intense tra2(a co20d insti00 s2ch s2ckin+ (otion )ithin a
chi0d his a+e.
FDanny>H she ca00ed o2t soft0y to hi(. e didnGt ans)er her. FDanny3 )hereGs yo2r father>
!hereGs Daddy3 Danny>H
Sti00 he re(ained si0ent3 s2ckin+ on his fin+ers3 )antin+ nothin+ (ore than for the fear to +o
a)ay and his dad to be ok. %2t he kne) that )o20dnGt ha**en. eGd )itnessed his fatherGs body
b2rnin+ to ashes. e kne) eno2+h abo2t 0ife to kno) that *eo*0e didnGt ret2rn to 0ife after s2ch an
ordea0.
FDanny>H his (other *ersisted3 *200in+ his fin+ers o2t of his (o2th. is 0i*s contin2ed to
s2ck3 e1en )itho2t his fin+ers st2ffed bet)een the(. FDanny3 )hat ha**ened> !hereGs Daddy>H
DannyGs eyes 0o)ered fro( )here heGd been starin+ at the *2(*kin seated sti00 on the tab0e
abo1e his head. They 0o)ered to the s(a00 *i0e of ashes on the f0oor3 on the other side of the chair
he had stood on ear0ier in order to reach the *2(*kin.
It )as his fa20t. e kne) it )as. ad he not insisted on ha1in+ this e?act *2(*kin his dad
(i+ht sti00 be a0i1e. %2t (aybe a00 the *2(*kins in that *atch )ere 0ike this one. Maybe a00 the
*2(*kins in the )or0d )ere 0ike this one. e didnGt ha1e eno2+h e?*erience at his a+e to kno) the
tr2th. e didnGt kno) if this )as )hat )as s2**osed to ha**en )hen car1in+ a :ack9o90antern.
e on0y kne) he )o20d ne1er car1e another one3 no (atter ho) 0on+ he 0i1ed3 ho) o0d he
+ot. Jack9o90anterns )ere e1i0. e ne1er )anted to see e1en a *2(*kin a+ain3 0et a0one a :ack9o9
0antern. And he ne1er )anted to enter a *2(*kin *atch a+ain3 either.
MarciaGs eyes fo00o)ed those of her sonGs as he centered on the ash on the f0oor. F!hat
Danny> !hat are yo2 0ookin+ at>H She co20dnGt see it. She co20dnGt 2nderstand )hat he )as
0ookin+ at. She didnGt kno) that *i0e of ash )as his father.
Then his eyes 0ooked 2*)ards once (ore3 to)ard the *2(*kin sittin+ on the tab0e. e
didnGt )ant to 0ook at the *2(*kin3 b2t so(eho)3 for so(e 2nkno)n reason he fe0t co(*e00ed to
do so.
is (other )atched his eyes shift. She 0ooked 2* and sa) the *2(*kin3 as tho2+h for the
first ti(e3 rea0i8in+ )hat had been +oin+ on before her estran+ed h2sband had deserted their son3
0ea1in+ hi( in this a*art(ent a00 a0one. !hy Pa20 had 0eft their son this )ay3 a0one3 in the darkness3
Marcia had no )ay of kno)in+. %2t she +re) an+rier the (ore she tho2+ht of ho) cr2e0 Pa20 had
been. o) 2tter0y 2nre0iab0e and irres*onsib0e he had *ro1en hi(se0f to be. Lea1in+ a si? year9o0d
chi0d a0one. In the dark. A00 by hi(se0f as the s2n disa**eared.
Une?*0ainab0y Marcia !a0ker strai+htened her 0e+s3 0iftin+ 2* so she to)ered o1er the
o*enin+ of the *2(*kin on the tab0e. She 0eaned 2nf0inchin+0y o1er= *eerin+ inside )hat sho20d
ha1e been a dark *2(*kin. SheGd noticed the 2+0y3 scary feat2res car1ed into the front of the she00.
o) co20d Pa20 ha1e car1ed so(ethin+ so horrib0e3 so e1i0 for a chi0d DannyGs a+e> Maybe that
)as )hat had tra2(ati8ed her son. The feat2res her e?9h2sband had car1ed into the :ack9o90antern.
Marcia !a0ker had no )ay of kno)in+ that her e?9h2sband had died3 bein+ b2rned by a fire
not of this rea0ity3 0on+ before the feat2res on the face of the *2(*kin had b2rned the(se01es across
the s(ooth s2rface of the *2(*kin3 etchin+ a cr2e03 e1i0 0eer )here (ost chi0dren (i+ht car1e
trian+20ar eyes and a si00y3 sD2are9toothed +rin.
So(ethin+ )as inside the :ack9o90antern. So(ethin+ that +0o)ed bri+ht0y. On0y there hadnGt
been any 0i+ht co(in+ fro( this :ack9o90antern )hen sheGd first entered the a*art(ent. She )o20d
ha1e noticed the 0i+ht fro( the door)ay. It had been co(*0ete0y dark )hen sheGd entered.
!here )as the 0i+ht co(in+ fro(> !hat co20d *ossib0y be inside this :ack9o90antern her e?9
h2sband had car1ed for their son that co20d start +0o)in+ by itse0f as this had>
Peerin+ o1er the ed+e of the o*enin+3 tho2+h she )asnGt certain )hy she sho20d be so
interested in so(ethin+ 0ike this )hen her son ob1io2s0y needed her attention3 (ore3 Marcia !a0ker
noticed so(ethin+ ob0on+ in sha*e and definite0y )hite. She co20dnGt (ake o2t e?act0y )hat it )as3
so she decided to reach in and (o1e it3 see if its sha*e beca(e (ore distinct3 so(ethin+ she
reco+ni8ed (ore easi0y.
%eside his (other Danny !a0ker )atched in fascinated horror )hi0e she reached inside the
*2(*kinGs o*enin+. In1o02ntari0y3 DannyGs fin+ers ret2rned to his (o2th3 )here he res2(ed
s2ckin+. is s2ckin+ (otion chan+ed3 beco(in+ e1er (ore ra*id3 on0y )hen this )o(an )ho had
+i1en birth to hi( s2dden0y t2rned to ash3 as his father had. Danny contin2ed his s2ckin+3 e1en in
the encroachin+ darkness that res2(ed as the 0i+ht han+in+ o1er the 0i1in+ roo( )ent o2t3 0ea1in+
the 0i+ht fro( the :ack9o90antern as the on0y 0i+ht in this a*art(ent )here both his *arents had died
today.
S0o)0y3 the +0o) fro( )ithin the :ack9o90antern (o1ed3 as tho2+h so(eone )as t2rnin+ the
face of the car1ed *2(*kin. The 0eerin+ +0are that sho)n so e1i00y )ith its inner radiance fi?ed
itse0f 2*on Danny no).
The 0i*s of the boyGs (o2th be+an s2ckin+ faster and faster as he rea0i8ed the *2r*ose of
this thin+ that had once been nothin+ (ore than a 0ar+e *2(*kin.
It )anted hi( as )e00.
$ $ $ $ $
!ITC SPA!N
, -..P Jacob M. Drake
F!hat the he00Gs the (atter )ith yo2>H
%en:y crin+ed in the corner as his (other an+ri0y a**roached. She he0d his dadGs be0t
0oose0y in her hand3 s)in+in+ it +ent0y back and forth. %en:y kne) that in the ne?t (in2te or so
there )o20d be nothin+ +ent0e abo2t the )ay that be0t (o1ed. is (other )o20d 2se it to beat hi(.
She a0)ays did. It )as her )ay of (akin+ be0ie1e his father )as sti00 a *art of the fa(i0y3 tho2+h in
tr2th he had 0eft near0y si? years ear0ier.
F!hat did yo2 think yo2 )ere doin+3 %en:y> Ans)er (eIH She screa(ed so 0o2d %en:y )as
a0)ays s2r*rised the entire nei+hborhood co20dnGt hear )hat )as +oin+ on )ithin the co(*act
ho2se. eGd seen the )ay so (any of the ad20ts t2rned their heads )hen he )a0ked by +oin+ to
schoo0 or to the store. e rea0i8ed then that they did kno) )hat )as +oin+ on. #ach of the( :2st
chose to i+nore the screa(s that echoed fro( his ho2se on a dai0y basis. The sa(e )ay the teachers
at his schoo0 i+nored the br2ises3 the c2ts3 the )e0ts3 on his face and ar(s.
#1eryone in this s(a00 to)n kne) his (other beat hi(3 b2t no one bothered to do anythin+
abo2t it. #1en the 0oca0 *o0ice3 )ho heGd a0)ays been to0d )ere his friends K that he sho20d tr2st
the( )hen he )as in tro2b0e K i+nored a00 that )ent on in here. So(eti(es %en:y )o20d +0ance o2t
the 0ar+e *ict2re )indo) in the front of his ho2se and see the *atro0 car s0o)0y ro00in+ *ast as his
(other 1ented her o)n e(otions by beatin+ hi( )ith his fatherGs be0t.
&eah3 they kne) )hat ha**ened inside this ho2se. They :2st didnGt )ant to +et in1o01ed.
%en:y (ere0y bent his head 0o) as he cro2ched do)n into the corner3 the )ay he a0)ays
did3 ho*in+ the confined s*ace )o20d *ro1ide at 0east a 0itt0e *rotection fro( the stin+ of the 0eather
stra* as it descended do)n 2*on his frai0 body.
It ne1er did. There )as nothin+ that co20d *rotect hi( )hen his (otherGs fears and an+er
took contro0 of her.
Not the corner.
Not the nei+hbors.
Not his teachers.
Not the *o0ice.
Certain0y not %en:y hi(se0f. A00 he co20d do )as to b2ry hi(se0f )ithin the corner and
(ake hi(se0f as s(a00 a tar+et as he *ossib0y co20d. That )as his on0y defense.
FLook at (e3 yo2 0itt0e shitIH The be0t s0a**ed a+ainst his 0eft ar(3 since it )as the fore(ost
ar(3 co1erin+ as (2ch of his face as he co20d )ith the s(a003 thin a**enda+e3 and 0eft a )e0t. %en:y
bare0y e1en :erked any(ore )hen the stra* str2ck his f0esh. eGd beco(e too indent2red to the
*ain. The be0t str2ck a+ain3 a *iece of it (ana+in+ to catch ho0d of his 0eft eye. This ti(e %en:y
ye0*ed in *ain as b0ood be+an to trick0e fro( the scratch in the corner of his eye.
FOh3 did that h2rt Mo((yGs 0itt0e boy>H his (otherGs )ords ca(e (ockin+0y fro( her 0i*s.
She ne1er had a (o(ent any(ore )hen her )ords carried any fee0in+ or concern o1er )hat she did
to hi(. er face a0tered D2ick0y fro( the *retense of concern3 takin+ on the 0ook of a de(on fro(
e00. That )as the on0y i(a+e %en:y co20d re0ate her e?*ression to. eGd seen a *ict2re of a de(on
in a book one of the other boys at schoo0 had bro2+ht in one day. %en:y reco+ni8ed the e?*ression
on the dra)in+ instant0y. eGd seen it e1ery day for the *ast se1en years.
#1ery (ornin+ )hen he )oke 2*.
#1ery afternoon )hen he ca(e ho(e fro( schoo0.
#1ery ni+ht before he )ent to bed.
And anyti(e bet)een those *eriods K )hene1er his (other took a notion that he needed a
beatin+. Like ri+ht no). Sat2rday afternoon. eGd ho*ed he co20d sneak off to the 0oca0 *0ay+ro2nd
at the *ark. S*end so(e ti(e )ith the other kids there. "2nnin+. La2+hin+. P0ayin+ on the
*0ay+ro2nd eD2i*(ent. Tryin+ to see )hat it )as 0ike to be a nor(a0 chi0d for once.
%2t on0y (in2tes after heGd arri1ed at the *ark his (other had stor(ed in and yanked hi(
off the s)in+ as hard as she co20d. She didnGt care that his head had str2ck the concrete the *o0es of
the s)in+9set )ere anchored in as she :erked hi( off the hea1y r2bber seat.
She didnGt care at a00 that heGd 0eft a trai0 of b0ood behind as she dra++ed hi( by his ri+ht 0e+
a00 the )ay do)n the (any b0ocks to their ho2se.
Or that his hair had scra*ed a0(ost c0ean fro( a s(a00 *ortion of his sca0* fro( a00 the
b2(*in+ on the +ro2nd as sheGd dr2+ hi( ho(e.
o(e. !hat an odd )ord that )as to 0itt0e %en:y.
On0y se1en years o0d3 and a0ready he kne) on0y too )e00 that a ho(e )as a *0ace )here a
chi0d sho20d fee0 safe. Sec2re. Protected fro( the dan+ers of the )or0d o2tside.
Not in the Johnson fa(i0y ho(e. %en:y )asnGt safe there at a00. And he kne) this ho2se
co20d ne1er be his ho(e. Not as 0on+ as his (other )as 0eft free to beat and ab2se hi( the )ay she
did e1ery day of his 0ife.
FI said3 0ook at (eIH er )ords screa(ed 0o2der. ;ar (ore shri00 than 2s2a0. So(ethin+
(2st ha1e ha**ened to brin+ abo2t this o2tb2rst of )rath. %en:y kne) there had to be a reason for
his (otherGs actions. %2t heGd ne1er been ab0e to fi+2re it o2t.
!as it si(*0y beca2se heGd atte(*ted to s*end his ti(e the )ay the other kids his a+e did
on a Sat2rday afternoon>
!as it beca2se she sti003 after si? 0on+3 br2ta0 years3 co20dnGt for+i1e her h2sband for
desertin+ the( in the (idd0e of the ni+ht>
Or )as it so(ethin+ e0se. So(ethin+ fro( her o)n tort2red *ast )hen she )as +ro)in+ 2*>
Certain0y %en:y had heard the )his*ered stories at different ti(es3 )hen no one tho2+ht he co20d
hear the(. Like )hen his (other sent hi( to the store to b2y her ci+arettes and boo8e. #1en tho2+h
he )as on0y a chi0d3 no one in the to)n dared to D2estion his b2yin+ s2ch ite(s. They a00 kne) he
)asnGt 2sin+ the( for hi(se0f. They a00 kne) if they didnGt se00 hi( )hat heGd co(e for3 ho) bad0y
heGd be beaten )hen he ca(e ho(e e(*ty9handed.
%2t heGd heard the( )his*er abo2t ho) his (other had been this )ay e1er since she )as a
chi0d.
Maybe it )as her (otherGs fa20t.
Maybe it )as her fatherGs fa20t.
Maybe she )as :2st born )ith so(ethin+ 2nba0anced inside her brain.
No one )as certain of the facts. %2t they a00 ta0ked abo2t her )hene1er they sa) %en:y
so(e)here )ithin the to)n.
Sti003 none of the( 0ifted the s(a00est of their fin+ers to sto* her or to re(o1e hi( fro( her
ho(e. A0(ost as tho2+h they )ere a00 afraid of )hat she (i+ht do to the( if they did.
%en:y tried to for+i1e the *eo*0e of this to)n for their co)ard0iness and 0ack of action to
*rotect hi(. eGd s(i0e at e1ery one of the( )hene1er he )a0ked *ast the(. eGd hear the(
)his*er abo2t3 Fho) bra1e he (2st be3H to s(i0e that )ay )hen he )as bein+ ab2sed so bad0y.
They a00 kne) )hat he )as +oin+ thro2+h.
So )hy didnGt they do so(ethin+ abo2t it>
The be0t str2ck yet a+ain as %en:y )ithdre) e1en f2rther into the corner. So(eti(es he
)ondered that he didnGt *2sh thro2+h the inside )a00 to the o2tside. This )as his fa1orite corner to
co)er in )hen he )as bein+ beaten. It )as ri+ht ne?t to the *ict2re )indo) 2* front. !ith the
dra*es dra)n a00 the )ay back the )ay they a0)ays )ere3 it 0eft his beatin+s o*en for the )ho0e
)or0d to )itness.
It )as his )ay of (akin+ s2re no one had an e?c2se to not kno) ho) terrib0e his 0ife )as
inside this ho2se.
Sti00 K no one acted on his beha0f.
And he hated e1ery one of the( for their co)ard0y )ays.
;or se1era0 (in2tes after the beatin+ sto**ed %en:y re(ained cro2ched )ithin the corner.
#ither he )as so acc2sto(ed to the beatin+s that he co20dnGt te00 )hen they sto**ed3 or he )as
afraid to (o1e too soon. Afraid the beatin+ (i+ht :2st start a00 o1er a+ain if his (other tho2+ht for a
(o(ent that he )asnGt s2fficient0y h2rt eno2+h.
;ina00y the tiny for( of h2(an f0esh 2nf2r0ed itse0f. is stick9thin 0e+s stretched o2t as far
as they co20d. is ar(s fe00 do)n fro( in front of his face. In fear %en:y +0anced abo2t3 (akin+
certain his (other )asnGt near eno2+h to see his (o1e(ent. Too often before she had sti00 been
)ithin distance )hen he tried to re0a?. The res20tant beatin+s had been far )orse than the for(er.
Seein+ no one e0se aro2nd3 %en:y *2shed hi(se0f 2* fro( the bare )ood f0oor3 bein+ certain
not to (ake any so2nds as he (o1ed. The s0i+htest scra*e of his )orn9o2t sneakers a+ainst the
)ood (i+ht be eno2+h to send his (other into yet one (ore ra+e. e )asnGt s2re ho) (any (ore
of these beatin+s he co20d take before it )as too (2ch and he died fro( the ab2se.
At se1en years o0d %en:y )as e?tensi1e0y a)are of the fact of death. Most chi0dren his a+e
had no conce*t of death. Most si? year9o0ds fe0t a ra) i((orta0ity that ca2sed the( to take foo0ish
risks )hen *0ayin+ )ithin their nei+hborhoods. Lea*in+ off roofs of ho2ses to 0and t2(b0in+ on the
+ro2nd be0o). "idin+ their bikes *e009(e00 do)n stee* hi00s )here they f0e) fro( the :2(*s theyGd
b2i0t3 f0yin+ hi+h into the air before 0andin+ )ith a th2d on the front )hee0s of their bikesG tires.
Not %en:y Johnson. e kne) death )as an i((inent rea0ity that co20d o1ertake hi( at any
(o(ent. #s*ecia00y here at ho(e.
Caref200y he (ade his )ay *ast the )indo). So s0o)0y it a0(ost see(ed he )asnGt (o1in+
at a003 he t2rned the knob on the front door and *200ed it o*en3 )ary of the creakin+ the hin+es (ade
as he e1er9so9s0o)0y *200ed the )ooden barrier free fro( the :a(b that he0d it3 o*en on0y far
eno2+h so he co20d sD2ee8e his frai0 body *ast the door :a(b3 (akin+ his esca*e3 at 0east for the
(o(ent3 fro( the terror that inhabited this ho2se.
Once o2tside3 %en:yGs 0e+s )ent into hi+h +ear and he ran a00 the )ay do)n the b0ock.
Many ad20ts )ere o2tside at that ti(e of day3 (o)in+ their 0a)ns. !aterin+ their +ardens. !ashin+
their cars. They a00 0ooked 2* as his tiny body streaked *ast. They each shook their heads in (ock
concern o1er the fresh br2ises and c2ts that stood o2t so *0ain0y 2*on the e?*osed *arts of his face
and body.
Sti003 not a sin+0e one of the( 0ifted a fin+er to do anythin+ to re0ie1e his *ain.
And so he ran.
e ran to esca*e his (other.
e ran to esca*e the *ain3 ho*in+ to 0ea1e it far behind hi(. Tho2+h he kne) that )as
i(*ossib0e.
e ran to esca*e this to)n and its indifferent attit2de to)ard hi( and his *0i+ht.
%2t he )as ne1er ab0e to r2n far eno2+h. #1ent2a00y his (other )o20d co(e 0ookin+ for
hi(. And each *erson she asked abo2t the direction her son had +one )o20d ans)er her tr2thf200y3
too fearf20 not to. And she )o20d find hi(.
Then she )o20d dra+ hi( ho(e once (ore.
And the beatin+ )o20d co((ence.
This ti(e he tried his best to kee* r2nnin+. It )as f2rther than heGd e1er r2n before. Tho2+h
e1ery (2sc0e in his body )as *rotestin+ a+ainst the e?ertion he forced 2*on the(3 he contin2ed to
r2n. This ti(e he )as deter(ined he )o20d not sto* 2nti0 he had 0eft the to)n and his (other far
behind hi(.
Perha*s this ti(e he )o20d be ab0e to r2n far eno2+h that she )o20dnGt be ab0e to find hi(.
%2t his 0e+s fina00y +a1e o2t.
e contin2ed (o1in+ K at a (oderate *ace at first. Then (2ch s0o)er as a00 ener+y drained
fro( his body. Sti00 he tried to contin2e. %2t his 0e+s be+an to shake fro( the e?ertion. ;ina00y3 as
a0)ays ha**ened )hen he *2shed hi(se0f too far3 he co00a*sed.
The hardness of the dirt he fe00 onto fe0t soft co(*ared to the te?t2re of the 0eather be0t his
father had 0eft behind )hen he esca*ed si? years a+o3 bare0y a year after %en:y )as born. Tho2+h
the +rains of dirt +ro2nd their )ay into the *ores of his facia0 skin3 it )asnGt near eno2+h *ain to
ca2se %en:y to cry o2t. Nothin+ co20d (atch )hat heGd been forced to end2re these *ast years.
is body 0ay sti00 for 0on+ (in2tes after heGd fa00en. e co20d fee0 (2d for(in+ beneath his
cheek and raised his face :2st eno2+h to deter(ine that it )asnGt fro( tears dri**in+ fro( eyes.
eGd 0on+ a+o sto**ed cryin+ o1er his ordea0s. No K the (2d ca(e fro( the trick0e of b0ood that
sti00 0eaked fro( the c2t at the corner of his eye.
Lookin+ 0on+ eno2+h to satisfy hi( that he )asnGt cryin+3 %en:y 0o)ered his face back into
the b0oodied (2d and 0eft it there for a)hi0e. J2st 0on+ eno2+h to re+ain eno2+h stren+th so he
co20d *2sh hi(se0f fro( the +ro2nd and start r2nnin+ once (ore.
Ne1er before had he de(anded so (2ch fro( his frai03 ha0f9star1ed body. #1en tho2+h
so(e of the teachers at his schoo0 )o20d *ass on a fe) cookies3 ha0f a sand)ich3 or a (2ffin )hen
they rea0i8ed he had once (ore been sent off )itho2t a 02nch3 (ore9often9than9not they )ere afraid
to *ro1ide no2rish(ent )hen his (other had seen fit not to do so.
As he ran %en:y *2shed a hand dee* )ithin a *ocket of his ra++ed :eans. e fo2nd there the
cr2(b0ed re(ains of the sin+0e cookie a +ir0 fro( his c0ass had +i1en hi( the day before. She had
*2shed the cookie into his hand d2rin+ recess3 then t2rned D2ick0y and ran a)ay. As tho2+h she
feared his (other )o20d kno) it )as she )ho had dared to *ro1ide hi( )ith this tiny bit of
s2stenance. A0(ost nothin+ at a003 yet e1en in her desire to he0* o2t this boy she fe0t s2ch fondness
for3 sheGd been afraid to *ro1ide e1en that.
%en:y had refrained fro( eatin+ the cookie :2st then3 kno)in+ a ti(e )o20d co(e )hen he
)o20d need its no2rish(ent (ore than he had at that (o(ent.
"i+ht no) )as that (o(ent. %2t the cookie had t2rned to nothin+ b2t cr2(bs in his *ocket.
Sti003 he )ithdre) the cr2(bs and s2cked the( bet)een his cracked and b0eedin+ 0i*s. Into his
(o2th and do)n his *arched throat.
O1er and o1er his hand di**ed into his *ocket. Unti0 he )as certain no (ore cr2(bs e?isted
)ithin his :eanGs recesses. Sti003 he *200ed the inner c0oth of the *ocket o2t in order to e?tract e1ery
(in2te cr2(b *ossib0e of the de(o0ished cookie.
is ton+2e had fai0ed to re+ister the fact that this had been a *ean2t b2tter cookie. is
(o2th had been too dry for the taste b2ds to deter(ine anythin+ of the kind. A00 he kne) )as that
the cr2(bs fro( the cookie )ere no)here near eno2+h to *ro1ide hi( the stren+th he needed to
kee* his body (o1in+ hard eno2+h and fast eno2+h for hi( to esca*e this to)n. And to esca*e his
(other.
#1ent2a00y he s0o)ed once (ore. On0y this ti(e he (ana+ed to kee* hi(se0f fro( fa00in+
fro( e?ha2stion. This ti(e he (ere0y ke*t (o1in+3 tho2+h it )as the s0o)est anyone had e1er
)a0ked. Of that he )as certain.
As he (o1ed a0on+ he noticed that the s2n had dro**ed far be0o) the to* of the trees that
0ined the dirt road he )as on. That fact s2r*rised hi(. Tho2+h it had been 0ate afternoon )hen heGd
f0ed fro( his ho2se3 he had tho2+ht his (other )o20d ha1e co(e after hi( and fo2nd hi( by no).
is knees be+an to shake 2ncontro00ab0y as he contin2ed on. e +ritted his teeth and forced
hi(se0f to end2re the *ain that )racked his body. #1en if he died in the atte(*t3 %en:y had decided
the ear0ier (istreat(ent )as the 0ast ti(e he )o20d a00o) hi(se0f to be beaten by his (other.
As he )a0ked a0on+ the dirt road a(idst the e1er9descendin+ s2n3 %en:yGs eyes drifted to the
sides of the road. e absent9(inded0y noticed the bits of debris stre)n abo2t fro( *ast stor(s that
had b0o)n thro2+h this area. %its of branches )ere scattered e1ery)here3 e1en 2*on the s2rface of
the road itse0f.
At one *oint he be+an to sense an 2nreasonin+ fear co(in+ o1er hi(. A fear 2n0ike any he
had e1er e?*erienced before. e f2rro)ed his bro) in *2880e(ent3 )onderin+ )hy this )as
ha**enin+ to hi(. !asnGt there eno2+h for hi( to fear in rea0ity )itho2t s2cc2(bin+ to the terrors
of his i(a+ination as )e00>
%en:y tried *2shin+ the fears fro( his (ind3 b2t it )as diffic20t. A0(ost as tho2+h the fears
)ere bein+ *0aced there by an o2tside force. A+ain and a+ain the 2nkno)n terrors see*ed into his
tho2+hts. #ach ti(e he f2rro)ed his bro) and *2shed the( a)ay. On0y to find the( ret2rnin+ once
(ore.
Tryin+ to find a )ay to i+nore the 2nreasonin+ fear3 %en:y be+an to st2dy the *ieces of
)ood a0on+ the roadside. It see(ed to )ork for a)hi0e3 b2t then his eyes fe00 2*on a s(a00 stick
on0y abo2t si? or se1en inches 0on+. The stick )as a s*0inter fro( a 0ar+er branch and had thin
*ieces of itse0f *rotr2din+ fro( a0on+ its 0en+th. The *ieces 0ooked to %en:y as tho2+h they co20d
be 0e+s of a tiny ani(a0 K the stick itse0f bein+ a creat2re of 2nkno)n ori+in.
;ear of the stick co(in+ to 0ife and attackin+ hi( o1er)he0(ed %en:y. e 0ooked a)ay
fro( the stick as he *assed it3 tryin+ hard to i+nore his i(a+ination. %2t his eyes :erked back
to)ard the stick in fear.
S2dden0y his fears (ateria0i8ed the(se01es as the F0e+sH of the stick be+an to t)itch. The
2ne?*ected action ca2sed %en:y to sto* )a0kin+ and stare at the stick. ad he i(a+ined the
(o1e(ent> ad a bree8e drifted a0on+ and ca2sed the stick to )i++0e3 his fearf20 (ind fi00in+ in the
b0anks so that it on0y a**eared to (o1e 0ike 0e+s>
%en:y started to )a0k back)ards3 kee*in+ his eyes ri1eted on the stick. And then
i(a+ination beca(e rea0ity as the stick ca(e to 0ife and *2shed itse0f 2* fro( the dirt )here it had
0ain inert for so 0on+.
The no) (obi0e stick raced on s*ind0y s*0inter 0e+s ri+ht to)ard the back)ards (o1in+
boy. is eyes +re) bi+ and his (o2th fe00 o*en in a )ay he )o20d not ha1e be0ie1ed *ossib0e for
so(eone )ho had e?*erienced the horrors he a0ready had.
!ith an ashen9)hite face3 %en:y )hir0ed abo2t and forced his )eary 0e+s to *2sh faster and
faster3 tryin+ des*erate0y to o2trace this i(*ossib0y 0i1in+ ne) creat2re.
!as it on0y his i(a+ination after a00> !as the )eariness he e?*erienced ca2sin+ hi( to
(ere0y i(a+ine that this stick had co(e to 0ife and )as chasin+ hi(>
%en:y decided not to sto* r2nnin+ in order to find o2t. #1en if it )as on0y his i(a+ination3
he fe0t it )as rea0 eno2+h that he co20dnGt e1en atte(*t to deter(ine the tr2th.
%en:y +0anced back as he ran. The stick )as contin2in+ to chase hi(. And it a**eared the
i(*ossib0y 0i1in+ creat2re )as +ainin+ on hi(.
%en:yGs 0e+s *2(*ed harder and harder as he forced the( *assed their 0e1e0 of e?ha2stion.
#1ery o2nce of his (2sc0es ached )orse than heGd e1er fe0t before. #1en his 02n+s )ere threatenin+
to +i1e o2t on hi(. e c0osed his eyes K +ritted his teeth K and *2shed his body on)ard3 tryin+ in
1ain to o2trace the stick9thin+.
Then his foot enco2ntered a rock 0yin+ in his *ath and %en:y )ent do)n. ard. is ar(s
f0in+in+ the(se01es for)ard in an atte(*t to absorb the force of the 0andin+ and c2shion his fa00.
is hands str2ck the hard9*acked dirt of the road first K and then his chin. %en:y once (ore
fe0t b0ood s*2rtin+ fro( those *arts of his body )hich )ere bein+ scra*ed by the ro2+hness of the
+ro2nd.
Terror o1er)he0(ed hi( and he f02n+ hi(se0f o1er onto his back :2st in ti(e to see the
stick catch 2* to hi(. It *2shed off )ith its s*0inter90e+s and 0ea*ed i(*ossib0y hi+h into the air.
%en:yGs eyes )idened in horror once (ore as he sa) as thro2+h s0o) (otion the stick creat2re
descendin+ do)n 2*on hi( thro2+h t)i0i+htGs +0oo(.
;rantica00y he reached o2t to the side in a 1ain atte(*t to 0ocate so(ethin+ he co20d thro)
at the stick. So(ethin+ that (i+ht i(*ede its *ro+ress and a00o) hi( ti(e to esca*e.
A00 his hand enco2ntered )as a bit of 0oose dirt 0yin+ in a s(a00 (o2nd )here *erha*s a
carGs tire had *2shed it as the r2bber contra*tion ca(e to a sto* beside the road.
The (2sc0es and tendons of his thin fin+ers enc0osed aro2nd the dirt and scoo*ed 2* as
(2ch of it as *ossib0e. The ar( attached to the hand f02n+ the ti+ht0y +ri**ed dirt for)ard3 the
fin+ers o*enin+ as they reached their 8enith. The bits of dirt f0e) o2t 2*on re0ease and str2ck the
D2ick0y a**roachin+ stick.
In his fri+htened (ind %en:y i(a+ined the dirt encasin+ the stick creat2re. e sa) the
+ran20es of earth beco(in+ hardened3 0ike a she003 for(in+ aro2nd the stick and dra)in+ in)ard
to)ard it3 cr2shin+ it to *ieces so that it )as no 0on+er ab0e to attack hi(. Instant0y the 0oose0y
f02n+ dirt reacted e?act0y as %en:y had seen it )ithin his (ind. In a)ed a(a8e(ent he )atched as
the dirt encased the stick as a she00. In fascination he obser1ed the she00 of dirt harden3 and then
dra) itse0f in)ard 2*on the stick. In (2ted +0ee his eyes +re) bi+ once (ore3 tho2+h this ti(e not
in fear3 as the stick s*0intered a*art fro( the force e?erted 2*on it by the i(*ossib0e action )hich
had :2st taken *0ace.
%en:y )aited a (o(ent before (o1in+. Makin+ certain the stick )o20d not rise 2* to attack
hi( once (ore. Tho2+h it see(ed certain0y i(*ossib0e that s2ch a cr2shed and s*0intered thin+ as it
no) )as co20d refor( itse0f and rene) its attack.
Sti003 he re(inded hi(se0f3 it had been i(*ossib0e for the stick to co(e to 0ife and attack
hi( in the first *0ace. Sticks didnGt do s2ch thin+s as that. &et this one had.
It had a0so been i(*ossib0e that the o2t9f02n+ dirt co20d for( aro2nd the stick and cr2sh its
non9e?istent 0ife fro( the creat2re. %2t that i(*ossibi0ity had ha**ened as )e00.
S0o)0y he *2shed hi(se0f fro( the +ro2nd and stood 0ookin+ at the *ieces of the thin+
)hich had on0y recent0y co(e to 0ife and chased hi( do)n.
Then the fear be+an to for( )ithin his (ind once (ore and %en:y be+an to back hi(se0f
a)ay fro( the stre)n s*0inters of )ood. Q2ick0y his eyes be+an to dart abo2t at other *ieces of
)ood3 as tho2+h they3 too3 (i+ht co(e to 0ife and attack.
Then rea0i8ation hit hi( in the forehead as tho2+h he had been str2ck by a rock thro)n at
hi(.
is (other.
This )as )hy the *eo*0e of the to)n )ere so afraid of her. She *ossessed so(e ty*e of
*o)er )hich a00o)ed her to attack others )ithin their (inds. To strike at the 1ery basest of their
fears. To e1en for( ne) fears )here none e?isted. Ca2sed those fears to s*rin+ to 0ife. As had the
stick he had seen a0on+ the road.
There )as so(ethin+ )ithin her that )as (ore terrifyin+ e1en than the br2ta0ity )ith )hich
she assa20ted hi( e1ery day.
As )e00 as he co20d3 %en:y forced hi(se0f to sto* thinkin+ abo2t the *ieces of )ood. e
c0osed his eyes and instead *ict2red the 0itt0e +ir0 )ho had +i1en hi( the cookie. e for(ed her
face before hi( )ithin his (ind and noticed for the first ti(e )hat a *retty +ir0 she )as. e sa) her
as c0ear0y as if he )ere standin+ in front of her at this 1ery (o(ent.
Then the i(a+e of her )ithin his (ind chan+ed fro( a s(i0in+ +ir0 to a +ir0 reactin+ in
terror.
Too 0ate %en:y 2nderstood that his (other had so(eho) 0ifted the *ict2re fro( his (ind
and )as e1en no) attackin+ this +ir0 )ho had dared to befriend hi(. Tho2+h he )as (i0es a)ay
fro( the +ir03 %en:y co20d no) see her in her ho2se3 in )hat 2nti0 on0y (o(ents a+o had been the
safety of her ho(e3 screa(in+ as her skin be+an to tear in tiny cracks. Then the cracks )idened and
tore a*art the 1ery skin that co1ered her face 2nti0 her skin )as ri**ed by an 2nseen force
co(*0ete0y a)ay fro( the (2sc0es it had *re1io2s0y co1ered.
%0ood s*2rted fro( the no) e?*osed facia0 (2sc0es as the +ir0 fe00 screa(in+ to the f0oor of
her ho2se. %en:y no) co20d see her *arents knee0in+ beside their da2+hter tryin+ frantica00y to he0*
her. And fai0in+. Not 2nderstandin+ )hat )as ha**enin+ to their da2+hter or )hat co20d be done to
sto* it.
In horror %en:y )atched the scene 2nfo0d as this +ir0 )ho had (ere0y +i1en hi( a cookie
c0osed her eyes for the 0ast ti(e in her so9short 0ife K and died. Not fro( 0ack of b0ood3 since she
had b0ed re0ati1e0y 0itt0e fro( her )o2nds. er death had co(e fro( the fear K the terror K his
(other had for(ed )ithin this chi0dGs (ind.
;or 0on+ (in2tes %en:y stood (otion0ess on that no) dark3 0one0y dirt road. Then his body
be+an to tre(b0e. Tho2+h not )ith fear this ti(e3 b2t )ith a ra+e that )as b2i0din+ )ithin hi( 2nti0
he fo2nd he co20d no 0on+er contro0 it.
The hosti0ity that had b2ried itse0f so dee*0y )ithin hi( a00 these years no) forced itse0f to
the s2rface of his (ind and *2shed *ast the defenses %en:y had b2i0t aro2nd it in order to kee* it
safe0y b2ried )ithin.
As a +reat force of nat2re the ra+e b2rst forth fro( this ten9year9o0d boy. The trees
s2rro2ndin+ hi(3 tho2+h it )as no) too dark for %en:y hi(se0f to see the(3 bent a0(ost to the
+ro2nd fro( the (a+nit2de of his f2ry.
The ra+e +re) e1en stron+er the f2rther fro( his body it (o1ed. At first on0y a s(a00 c0o2d
of s)ir0in+ d2st for(ed a short distance fro( the stone9sti00 boy. %2t then it +re) in si8e as )e00 as
ferocity and be+an to (o1e D2ick0y a)ay fro( its so2rce. %y the ti(e it )as (ere0y a (i0e a)ay
fro( %en:y3 the s)ir0in+ (ass of dirt and )ind had +ro)n as 0ar+e as any tornado in the e?istence
of kno)n history. %y the ti(e it fo2nd its )ay to the street )here the ho2se in )hich %en:y had3
2nti0 this (o(ent3 0i1ed o2t his too9(iserab0e e?istence3 the force of nat2re )hich )as far too
2nnat2ra03 had +ro)n in (ass 2nti0 it )as destroyin+ e1ery ho2se it ca(e across. Cons2(in+ the
s*0interin+ ho(es )ithin seconds of their co(in+ into contact )ith this (ind9created ferocity.
The n2(ber of ho2ses destroyed )o20d 0ater be co2nted and fo2nd to be a tota0 of forty9
three. "i+ht no) none of that (attered to the +ar+ant2an tornado that s)e*t thro2+h the s0ee*y
0itt0e to)n that had too 0on+ i+nored the terror that 0i1ed at the end of this 2ni(*ortant street. Nor
did it (atter to the 0itt0e boy )ho ca2sed it a003 his +rief o1er*o)erin+ hi( and c0o2din+ his better
:2d+(ent.
As the s)ir0in+ force of )ind str2ck %en:yGs no) for(er ho(e3 his (other3 sti00 inside the
)ooden str2ct2re3 tensed herse0f and concentrated )ith a00 the *o)er she had a(assed thro2+ho2t
the years of her 0ife. She D2ick0y fo2nd that the *o)er she he0d )ithin her )as not near0y eno2+h to
sa1e her fro( the o2tb2rst she herse0f had 2nkno)in+0y ca2sed to s*rin+ fro( )ithin this so0itary
s*a)n fro( her )o(b.
The ho2se f0e) a*art instant0y as the tornado str2ck it. A+ain and a+ain the s)ir0in+ )ind
t2rned and *assed thro2+h the no) de(o0ished str2ct2re3 bein+ as it )as3 contro00ed by a 0itt0e boy
)ho kne) he had to (ake do2b0y3 tri*0y and D2adr2*0y certain the sin+0e inh2(an creat2re )ithin
that d)e00in+ did not esca*e the ons0a2+ht he 2n0eashed 2*on it.
Not once did it occ2r to %en:y that he had a0so s0a2+htered (any others as his 2n0eashed
f2ry had tra1e0ed to its destination. ad he sto**ed to consider )hat he had done3 he (ost 0ike0y
)o20d ha1e rationa0i8ed it )ithin his (ind as a necessary *art of )hat those sa(e *eo*0e had
bro2+ht 2*on the(se01es by not he0*in+ hi( )hen he needed the( (ost.
In his (ind %en:y searched thro2+h the )recka+e of his for(er ho(e and fina00y 0ocated the
broken3 battered3 b0oodied cor*se of the )o(an )ho had once been his (other. e dre) (enta00y
near to her and e?a(ined e1ery as*ect of her bein+ 2nti0 he )as satisfied she )o20d ne1er a+ain be
ab0e to brin+ har( to hi( or anyone e0se.
%en:y c0osed his eyes and )as knocked to the +ro2nd by the s2ddenness of the force he had
re0eased ret2rnin+ so D2ick0y to hi(. e t2(b0ed se1era0 ti(es before sto**in+ hi(se0f. Then he sat
2*3 his eyes sti00 c0osed3 and for the first ti(e in (any years he be+an to cry.
Not for hi(se0f.
Certain0y not for his no) deceased (other or e1en for those (any *eo*0e )ho had 0ost their
0i1es as a res20t of his actions.
is tears f0o)ed this one ti(e so0e0y for the 0itt0e +ir0 )ho had so2+ht to *erfor( a sin+0e
act of kindness to a be0ea+2ered 0itt0e boy3 and had br2ta00y 0ost her 0ife as a conseD2ence of that
action.
%en:y fina00y cried hi(se0f to s0ee* that ni+ht3 0yin+ by the side of a 0one0y dirt road in the
(idd0e of no)here. In the (ornin+ he )o20d a)aken3 stand to his feet3 and be+in )a0kin+ to no
*artic20ar destination. Any)here )as better than )here he had been for the first ten years of his
0ife.
;or no)3 he si(*0y s0e*t. And for the first ti(e in years he act2a00y fo2nd *eace )ithin his
drea(s.
$ $ $ $ $
TO KILL T# JA%%#"!OCK&
, -..N Jacob M. Drake
The s(a00 0i1in+ roo( )as cro)ded )ith co*s. The cri(e scene technicians had a0ready
co(e and +one3 c0earin+ the scene for the *o0ice officers )ho )ere assi+ned to in1esti+ate the death
of the a*art(entGs occ2*ant3 fo2nd s02(*ed o1er the keyboard at his 0a*to*3 settin+ ato* his desk.
To the 2ntrained eye the deceased a**eared to ha1e s2cc2(bed to a si(*0e (yocardia0
infarction3 in 0ay(an6s ter(s kno)n as a heart attack. To the assistant (edica0 e?a(iner )ho had
taken the ca00 for this *artic20ar death3 the *resence in the air of an 2n2s2a0 and indeter(inate s(e00
that st2n+ the (edica0 assistantGs nose )hen heGd first entered the roo( and contin2ed stin+in+ it
)hi0e he *erfor(ed his e?a(ination3 indicated there (i+ht yet be so(ethin+ that had been
introd2ced to the decedentGs syste( that (i+ht ha1e ca2sed the death3 si(20atin+ the a**arent heart
sei82re.
It )as for this reason that (ore officers than nor(a00y reD2ired for a si(*0e heart attack
1icti( had been ca00ed to the scene and )ere no) e?a(inin+ e1ery *iece of e1idence they co20d
find to fi+2re o2t )ho had been )ithin this a*art(ent (ost recent0y3 other than the deceased3 in
order to deter(ine )ho (i+ht be a 0ike0y s2s*ect to center their in1esti+ation 2*on. After a003 the
first t)enty9fo2r ho2rs after a (2rder )ere the (ost cr2cia0. #1en tho2+h the *o0ice )eren6t
*ositi1e this )as a (2rder3 the 1icti( )as hi+h9*rofi0e eno2+h that the decision )as (ade to +et a
head9start on the in1esti+ation 9 :2st in case.
It )as a0so for that reason3 of the *ossibi0ity of a death other than fro( nor(a0 ca2ses3 that
Detecti1e %2d Lori(er had been contacted and assi+ned to take the 0ead on the case3 *endin+ the
fina0 decision by the Chief Medica0 #?a(iner as to )hether the ca2se tr20y )as nat2ra0 or indeed a
ho(icide3 as the assistant M# had s2r(ised.
#nterin+ in thro2+h the front door of the a*art(ent3 indeed3 the on0y door that 0ead fro( the
ha00)ay into this cra(*ed3 one bedroo( di1e that had seen better days3 on0y not in (any 0on+
decades3 Detecti1e ;irst Brade Lori(er3 kno)n (ere0y as %2d or %2ddy to his friends and
associates3 took in the chaos of the too (any bodies (i00in+ abo2t and +enera00y +ettin+ in the )ay
of the in1esti+ation he )as s2**osed to be r2nnin+.
Standin+ at si? feet9t)o inches ta00 and )ei+hin+ in at :2st o1er t)o h2ndred *o2nds 4e
ne1er )o20d te00 anyone in the de*art(ent e?act0y ho) (2ch he act2a00y )ei+hed3 b2t it )as 0ess
than a fe) years a+o )hen he had be+2n )orkin+ o2t.53 Detecti1e Lori(er )as a strikin+ si+ht3
e1en )ith his too9short hair that )as cro**ed c0ose0y aro2nd his ears in an atte(*t to hide the
+rayness that had 0on+ since taken o1er the sides of his head and the s0i+ht0y 0oose3 f0accid skin that
h2n+ 0i(*0y fro( feat2res that had at one ti(e s2**orted a 0ar+er face3 a certain indication that he
had 0ost )ei+ht o1er his years3 rather than +ained. e kne) he )as 0osin+ the batt0e to kee* his a+e
fro( bein+ ob1io2s3 b2t 1anity ke*t hi( fro( ad(ittin+ he )asn6t a s*ry kid any 0on+er.
The fact that he had reached and *assed )hat he considered to be (idd0e9a+e bothered
Lori(er not at a00. e )as *ro2d of his (at2rity3 as he 0iked to ca00 achie1in+ the a+e of si?ty9three3
e1en if the yo2n+ officers and detecti1es in the de*art(ent did tend to ca00 hi( FPo*sH3 FBra(*sH
and FMeth2se0ahH behind his back.
%2d Lori(er had :oined the *o0ice force 0ater in 0ife than (ost of his +eneration3 ha1in+ first
s*ent se1era0 hitches in the United States Marine Cor*.3 de1e0o*in+ the (2sc20at2re that he had
retained thro2+ho2t his years3 )orkin+ o2t at 0east three days a )eek3 re+ard0ess of his case0oad.
%ein+ a Marine for near0y ten years had a0so +i1en Lori(er an ed+e (any 0acked )hen beco(in+
co*s3 since his stint in the ser1ice had a0so a00o)ed hi( to de1e0o* a sense abo2t )ho )as
b200shittin+ hi( and )hy it (i+ht be the case that they )ere tryin+ to *200 the )oo0 o1er his eyes.
Another thin+ that had beco(e in+ro)n )ithin hi(3 both fro( ha1in+ been a Marine and
fro( his 0on+ years on the :ob as a co*3 )as his distaste for b2rea2cratic )astef20ness3 s2ch as the
c02ster9f2ck before hi( no).
Lori(er o*ened his (o2th and a00o)ed his nat2ra00y resonant ti(ber to fi00 the s(a00 and
cro)ded roo( before hi(. e had no need to ye00 )ith this 1oice3 (ere0y add 1o02(e a0on+ )ith
his stern tone.
FAnyone not i((ediate0y ins*ectin+ the cri(e scene3 hand0in+ cr2cia0 e1idence for the
e?*ress *2r*ose of 0ocatin+ any )o20d9be ki00er or kissin+ (y ass had best find the(se01es on the
o2tside not on0y of this a*art(ent3 b2t of this b2i0din+ as )e00 K ASAPIH he conc02ded his
dec0aration3 his hands for(ed into fists and centered 2*on the sides of his )aist3 his tan *ork*ie hat
)ith the )hite band aro2nd it3 )hat had beco(e kno)n a(on+ those of the de*art(ent as his
trade(ark as )e00 as a standin+ :oke a(on+ those of 0esser ta0ent3 that Lori(er )as inca*ab0e of
so01in+ any case )itho2t his hat3 considerin+ it a +ood 02ck *iece3 *2shed :a2nti0y back fro( his
forehead. The thin t2ft of once9bro)n hair stickin+ o2t fro( the center of the hat *ro1ed he hadn6t
+one ba0d the )ay so (any others in the de*art(ent :2nior to hi( in both rank and a+e had.
!ithin seconds the roo( c0eared3 0ea1in+ on0y three other detecti1es3 one of )hich )as
takin+ *ict2res of e1erythin+ )ithin the roo(3 the other t)o 0eanin+ o1er the back of the desk
)here the deceased had been s02(*ed3 the desk ha1in+ been (o1ed a)ay fro( the )a00 in order to
effect the ease )ith )hich the technicians )o20d be ab0e to access the 1ario2s *ieces of co(*2ter
eD2i*(ent sit2ated 2*on the desk and connected to the 0a*to* )ith 1ario2s )ires.
Lori(er3 satisfied )ith the red2ction in force as *er his instr2ctions3 )a0ked ca0(0y o1er to
the t)o bent o1er the desk.
FBot anythin+ so far3 Ji((y>H he asked the detecti1e assistin+ the technician.
The (an s*oken to3 Detecti1e Ja(es FJi((yH Credo3 a s0i+ht0y shorter African9A(erican
)ho 0iked to say he )as Eb0ack before he )as AfricanE3 strai+htened his body and t2rned to face the
detecti1e )ho )as not on0y his *artner in the de*art(ent3 b2t one of his best friends as )e00. ;or
those )ho3 0ike Lori(er3 had achie1ed or )ere nearin+ (at2rity3 the a+ed detecti1e )as afforded
(2ch (ore res*ect and ci1i0ity.
FNot yet3 %2ddy3H Credo 0eaned o1er the back of the desk and 0ifted se1era0 )ires )ith his
0eft hand3 dis*0ayin+ the( for Lori(er to see c0ear0y.
F#1erythin+ back here at 0east a**ears to be as it sho20d be. ThereGs nothin+ attached to the
0a*to* that (i+ht ha1e ca2sed the 1icGs death. Not that I can see.H
FIs it *ossib0e there co20d be so(ethin+ hidden inside one of theseRH Lori(er )a1ed a
hand dis(issi1e0y at the eD2i*(ent scattered abo2t the deskto*3 not bein+ a )e009infor(ed
co(*2ter90iterate (an hi(se0f3 FRthin+s3 that (i+ht ha1e +i1en off the odor the M# re*orted
s(e00in+>H
FThatGs )hat Mac and I )ere :2st abo2t to find o2t3 %2d.H Credo )atched as FMacH3 Ste1en
MacDona0d3 re(o1ed the back to the *rinter and set it aside.
The co(*2ter technician re(o1ed the to* to the *rinter as )e003 then *oked abo2t )ithin=
st2dyin+ the inside )ith a s(a00 *en0i+ht f0ash0i+ht 2nti0 he )as satisfied this *iece of eD2i*(ent at
0east didnGt contain anythin+ s2s*icio2s.
FNo*e3H MacDona0d shook his head before (o1in+ on to the ne?t ite( on the c02ttered
deskto*.
Kno)in+ he )asnGt +oin+ to +et anythin+ o2t of this *artic20ar *art of the in1esti+ation 2nti0
MacDona0d had co(*0eted checkin+ o2t a00 the eD2i*(ent3 Lori(er t2rned his attention to the
detecti1e takin+ *ict2res )hi0e Credo hi(se0f sat do)n before the 0a*to*3 )hich had been 0eft on
and e?act0y the )ay it had been )hen the disco1ery of the decedent had been (ade.
F;ind anythin+ note)orthy or interestin+ I sho20d kno) abo2t>H Lori(er a**roached the
*hoto+ra*her3 a (2ch yo2n+er fe(a0e detecti1e3 one of the ne)er ones )ho )ere *ro(oted to
detecti1e +rade d2e to her e?ce00ent ski00s )ith *hoto+ra*hy.
Janet FJanH Pr2ett 0ooked 2* fro( her ca(era and +a1e a s(a00 s(i0e to the o0der (an as he
stood ne?t to her. She *ressed se1era0 b2ttons on her di+ita0 ca(era3 and then t2rned it so Lori(er
co20d see the *ict2re dis*0ayed on the back.
FTake a 0ook3H Pr2ett offered cheeri0y3 not bein+ one of those )ho fe0t Lori(er sho20d ha1e
retired by his a+e.
Acce*tin+ the ca(era fro( Pr2ettGs hands3 Lori(er sD2inted his eyes and o*ened the( )ide
se1era0 ti(es before )ithdra)in+ his fo0ded +0asses fro( his shirt *ocket and *0acin+ the( on his
nose. That didnGt (ake the i(a+es any 0ar+er3 tho2+h they )ere s0i+ht0y c0earer. Sti003 the *ict2res
)ere too s(a00 for his o0d eyes to e1en discern )hat the *ict2re )as3 0et a0one be ab0e to st2dy
anythin+ i(*ortant that (i+ht be in the *ict2re.
FBet (e co*ies of e1erythin+ after yo2 finish3 a00 ri+ht>H he s(i0ed )ry0y3 kno)in+ that she
kne) a00 too )e00 )hy he dec0ined to 0ook at any f2rther *ict2res.
e )andered back to the detecti1e )ho had been his *artner 0on+er than anyone e0se in the
de*art(ent3 Ji((y Credo3 sti00 seated before the 0a*to*3 st2dyin+ )hat a**eared to be e9(ai0s at an
on0ine e9(ai0 0ocation.
Credo +0anced 2* as Lori(er ca(e 2* beside hi(3 and then t2rned his attention back to the
(any e9(ai0s.
FLooks 0ike o2r Mister Michae0 !arner )as a b2sy (an on the internet3H Credo +est2red
brief0y at the screen before *0acin+ the (o2se indicator o1er the ne?t e9(ai0 do)n and c0ickin+ the
0eft b2tton on the (o2se. The 1ie) on the screen chan+ed ra*id0y3 ca2sin+ Lori(er to b0ink his
eyes and 0ean for)ard3 *eerin+ intent0y at the contents of the no) o*ened (ai0.
FA00 this confo2nded techno0o+y is :2st too (2ch for (y eyes3H Lori(er si+hed3 tryin+ to
(ake so(ethin+ o2t of )hat he )as seein+.
F!hat> &o2 donGt ha1e an e9(ai0 acco2nt>H Credo 0a2+hed as he (o1ed on to the ne?t
entry do)n the 0ine. e kne) his *artner a00 too9)e00. It )as a standin+ :oke )ith Credo that
Lori(er )as the on0y detecti1e in o(icide )ho didnGt kno) ho) to 2se his de*art(ent9based e9
(ai0 acco2nt.
F#9(ai0 acco2nt>H Lori(er +2ffa)ed3 standin+ back 2* strai+ht and r2bbin+ the s(a00 of his
0o)er back. FIG( 02cky to sti00 ha1e a bank acco2nt and IG( not e?act0y s2re I kno) ho) to 2se that
ri+ht3 either.H
FThe internetGs not a00 that bad3H Credo contin2ed to 0a2+h at his friendGs resistance to a00
thin+s co(*2teri8ed. F&o2 :2st ha1e toR!hoaI !ait9a9(in2te3H Credo e(*hasi8ed each )ord as
he 0eaned in to)ard the screen3 readin+ the infor(ation no) sho)in+ forth.
F!hat>H Lori(er 0eaned back in to)ard the screen= his interest *eaked by the otherGs (2ted
e?cite(ent. F&o2 find so(ethin+ interestin+>H
FMaybe3H Credo c0icked the b2tton on the (o2se once (ore and the scene chan+ed
co(*0ete0y a)ay fro( the e9(ai0 acco2nt3 no) dis*0ayin+ a bri+ht0y9co0ored *a+e fi00ed )ith
1ario2s icons desi+ned to attract the attention of anyone arri1in+ at the *a+e. The back+ro2nd
i(a+e )as an o0d9fashioned %ritish cast0e )ith banners )a1in+ fro( the t2rrets.
F!hat the he00 :2st ha**ened>H Lori(er :erked back as the *a+e chan+ed3 the a0teration too
(2ch for his strained and )eary eyes.
FNothin+ to +et e?cited abo2t3 %2d3 :2st re0a?.H Credo (o1ed the (o2se indicator yet a+ain3
and then c0icked on a b2tton that said FLo+inH. The screen once (ore a0tered ra*id0y3 *a2sin+ 1ery
brief0y on the ne?t screen before a0terin+ yet a+ain3 then a+ain and once (ore before fina00y
sto**in+ at )hat )as ob1io2s0y a *re9deter(ined destination.
F!hat the he00 )as a00 that>H Lori(er stood )ith his hands o2t s0i+ht0y to his sides no)3 his
e?*ression and de(eanor *0ain0y re1ea0in+ his conf2sion o1er the 1ario2s *a+e chan+es that had
taken *0ace so ra*id0y he had been 2nab0e to kee* 2*.
FNot a bi+ dea03 %2d3H Credo contin2ed to 0ook thro2+h the infor(ation on the ne) *a+e
)hi0e Lori(er stood behind hi(3 his co2ntenance +ro)in+ e1er9(ore irritated by the 0ack of an
2nderstandab0e e?*0anation.
FIG( so +0ad yo2 see( to be 2* on a00 this co(*2ter (2(bo9:2(bo cra*3 Ji((y3 b2t )o20d
yo2 (ind e?*0ainin+ to (y add0ed brain :2st )hat ha**ened there> I a( s2**osed to be the 0ead
detecti1e on this case= it (i+ht :2st he0* if so(eone )ho 2nderstands these thin+s tried e?*0ainin+
the( to (e3 ya think>H
Fo0d on3 %2d3 IG( tryin+ to 2nderstand )hat IG( 0ookin+ at (yse0f.H Credo +0anced back
and noticed the 0ook of irritation on Lori(erGs face. e shook his head and sat back a+ainst the
fra(e)ork of the )ooden chair.
FOk3 0ook3 %2d3 )hat :2st ha**ened )as that e1ident0y the 1ic )ho rented this *0ace has an
acco2nt )ith K )hate1er this site is. !hen I c0icked the 0o+in b2tton it )ent thro2+h a series of
*a+es 2nti0 arri1in+ at this one. A**arent0y the 1ic has his 0o+in infor(ation sa1ed so it 0o+s hi( in
a2to(atica00y to this site.H e +est2red e?*ansi1e0y )ith one hand to)ard the screen3 F!hich I
be0ie1e is *ossib0y )here the 1ic )as the 0ast ti(e he )as on this site.H
Lori(er stood )ith his head 0ookin+ fro( Credo to the screen3 and then back a+ain3 the 0ack
of 2nderstandin+ sti00 e1ident.
FAnd that e?*0ains e?act0y )hat to (e3 Ji((y>H
Credo 0ooked at his friend and shook his head as he +rinned o2t of one side of his (o2th.
E!hat it (eans is that yo2 need to take at 0east one c0ass on ho) to 2se the internet so I
don6t ha1e to )aste so (2ch of (y ti(e e?*0ainin+ e1erythin+ to yo2= that6s )hat it (eans3 %2dE
;ro( the si0ent3 yet stern 0ook affi?ed to Lori(er6s e?*ression0ess face Credo kne) he had
ste**ed o1er a 0ine 9 one of (any he had ste**ed o1er d2rin+ the co2rse of their rocky and
so(e)hat (arria+e90ike *artnershi* o1er the years. e inha0ed dee*0y and breathed a si+h before
chan+in+ tack )ith his *artner.
F;ro( )hat I can te00 so far3 this site is an on0ine +a(in+ acco2nt.H
FBa(in+3 yo2 (ean 0ike +a(b0in+>H
FNo. So(ethin+ different entire0y. This is (ore of a "PB site3 a ro0e *0ayin+ +a(e )here
*eo*0e co(e to be a fantasy character and +et in1o01ed in fantasy ad1ent2res.H
F;antasies> &a (ean 0ike se? st2ff> %onda+e and shit 0ike that>H
FNo3 %2d3 no. ItGsRLook3 yo2G1e heard of D2n+eons and Dra+ons3 ri+ht>H
FAh3 yeah. IG1e ne1er *0ayed it3 b2t I ha1e heard abo2t it. A 0on+ ti(e a+o.H
FOk3 this is si(i0ar to that3 on0y itGs a00 on0ine and not *0ayed by sittin+ in a roo( and ro00in+
dice and s2ch3 as far as I can te00 so far any)ay.H
F!hat is it3 then>H
FThatGs )hat I )as tryin+ to deter(ine )hen yo2 interr2*ted (e.H Credo so2nded
e?as*erated )ith his friend3 )ho thre) both hands 2* in a +est2re of s2rrender and ste**ed back a
*ace3 +i1in+ Credo roo( to )ork.
FA00 ri+ht3 Ji((y. IG00 0ea1e ya a0one to fi+2re this o2t. IG( :2st tryin+ to +et a hand0e on
e1erythin+ thatGs +oin+ on here3 b2t itGs a00 so3 soRH
F;2t2ristica00y techno0o+ica0>H Credo s(i0ed.
Lori(er 0ooked b0ank0y at his *artner and shook his head.
F&Gsee> #1en that I didnGt 2nderstand and I kno) yo2 )ere s*eakin+ #n+0ish.H
Credo ch2ck0ed at Lori(erGs 0ack of kno)0ed+e of a00 thin+s co(*2teri8ed.
FLook3 %2ddy3 )hy donGt yo2 *ay a 1isit to the M.#.> IG00 +o thro2+h this co(*2ter st2ff
)ith Mac and then 0et yo2 kno) )hat3 if anythin+3 I co(e 2* )ith3 Ok>H
Lori(er +0anced aro2nd at the detecti1es abo2t hi(3 )orkin+ on a case he )as in char+e of.
#ach of the detecti1es )as b2sy *erfor(in+ d2ties too far ad1anced for an o0d dinosa2r 0ike
hi(se0f. Maybe it )as ti(e for hi( to retire3 he tho2+ht )eari0y= tho2+h he had no idea )hat he
)o20d do to occ2*y his ti(e if he didn6t ha1e the de*art(ent to +o to )ork at each (ornin+.
Later that day3 )hi0e seated at his desk in the o(icide office3 he recei1ed a 1erba0 (essa+e
de0i1ered by a b02e9s2it3 as those sti00 in 2nifor(3 b2t assi+ned to )orkin+ )ithin the confines of the
de*art(ent6s b2i0din+ )ere kno)n as3 that the *ict2res taken at his *ossib0e ho(icide scene )ere a00
)aitin+ on0ine for hi( to st2dy. e barked back at the *erson )ho had +i1en hi( the (essa+e that
he didnGt )ant the *ict2res on0ine= he )anted the( in front of hi(3 on his desk. The b02e9s2it had
shr2++ed his sho20ders and s02nk off e0se)here3 0ea1in+ Lori(er to 0ook at the scra* of *a*er in his
hand that +a1e the internet address of )here the *ict2res co20d be 1ie)ed.
#1eryone in the de*art(ent had been +i1en a co(*2ter back )hen they had beco(e
standard iss2e for *o0ice de*art(ents. Lori(er had *2t off 0earnin+ to 2se his as 0on+ as he *ossib0y
co20d3 +i1in+ in on0y )hen his 0ie2tenant infor(ed hi( that a00 re*orts )ere to be done on co(*2ter
fro( no) on and that any re*ort handed in on *a*er )o20d be s2((ari0y ret2rned )ith a note to
redo it on the *ro*er co(*2ter *ro+ra(. "e02ctant0y Lori(er had 0earned :2st eno2+h abo2t the
one9eyed (onster that *erched on the corner of his desk 0ike a h20kin+ beast3 )aitin+ for the
(o(ent it )o20d *o2nce 2*on its 2ns2s*ectin+ 1icti(3 to be ab0e to co(*0ete his re*orts as
instr2cted. e steadfast0y ref2sed3 ho)e1er to 0earn anythin+ (ore that )o20d (ake hi( co(*etent
or 0iterate in this co(*2ter a+e.
"esi+ned this ti(e to the fact that he )as not +oin+ to recei1e the reD2ested *hotos of his
cri(e scene3 Lori(er *0aced his readin+ +0asses on the brid+e of his nose and st2died the screen3
tryin+ in 1ain to 0ocate a )ay to access this inferna0 internet. Any )ay at a00 )o20d be he0*f20 for
hi(.
F&o2 ha1e to (o1e yo2r (o2se so that the *ointer is o1er this icon ri+ht here3H Credo stood
behind Lori(er3 *ointin+ to the icon he )as referrin+ to.
Fo) 0on+ ha1e yo2 been standin+ back there>H Lori(er asked3 t2rnin+ his head :2st
eno2+h to see the on0y9s0i+ht0y yo2n+er (an standin+ behind hi(.
FOh3 abo2t 0on+ eno2+h to )atch yo2 scratch yo2r ba0din+ head abo2t a 8i00ion ti(es )hi0e
tryin+ to 0ocate the Mo8i00a icon.H
Credo (o1ed aro2nd the desk to his o)n on the other side3 and sat do)n in his chair3 facin+
Lori(er no)3 s2r*rised that his *artner hadn6t bitten on the barb abo2t his bein+ Eba0din+E.
FMo8i..3 )hat>H Lori(er scr2nched 2* his face in dis+2st.
FMo8i00a ;irefo?3H Credo e?*0ained. FItGs the 0atest and best bro)ser for accessin+ the
internet. The De*art(ent do)n0oaded and insta00ed it on e1eryoneGs co(*2ter (onths a+o. J2st
c0ick on the icon and )ait for the )indo) to a**ear on yo2r screen.H
Seein+ that Lori(er had no idea at a00 of )hat he )as sayin+3 Credo ca(e back aro2nd ne?t
to hi( and o*ened the bro)ser hi(se0f3 and then be+an e?*0ainin+ to his friend ho) to +o abo2t
2sin+ the internet. !hen he )as finished3 Credo )ent back to his seat at his o)n desk on the other
side and facin+ Lori(er6s and )atched in a(2se(ent as Lori(er s0o)0y (o1ed the (o2se o1er the
first icon and acti1ated the bro)ser.
F&o2 donGt ha1e to en:oy the *ain of (y i+norance D2ite so (2ch3H Lori(er *eered o1er the
fra(es of his +0asses as he (ane21ered tho2+h the front *a+e of the site )here the *ict2res )ere
)aitin+ for his scr2tiny.
Credo re(ained si0ent for a fe) (o(ents before s*eakin+ in a (ore so(ber tone.
F&o2 kno)3 if yo2 had re(ained a 0ie2tenant yo2 )o20dnGt be ha1in+ this *rob0e( no).H
FLetGs not break into that o0d ar+2(ent3H Lori(er he0d 2* one hand3 *a0( f0at3 to)ard his
friend.
Credo did 0ike)ise3 on0y )ith both of his hands he0d 2* as tho2+h in s2rrender. FIG( :2st
sayin+3 %2d3 that yo2 )o20dnGt ha1e to (2dd0e thro2+h these cases if yo2 hadnGt +i1en 2* bein+ a
0ie2tenant.H
FI )asnGt c2t o2t for bein+ a 0ie2tenant3H Lori(er near0y sna**ed his )ords as he contin2ed
tryin+ to concentrate on the screen before hi(. Credo kne) his ar+2(ent )as interferin+ )ith his
*artner6s atte(*t to fi+2re o2t )hat he )as doin+ )ith the on0ine *ict2res3 b2t he )as ha1in+ too
(2ch f2n at it to sto*.
F&o2 )erenGt c2t o2t for s2rfin+ the )eb3 either3H Credo +2ffa)ed3 shakin+ his head. F%2t I
fina00y +ot yo2 doin+ it3 donGt I>H
FOn0y Jca2se that *hoto+ra*her )o20dnGt send (e act2a0 *ict2res 0ike I reD2ested.
So(eti(es *eo*0e need to *ay attention to )hat other *eo*0e are te00in+ the(.H
FNo3H Credo inserted his o)n t)o9cents )orth3 FSo(eti(es other *eo*0e need to kee* 2*
)ith the ad1ances in techno0o+y and 0earn ho) to 2se the( the )ay e1eryone e0se does so 0ife )i00
(o1e a0on+ (ore easi0y for a00 of 2s.H
FIG( done )ith this con1ersation3H Lori(er he0d a hand 2* in the sa(e +est2re once (ore.
Then his e?*ression t2rned *ec20iar as he stared at the screen.
F!hat the he00..>H he near0y )his*ered3 ca2sin+ Credo to once (ore co(e 2* o2t of his
chair and stand ne?t to Lori(er.
F!hat>H Credo chided the o0der (an. F&o2 c0ick the )ron+ thin+ and 0ose the *a+e> &o2
need (e to +et it back for yo2>H
FNo3 I need yo2 to sto* bein+ s2ch a s(artass and e?*0ain to (e )hat that K (essa+e bo? is
for>H
Credo 0ooked to )here Lori(erGs hand )as *ointin+ and )as s2r*rised to see an o*en
(essa+e )indo) abo2t fo2r inches across. In the bo? )as a b0inkin+ c2rsor.
F2h3H Credo res*onded3 takin+ the (o2se fro( Lori(er and (o1in+ it so he co20d c0ick
on the dia0o+2e fra(e. !hen he did3 the c2rsor )as re*0aced by a strin+ of )ords that s*e00ed o2t a
(essa+e.
(ichael )arner was murdered.
F!hat the f2..>H Credo *a2sed in his e?*0eti1e and *0aced his fin+ers o1er the keyboard3
ty*in+ o2t his o)n (essa+e. Lori(er (o1ed aside3 *2shin+ his chair back )ith his feet )hi0e his
friend ass2(ed the center *osition in front of the (onitor.
)ho is this* Credo ty*ed into the dia0o+2e fra(e.
)ouldn+t you rather know who murdered (ichael )arner* The (essa+e ret2rned.
& want to know who you are and how you hacked into a secure police system.
The c2rsor re(ained b0inkin+ for a short )hi0e3 b2t no f2rther (essa+e dis*0ayed itse0f
across the screen.
F&o2 (i+ht ha1e *issed off )hoe1er )as tryin+ to ta0k to yo23H Lori(er offered. FIf it )as
(e at the keys I )o20d ha1e asked )ho (2rdered Michae0 !arner.H
F%2t3 yo2 donGt 2nderstand3 %2ddy3H Credo so2nded conf2sed and e?as*erated as he
contin2ed to stare at the screen. FNo one is s2**osed to +et into the De*art(entGs syste(. !e ha1e
*ro+ra(s to *rotect the syste( and *re1ent hackers fro( +ainin+ access. That *erson sho20dnGt
ha1e +otten thro2+h.H
FLooks to (e 0ike he did3 tho2+h3 donGt ya think>H
!hen Credo didnGt ha1e a co(eback for that state(ent Lori(er (ane21ered his chair back
in front of the (onitor. FLet (e ha1e a crack at ta0kin+ to )hoe1er that )as. Maybe a (ore
seasoned and *rofessiona0 detecti1e can +et better res20ts.H
Lori(er be+an to s0o)0y ty*e o2t his (essa+e3 askin+ the 2nkno)n hacker )ho it )as )ho
had (2rdered Michae0 !arner.
The Ja,,erwocky3 )as the on0y res*onse.
FThe Jabber)ocky>H Lori(er scr2nched his face at the ans)er.
FItGs a reference to Le)is Carro00GsRH Credo be+an to e?*0ain3 b2t )as c2t off by Lori(erGs
)a1in+ hand and e?as*erated e?*ression.
FI kno) )hat itGs referrin+ to3 thank yo2. I 0earned ho) to read )hen I )as a kid. I )as :2st
)onderin+ )hat the Jabber)ocky had to do )ith this case3 is a00.H
%oth (en )ere sti00 for a fe) (o(ents as they *ondered the res*onse they had +otten fro(
the 2nkno)n *erson on the other end of this dia0o+2e bo?. !hat )as this a00 abo2t> !hy )as
Michae0 !arner ki00ed3 if indeed3 he )as ki00ed by so(eone and it )asnGt a si(*0e (atter of nat2ra0
ca2ses after a00> And (ost i(*ortant0y3 if he had been (2rdered3 )ho )as the Jabber)ocky the
2nkno)n *erson had referenced>
FIG( )onderin+RH Credo 0ooked 2*3 his eyes 2nfoc2sed3 since he )as concentratin+ on
so(ethin+ )ithin his (ind3 not on anythin+ *hysica00y in front of hi(.
F!hat>H Lori(er ca0(0y asked3 tho2+h inside hi(se0f he )as anythin+ b2t ca0(.
F!hat if the na(e Jabber)ocky is a 2serna(e3 an on0ine ID bein+ 2sed by so(eone on an
internet site3 (aybeRH
Fo) abo2t that3 )hat did yo2 ca00 it>H Lori(er scratched his head3 tryin+ to reca00 the
2nfa(i0iar ter( fro( ear0ier.
FThe "PB site3H Credo sna**ed3 a 0ook of kno)in+ enterin+ his eyes and (akin+ the(
)ider. FThatGs +otta be it. So(eone e0se )ho )as *0ayin+ as *art of )hate1er +a(e !arner )as
in1o01ed in there. That (i+ht )e00 be )hat )eGre 0ookin+ for3 an on0ine "PB 2serna(e.H
!itho2t sayin+ anythin+3 Lori(er t2rned his attention back to the dia0o+2e fra(e and
caref200y ty*ed in the D2ery3 &s Ja,,erwocky a username for someone on a role playing site*
The res*onse )as a0(ost instantaneo2s3 as tho2+h the res*ondent had been )aitin+ for :2st
this D2estion.
#es
No) )hat> FLook at this3H Lori(er +est2red to)ard the screen. Credo ca(e aro2nd and
read the D2ery and the res*onse3 his head shakin+ e1en as he e?ha0ed the breath he hadnGt rea0i8ed
heGd been ho0din+.
FJes2s3 %2d3 ho) do )e 0ocate so(eone )ho e?ists on an internet site> o) do )e e1en
atte(*t to (ake an arrest of s2ch a *erson> Anyone co20d be the Jabber)ocky3 e1en so(eone a00
the )ay on the other side of the )or0d )here )e don6t ha1e any :2risdiction.H
FI )as ho*in+ yo2 had the ans)ers to those D2estions3H Lori(er ch2ck0ed (irth0ess0y. FI
s2re as he00 donGt kno) anythin+ abo2t a00 this cra*.H Once (ore he +est2red to)ard the (onitor3
intendin+ the )a1e of his hand to enco(*ass not :2st the (onitor3 b2t e1erythin+ in1o01ed )ith
bein+ on0ine3 the internet3 the )or0d )ide )eb.
F;irst )eGre +oin+ to ha1e to fi+2re o2t )ho this Jabber)ocky is3H Credo 0ooked b0ank
a+ain3 his eyes 2nfoc2sed as he considered e1erythin+ he kne) abo2t 0ocatin+ *eo*0e on the
internet.
Lori(er ty*ed another D2ery into the fra(e3 ho*in+ for as (2ch he0* in the forthco(in+
ans)er as the 0ast one.
%o you know who the Ja,,erwocky is*
#es3 ca(e the res*onse once (ore. %oth (en inha0ed dee*0y3 e1en as Lori(er ty*ed his
ne?t D2estion.
)ho*
That+s something that+s not easily pro!en3 ca(e the res*onse. #ou will ha!e to meet me in
the -arden of Paradise in order to recei!e the answer. )e will discuss this and other issues. Then &
will decide if you are worthy to recei!e the truth.
F!hat the f2..>H Lori(er read the )ords3 b2t co20dnGt be0ie1e )hat he )as seein+. F!hy
)o20d this +2y be so he0*f203 and then t2rn aro2nd and +i1e 2s the b2(Gs r2sh>H
Credo ch2ck0ed 0i+ht0y. FI donGt think heGs doin+ that3 e?act0y. I think this is his )ay of
*0ayin+ his +a(e. eGs an on0ine +a(er hi(se0f. e has a certain for( he sticks to )ithin his
+a(es and this is it. In order to 0earn anythin+ fro( hi(3 )e ha1e to (eet on his ter(s3 *0ay by his
r20es and conditions.H
FSo ho) do )e find this Barden of Paradise>H Lori(er 0ooked conf2sed.
FAsk hi(3H Credo *ointed to the (onitor.
Lori(er ty*ed in his D2ery.
)here is the garden of Paradise* .ow do we get there*
/se )arner+s computer. &t is already programmed. /se his a!atar for gaining access to the
garden.
FA1atar>H Lori(er 0ooked f200y at his *artner. F!hatGs an a1atar> Is that so(e kind of
bird>H
FAn a1atar is the on0ine i(a+e3 a re*resentation a *erson chooses in order to interact )ith
others in a "PB settin+. ItGs 0ike *0ayin+ a character3 a ro0e in a *0ay3 on0y this is a fi+2re created
and 2sed on0ine for ro0e *0ayin+ *2r*oses3H Credo e?*0ained3 ho*in+ Lori(er )as 2nderstandin+3
b2t not ha1in+ (2ch faith in the o0der (anGs abi0ity to +ras* s2ch conce*ts.
FDo yo2 ha1e !arnerGs 0a*to*>H Credo asked fina00y.
F&eah3 itGs ri+ht o1er here. er(an bro2+ht it in after yo2 sent it o1er ear0ier3H Lori(er
stood 2* and )a0ked to an ad:oinin+ desk3 *ickin+ 2* the 0a*to* and carryin+ it o1er to his o)n
desk.
Credo took the *02+ fro( Lori(er and hooked the 0a*to* 2* to it3 then *02++ed the other
end into an o2t0et beneath Lori(erGs desk.
FI donGt kno) ho) (2ch of a char+e is 0eft in the 0a*to*Gs battery. P02++in+ it in )i00 ens2re
)e donGt 0ose *o)er in the (idd0e of )hate1er )eGre doin+. That )o20dnGt be he0*f20 at a00.H
e then *o)ered the 0a*to* 2* and )aited for the syste( to boot itse0f. Credo then 0ocated
the on0ine site he had been at ear0ier at the deceased (anGs a*art(ent. e entered the site thro2+h
!arnerGs ID and the sa(e transference of *a+es ra*id0y s*ed thro2+h 2nti0 they )ere back to )here
the site had taken the( ear0ier3 the 0ast *0ace on this site !arner hi(se0f had been3 e1ident0y the
*ortion of the on0ine +a(e )here !arner had either chosen to sa1e and D2it for the ti(e bein+3 or
)here he had been )hen he died.
Credo st2died the site3 0ookin+ for anythin+3 an icon3 a trai03 so(ethin+ that )o20d indicate
in )hich direction to find this Barden of Paradise they had been to0d abo2t.
After se1era0 (in2tes of intense3 D2iet searchin+3 Credo noticed a s(a00 icon off in the
distance3 as tho2+h it )ere an is0and bein+ 1ie)ed fro( far a)ay. e steered the a1atar that had
be0on+ed to !arner so the a1atar see(ed to )a0k to)ard the icon. As the a1atar F(o1edH the icon
+re) 0ar+er and it )as ob1io2s this (2st be the access *oint to the Barden they )ere 0ookin+ for3
since the icon )as re*resented by a dense thicket of fo0ia+e3 inters*ersed )ith 0ar+e3 bea2tif20
f0o)ers of 1ario2s co0ors and ty*es.
e +0anced at Lori(er3 seated ne?t to hi(3 since Credo had *200ed his o)n chair aro2nd so
both (en co20d sit co(fortab0y )hi0e (akin+ this search.
F!hat choice do )e ha1e>H Lori(er shr2++ed his sho20ders. FC0ick it.H
Credo did :2st that3 yet neither of the (en )as *re*ared for the *sychede0ic barra+e of
i(a+es that assa20ted their senses as the acti1ated icon s*2n the( thro2+h a s)ir0in+ (ass of sites
that (o1ed far faster than the a1era+e h2(an eye co20d e1en b0ink3 0et a0one see c0ear0y eno2+h to
co(*rehend. ;ina00y the co0ors s2bsided and the site coa0esced into so(ethin+ rese(b0in+ a rea0
+arden3 on0y far (ore bea2tif20 and 02?2rio2s than anythin+ either of the (en had e1er e?*erienced
in their 0i1es.
FDa(n3 for a (in2te there I tho2+ht I )as back in the 0ate si?ties and ear0y se1enties3H
Lori(er sh2ddered3 beads of s)eat ha1in+ *o**ed 2* 2*on his forehead3 r2nnin+ trick0in+ ri120ets
do)n his nose and onto his chin.
F&o2 )ere one of those +2ys3 h2h>H Credo +rinned.
F!e003 not habit2a00y3 ya 2nderstand. %2t I did e?*eri(ent a 0itt0e for a short )hi0e. A 1ery
short )hi0e.H
FLon+ eno2+h to kno) )hat a *sychede0ic LSD tri* )as 0ike3 eh>H
Lori(er (ere0y s(i0ed brief0y before ret2rnin+ his attention back to the +arden they )ere
no) )ithin.
FNo) )hat>H Lori(er asked.
FMaybe )e sho20d ask o2r 2nkno)n hacker that D2estion.H
!itho2t any f2rther *roddin+3 Lori(er3 )ho )as seated before his o)n (onitor as Credo
)as before the 0a*to*3 ty*ed in the D2ery.
)e are in the -arden of Paradise. )hat do we look for*
There )as no res*onse on the dia0o+2e fra(e3 b2t (o(ents 0ater they noticed (o1e(ent
)ithin the +arden. The a1atar they )ere 2sin+3 as )e00 as the t)o detecti1es3 t2rned to)ard the
(o1e(ent and )atched as b2shes *arted3 a00o)in+ a bea2tif203 sha*e0y3 and bare0y dressed )o(an
to *2sh thro2+h to )here she stood before their a1atar3 )hich )as a s)ashb2ck0in+ sort of
s)ords(an3 si(i0ar to )hat the o0d actor #rro0 ;0ynn had *0ayed in so (any (o1ies.
FS2re )o20dnGt (ind (eetin+ her in a dark bar3H Lori(er offered breath0ess0y. FOr e1en in a
)e0090it one3 for that (atter.H
F!hat do yo2 seek>H the fe(a0e a1atar s*oke in a 1oice that (atched her bea2ty.
Fo) do )e ans)er>H Lori(er 0ooked at Credo3 )ho st2died the site brief0y before ty*in+
in )ords on the keyboard.
In res*onse3 the a1atar he contro00ed s*oke in a rich3 baritone 1oice3 2sin+ the )ords Credo
had ty*ed.
FAre yo2 the one )ho hacked into o2r co(*2ter>H
The )o(an stood 0ookin+ at the s)ords(an a (o(ent3 then s(i0ed. F&es. I a( the one
)ho sent yo2 that (essa+e abo2t Michae0 !arnerGs (2rder.H
%oth of the detecti1es 0ooked brief0y at one another. Neither of the( had considered that
their hacker (i+ht be a )o(an.
Credo ret2rned to ty*in+ on the keyboard.
F!e are 0ookin+ for ans)ers. !ho ki00ed Michae0 !arner>H
!itho2t ans)erin+3 the fe(a0e a1atar t2rned back to)ard the b2shes she had *2shed
thro2+h3 then said o1er her sho20der3 F;o00o) (e and I sha00 sho) yo2.H
FI +2ess )e fo00o)3H Credo +0anced at his *artner before enab0in+ his a1atar to fo00o) the
+ir0 before hi(.
FI +2ess )e do3H Lori(er si+hed3 noticin+ ho) *ro1ocati1e0y the a1atarGs bare0y co1ered
rear end s)2n+ fro( side9to9side as she )a0ked ahead of the(. e )ondered if the i(a+e )as
*ro+ra((ed that )ay or if )hoe1er )as 2sin+ the i(a+e (ade it do that de0iberate0y3 kno)in+ that
they )ere t)o horny3 (idd0e9a+ed (a0es )atchin+ her. e hadn6t kno)n co(*2ter9+enerated
a1atars had *ro+ressed so thoro2+h0y that they 0ooked a0(ost 0ike rea0 *eo*0e. The )o(an )a0kin+
ahead of their a1atar )as hot eno2+h to ha1e se? )ith= a0(ost 0ike a (o1ie r2nnin+ on the 0a*to*.
Their hostess 0ed the( to )hat a**eared to be an oasis in the (idst of the dense fo0ia+e3 a
0ar+e *oo0 of )ater dis*0ayed as the center*iece of the bea2tif20 restin+ s*ot. A0on+ the sides of the
c0earin+ )ere se1era0 stone benches that )ere *0aced eD2idistant0y fro( one another so they
a**eared to rin+ the *oo0 aro2nd. S(a00 tab0es3 a**arent0y3 for the *2r*oses of this +a(e3 tab0es
(ade of +o0d3 set beside each of the benches. On each tab0e )ere set baskets of fr2it. Bob0ets fi00ed
)ith red )ine set beside each of the baskets.
The hostess a1atar took her *0ace before one of the tab0es3 +est2rin+ to it )ith one de0icate3
bea2tif200y for(ed hand.
FP0ease3 se0ect the fr2it yo2 )i00 eat and )ash it do)n )ith the A(brosia3 the nectar of the
+ods )hich )i00 c0ear yo2r (inds and (ake yo2 ab0e to recei1e the ans)ers to )hat yo2 seek.H
FIs she cra8y>H Lori(er so2nded d2(bfo2nded. FShe thinks )eGre +oin+ to eat or drink
anythin+ in a *0ace 0ike this>H
Credo3 ne?t to Lori(er3 ch2ck0ed 0o2d3 ha1in+ a diffic20t ti(e in kee*in+ hi(se0f fro( an
o2tri+ht +2ffa). Lori(er 0ooked D2i88ica00y at his friend before rea0i8in+ )hy he )as 0a2+hin+ so
hard.
FA00 ri+ht3 so I for+ot for a second that this )asnGt rea0. IG( not 2sed to thin+s 0ike this3 ok>
I dea0 )ith rea0ity.H
FThatGs a00 ri+ht3 %2ddy3H Credo ca0(ed his 0a2+hin+3 )i*in+ at his eyes to dry the tears that
had for(ed there. FI ha1enGt had a 0a2+h 0ike that in a 0on+ ti(e.H
F&eah3 )e00 IG( +0ad yo2 co20d ha1e a +ood 0a2+h at (y e?*ense. No)3 can )e (o1e on>
!hat do )e do here>H
FI +2ess o2r a1atar is +oin+ to ha1e to eat a *iece of fr2it and take a drink of this )ine. The
D2estion is )hich *iece of fr2it does he eat and is there any difference in )hich +0ass of )ine he
drinks fro(>H
FThereGs a difference in )hat he does here>H
FOh yeah3 %2d3 0ots of difference. ItGs 0ike A0ice decidin+ )hether to drink fro( the bott0e
that (ade her s(a00 eno2+h to fit thro2+h the door )hen she first +ot to !onder0and. #1erythin+
she did there had conseD2ences and itGs the sa(e here for 2s.H
F((3H Lori(er (2sed a0o2d. FA**0es3 *ears3 oran+es3 bananas3 )hat the he00 is that>H he
*ointed at a *iece of fr2it stickin+ 2* abo1e the rest of the( in the bo)0. FIG1e ne1er seen any fr2it
0ike that before.H
FMaybe thatGs the one )e sho20d eat3 then3H Credo had his a1atar reach for the odd *iece of
fr2it and brin+ it to his (o2th so he co20d eat it.
F!ait a (in2te. &o2Gre +onna eat that fr2it :2st beca2se I said IGd ne1er seen anythin+ 0ike
it before> !hat kind of reasonin+ is that>H
FThe best kind of reasonin+ in a *0ace 0ike this3 %2d. "e(e(ber3 nothin+ (ade sense to
A0ice3 either. It )as )hen e1erythin+ (ade the 0east sense that it )orked the )ay it )as s2**osed to
for her.H
F!e003 I ha1enGt read that story in far too (any years3 not since (y kids )ere 0itt0e3 so IG00
take yo2r )ord for it3 I +2ess.H
The s)ashb2ck0in+ a1atar ate the odd fr2it3 then reached for)ard and se0ected fro( a(on+
the +ob0ets of )ine3 brin+in+ one of the( to his 0i*s and drainin+ it in one draft. e set the +ob0et
back on the tab0e and 0ooked at their hostess3 )aitin+ to see )hat )as ne?t.
Fo) did yo2 decide )hich +0ass of )ine to drink fro(>H Lori(er asked Credo3 )ho
(ere0y shr2++ed.
FI didnGt. I decided the )ine )as a00 the sa(e3 that it )as the fr2it that (ade the difference3
b2t that I had to drink the )ine or nothin+ )o20d ha**en. Like decidin+ )hich key )orks for a
s*ecific 0ock *2880e. Once yo2 0ocate the ri+ht key it doesnGt (atter )hich 0ock yo2 insert it )ithin.
A00 of the( )i00 be the sa(e and the key )i00 fit.H
F&o2 ha1e the cra8iest 0o+ic IG1e e1er r2n across3H Lori(er once (ore shook his head in
e?as*eration.H
F!hy thanks3 %2d. IG00 take that as a co(*0i(ent.H
FeyI So(ethin+Gs ha**enin+3H Lori(er *erked 2* and )atched as a00 aro2nd the oasis the
air beca(e thicker and it a**eared as tho2+h they )ere seein+ thro2+h c0ear3 b2t thick +e0atin that
be+an 2nd20atin+ in9and9o2t3 as tho2+h the +e0atino2s air )ere breathin+ on its o)n.
On the (onitor their a1atar s)ooned3 sta++ered3 as tho2+h he )ere dr2nk3 then fe00 head9on
into the *oo0 of the oasis3 his entire body fa00in+ beneath the )aterGs s2rface and disa**earin+
)ithin.
The scene a0tered so that their 1ie) )as no) fro( )ithin the *oo03 as they )atched their
a1atar sinkin+ dee*er and dee*er3 the 0i+ht aro2nd hi( 1anishin+ as he )ent f2rther into the )aterGs
(2rky de*ths.
F!hat do )e do>H Lori(er so2nded e?cited3 sittin+ 2* strai+ht no) and 0ookin+ intent0y at
the s2r*risin+ scene before hi(.
FI donGt think )e can do anythin+ :2st yet3H Credo e?*0ained. FIG1e been tryin+ to )ork the
contro0s and either )e ha1e to )ait 2nti0 o2r a1atar +ets thro2+h this )ater ha8ard and to )hate1er
*0ace it takes hi( or )e :2st ki00ed hi( and thereGs nothin+ e0se 0eft to 2s here.H
FThatGs not a 1ery +ood choice to ha1e3H
FNo3 itGs not3 b2t itGs a00 )eG1e +ot3 %2d.H
;or 0on+ (in2tes the a1atar fe00 s0o)0y thro2+h the de*ths of the *oo03 and then fina00y
t2rned to)ard the botto(. A (eta0 +rate a**eared at the 1ery botto( of the *oo03 tho2+h it )as so
dark )here it )as that the a1atar had a diffic20t ti(e seein+ it c0ear0y. !hen the a1atar reached the
+rate Credo fo2nd his contro0s )orkin+ once (ore. e )as ab0e to +et the a1atar to +ras* ho0d of
the +rate and *200 2* on it. P200in+ it o2t of the (2ddy botto( )asnGt easy3 b2t he (ana+ed to
fina00y break it free.
FOk3 %2d3 here )e +o. Do)n the rabbit ho0e.H
Credo (ade the a1atar s)i( do)n)ard3 into the o*ened ho0e. The t2nne0 he )as )ithin
t2rned co(*0ete0y b0ack so he )as 2nab0e to see anythin+3 e1en )hich direction he )as headin+.
FAre yo2 (o1in+ the ri+ht )ay>H Lori(er asked fina00y.
FI ho*e so3 %2d. CanGt te00 :2st yet3 b2tR)aitI ThereGs so(e 0i+ht 2* ahead. B2ess )e )ere
headin+ the ri+ht )ay after a00.H
FBood thin+. I s2re co20dnGt breathe that 0on+ 2nder)ater. I )o20dG1e dro)ned by no) if it
had been (e in there.H
FI think thatGs )hat either the fr2it or the )ine )as for3H Credo e?*0ained. FTo (ake o2r
a1atar ab0e to breathe 2nder)ater or at 0east ho0d his breath 0on+ eno2+h to +et to his destination.H
The a1atar fina00y fo2nd itse0f bein+ s*i00ed o2t of a t2be that a00o)ed )ater to *o2r forth as
fro( a fo2ntain onto the +ro2nd. !hen he stood 2* the detecti1es fo2nd the(se01es at the ed+e of
an e?*ansi1e fie0d that s*read o2t for (any (i0es before the(. Off in the distance they co20d see
)hat a**eared to be a cast0e. Credo had the a1atar start headin+ for the cast0e3 (akin+ it trot at a
(oderate *ace so it )o20d +et there faster.
Off to one side a sha*e a**eared. The a1atar sto**ed :o++in+ and 0ooked in that direction in
ti(e to see a kni+ht3 a b0ack kni+ht3 s2ited in hea1y ar(or and ridin+ astride a +0ea(in+ b0ack
sta00ion that )as 0ike)ise ar(ored. The kni+ht and his steed +a00o*ed hard3 bearin+ do)n 2*on the
0one (an standin+ before the(3 the 0ance the kni+ht he0d sec2re0y )ithin his ar(Gs crook and
*ointed direct0y at the a1atar.
FJes2sI That +2yGs +onna r2n 2s thro2+h3H Lori(er e?c0ai(ed in s2r*rise. FAnythin+ yo2
can do to sto* hi(>H
!itho2t 1erba00y res*ondin+ to the D2ery3 Credo (ani*20ated the contro0s so that his a1atar
0ea*ed to his ri+ht3 hittin+ the +ro2nd and ro00in+ se1era0 ti(es3 takin+ hi( a)ay fro( the
onr2shin+ threat of death.
The kni+htGs steed +a00o*ed *ast the *oint )here the s)ords(an had *re1io2s0y been e1en
as the kni+ht *200ed 2* on his rei+ns and t2rned the steed abo2t3 0e1e0in+ his 0ance for yet another
ro2nd of tryin+ to stick the 2nar(ored (an on the +ro2nd.
FThis is cra8y. !hy )o20d this +2y )ant to ki00 2s> !eG1e ne1er e1en been here before3H
Lori(er )as serio2s0y in1o01ed in the on0ine si(20ation3 for+ettin+ that it )as a00 a "PB and there
)as no i((ediate or serio2s threat act2a00y in1o01ed.
FMaybe )e ha1enGt been here before3H Credo ans)ered3 *re*arin+ to defend a+ainst the
onr2shin+ kni+ht once (ore3 F%2t (ost 0ike0y !arner had been. If so3H he 0ea*ed to the 0eft this
ti(e3 fi+2rin+ the kni+ht )o20d co(*ensate for the (ane21er he (ade the first ti(e in 0ea*in+ to
the ri+ht. e )as correct. The kni+ht (ane21ered his 0ance to)ard the 0eft3 e?*ectin+ his tar+et to
do the sa(e thin+ a+ain3 the fact that the tar+et had 0ea*ed in the o**osite direction thre) the
kni+ht off ba0ance. is horse st2(b0ed as the kni+ht tried in 1ain to correct his (istake.
Seein+ a *ossib0e o*enin+ for attack3 Credo had the a1atar r2sh to)ard the kni+ht3 0ea*in+
2* and onto the horseGs back3 2sin+ the stirr2* as a (eans of 0e1era+e3 *ro*e00in+ the a1atar
2*)ards and onto the back of the horse. e +rabbed ho0d of the kni+ht and *200ed hi( a0on+ )ith
hi( as the (o(ent2( of 0ea*in+ 2* onto the horse carried hi(3 and the kni+ht3 off the horseGs back
and onto the +ro2nd )here they 0anded )ith a discernab0e th2d.
FThatGs better3H Credo 0a2+hed3 +ettin+ his a1atar to its feet3 the 2nar(ored (an bein+ (2ch
0i+hter and faster than the hea1i0y ar(ored kni+ht. The a1atar re0eased the s)ord he carried in his
scabbard and thr2st its ti* do)n so that it rested a+ainst the f0eshy throat that )as 1isib0e and
accessib0e )ithin the o*enin+ *ro1ided )here the he0(et *arted a)ay fro( the ar(orGs front *iece.
Their a1atar stood )ith one foot *0anted on the kni+ht6s chest3 *re1entin+ hi( fro( tryin+ to +et o2t
fro( beneath the a1atar6s threat.
Fo0d yo23 sir kni+ht3H Credo (ade the a1atar say3 his s)ord *ressed 0i+ht0y a+ainst the
kni+htGs throat. The kni+ht he0d hi(se0f sti003 a)are that if he (o1ed3 the s)ord )o20d *ierce his
f0esh fro( his o)n effort.
FTe00 (e3H the s)ords(an contin2ed s*eakin+3 F!hy ha1e yo2 attacked an innocent (an
this day> !hat )ron+ ha1e I co((itted that yo2 )o20d attack (e in s2ch a 1i0e (anner>H
Lori(er 0ooked askance at his *artner3 )ho s(i0ed and shr2++ed :o1ia00y. Fey3 )hen in
"o(e3 ya kno)>H Credo 0a2+hed.
The kni+ht took a (o(ent to ans)er3 afraid that e1en in s*eakin+ he (i+ht ca2se the s)ord
to *ierce his throat.
FI3 for+i1e (e3 (i0ord3H the kni+ht ans)ered caref200y. FI didst (istake thee for another. My
h2(b0est a*o0o+ies3 (i0ord.H
FeGs 0yin+3H Lori(er offered.H
FDonGt I kno) it3H Credo nodded in a+ree(ent. FCri(ina0s are the sa(e e1ery)here3 e1en
in "PBs3 it )o20d see(.
FLie not to (e3H the s)ords(an *ressed his s)ordGs ti* (ore fir(0y. A s(a00 trick0e of
b0ood ca(e forth fro( the (inor )o2nd3 *ro1in+ ho) rea0 this +a(e )as after a00. The b0ood
trick0ed do)n the throat and beneath the thick ar(or on the kni+htGs chest.
F!hy didst tho2+h attack (e>H
A+ain3 the kni+ht re(ained D2iet at first3 and then chose to s*eak3 tho2+h his )ords )ere
bare )his*ers this ti(e3 as tho2+h he feared he (i+ht be o1erheard.
FI3 I )as ordered to attack thee3 sire3H the kni+ht re*0ied. FMy Lord didst co((and (e so
and I cannot b2t heed a00 co((ands (y Lord and 0ie+e con1eys 2*on (e. To do other)ise )o20d
(ean the end of (y o)n 0ife3 sire.
F%esides3H the kni+ht +20*ed caref200y and once (ore Lori(er (ar1e0ed at ho) rea0istic this
i(a+ery )as (ade to a**ear. FTho2 didst die at (y hands the 0ast ti(e )e (et on this fie0d.H
The re1e0ation asto2nded both of the detecti1es. They 0ooked hard at one another before
ret2rnin+ their attention to the (onitor once (ore.
F!hen )as this>H the s)ords(an D2eried.
FLast ni+ht3H the kni+ht re*0ied. FTho2 didst 1ent2re forth here3 into the rea0( of O,sidian.
My Lord didst *0ace 2*on (e the char+e of endin+ yo2r 0ife and it )as so. I ran tho2 thro2+h )ith
(y 0ance 0ast ni+ht. &o2r body 0ay b0eedin+ not far fro( this 1ery s*ot )here I no) 0ie.
FAreRyo2 no) +oin+ to re1en+e yo2rse0f 2*on (e3 (i0ord>H
FNo3H Credo ans)ered thro2+h the a1atar.
F!hy the he00 not>H Lori(er asked incred20o2s. FI )o20d.H
FThatGs )hy IG( *0ayin+ this a1atar and not yo23 %2d3H Credo nodded )ith a )an s(i0e on
his 0i*s. F&o2Gre too 1en+ef20 of an o0d bastard.H
Thro2+h the 0i*s of the a1atar he said3 FI sha00 a00o) thee to 0i1e3 sir kni+ht3 if tho2 )o20dst
e?*0ain one thin+ to (e c0ear0y K !hy doest thy 0ie+e hate (e so> !hat )ron+ ha1e I co((itted
a+ainst hi(>H
The kni+ht re(ained si0ent at first3 then re*0ied3 FI kno) not )hat the reason is3 (i0ord.
That he does hatest thee is c0ear to a00 in this rea0(. !hat reason he has for hatin+ thee so +reat0y
none of 2s kno)s.H
FCery )e003 then3 re(o1e thine he0(et.H
P2880ed at this co((and3 the kni+ht str2++0ed in the *osition he )as in on the +ro2nd3 0yin+
on his back3 b2t fina00y (ana+ed to (anhand0e the he0(et fro( his head.
is head no) e?*osed3 the s)ords(an 2sed the hi0t of the s)ord and str2ck the kni+ht
sD2are0y 2*on his 0eft te(*0e. The kni+ht res*onded by 0osin+ conscio2sness.
F!hy did yo2 do that>H Lori(er asked3 *er*0e?ed.
FT)o reasons3H Credo e?*0ained3 F;irst3 so that he co20dnGt str2++0e to his feet and )arn
anyone inside the cast0e that )e )ere on o2r )ay inside= second3 to s2**0y this kni+ht )ith an
e?c2se for )hy he didnGt )arn his Lord of o2r i((inent arri1a0.H
Lori(er shook his head. FIG00 ne1er fi+2re yo2 o2t3 Ji((y. Not in a (i00ion years.H
FBood. ThatGs the )ay I 0ike it.H
Fo) 0on+ are )e +oin+ to ha1e to *0ay this +a(e>H Lori(er 0ooked at the )atch on his
)rist3 then back at his *artner.
FI donGt kno). Unti0 )e find the ans)ers )eGre 0ookin+ for3 I +2ess. !hy3 yo2 +ot a hot
date or so(ethin+>H
FDonGt be a s(artass. My sto(achGs +r2(b0in+. I )ant dinner. ItGs been a 0on+ day and it
0ooks fro( this3H he *ointed at the (onitor3 FLike itGs +oin+ to be e1en 0on+er. DonGt so(e of these
+a(es contin2e on for )eeks at a ti(e>H
FSo(e can take (onths to co(*0ete3H Credo 0a2+hed. FDe*ends on ho) )e00 )e *erfor( in
each ro2nd.H
F&eah3 )e003 I *erfor( a )ho0e he00 of a 0ot better on a f200 sto(ach.H
e rose fro( his seat and *icked 2* his s2it :acket3 )hich had been dra*ed across the back
of his chair. F&o2 )ant (e to *ick so(ethin+ 2* for yo2>H
F&eah. Make it so(ethin+ 0i+ht. Tasty3 b2t not too hea1y on (y sto(ach. %e1 says I ha1e
to )atch (y cho0estero0 intake as )e00 as ca0ories.H
Lori(er (ere0y shook his head in dis+2st at this *artner3 dis*0ayin+ the fact hat he )as +0ad
he )as no 0on+er (arried. e )as ab0e to eat anythin+ and e1erythin+ he )anted3 e1en if it did
ca2se hi( to die sooner. e fi+2red there )as no reason in 0i1in+ if a *erson co20dnGt en:oy the
food that (ade hi( ha**iest.
After e?itin+ the b2i0din+ ho2sin+ the o(icide Di1ision3 Lori(er )a0ked do)n the street
three b0ocks before enterin+ the resta2rant he 0iked best in this nei+hborhood3 the Lucky 0ed Star
1hinese 0estaurant3 o)ned and o*erated by Ta( &i2 Ch2en3 )hose *arents had co(e o1er to
A(erica in the si?ties3 then o*ened this resta2rant se1era0 years 0ater. Their son3 Ch2en3 had taken
o1er a fe) years back )hen his *arents both beca(e too infir( to o*erate it any 0on+er. e did a
+reat :ob in kee*in+ the food bein+ *rod2ced as de0icio2s as his *arents had )hen they first o*ened
this resta2rant.
FBood e1enin+ to yo23 Detecti1e Lori(er3H Ch2en +en2f0ected3 then )a1ed ea+er0y3 co(in+
o2t fro( behind the re+ister to shake the detecti1eGs hand the )ay he did (any of his 0on+ ti(e
cost2(ers.
F#1enin+3 Ch2en3H Lori(er ret2rned +racio2s0y3 kno)in+ that this +eneration of Chinese
i((i+rant contin2ed in the sa(e traditions he )as ta2+ht as a chi0d.
F!o20d yo2 0ike yo2r 2s2a0 order or do yo2 )ant to 0ook at a (en2 for so(ethin+
different>H
FThe 2s2a0 )i00 be +ood eno2+h for (e3 Ch2en. And add the 2s2a0 for Detecti1e Credo3 too.
eGs )orkin+ at the office and IG00 be takin+ it back to hi(.H
FOh3 )orkin+ on an i(*ortant ho(icide in1esti+ation3 Detecti1e>H
FIt co20d be3H Lori(er shr2++ed. F"i+ht no) )eGre not a h2ndred *ercent *ositi1e it is a
ho(icide3 b2t )eGre co1erin+ a00 as*ects of the case :2st to be on the safe side.H
FI kno) yo2 and Detecti1e Credo )i00 knock this case o2t in record ti(e3H Ch2en nodded as
he *200ed a )aitress aside in order to *ass on the orders that )ere to +o.
FP0ease e?c2se (e3 Detecti1e Lori(er3H Ch2en a*o0o+i8ed *rof2se0y3 as he )as 2sed to
doin+. FI ha1e (atters in the kitchen to take care of. &o2r order )i00 be o2t to yo2 1ery short0y.H
Ch2en bo)ed 0o)3 )ith Lori(er co*yin+ the (otion as c0ose as he e1er did3 o2t of res*ect3 the
resta2rate2r disa**eared into the back.
Lori(er 0ooked abo2t the 0obby of the resta2rant3 decorated as (ost Chinese estab0ish(ents
)ere3 in 1ario2s ethnic dis*0ays that *ortrayed the Chinese 0ifesty0e adeD2ate0y3 and then sat in the
c0osest booth to the front3 so as to be a1ai0ab0e and ready )hen his order ca(e.
e )as start0ed by the rin+in+ of his ce00 *hone. A0tho2+h Lori(er nor(a00y disdained as
(any for(s of (odern techno0o+y as he )as ab0e3 the addition of a %0ackberry )as so(ethin+
(andated by the De*art(ent. Since the De*art(ent )as *ayin+ for the (onth0y 2sa+e of the PDA
de1ice Lori(er +r2d+in+0y had acce*ted it3 tho2+h he 2sed it strict0y for its ce00 *hone ca*abi0ities.
e )ithdre) the co(*act3 tho2+h s0i+ht0y b20ky de1ice fro( his :acket *ocket and he0d it to
his ear.
Fe00o>H he s*oke into the recei1er after *2shin+ the start b2tton to connect hi( to the
ca00er. No one res*onded fro( the other end.
Fe00o> !ho is this>H Lori(er s*oke terse0y into the *hone no)3 annoyed that no one )as
ans)erin+ hi(.
Thinkin+ that *erha*s he had 0ost the ca003 he *200ed the de1ice a)ay fro( his ear and
+0anced at it3 s2r*rised and so(e)hat dis+r2nt0ed to disco1er that it )asnGt an inco(in+ ca00 that he
had recei1ed3 b2t a te?t (essa+e fro( an 2nkno)n n2(ber.
e si+hed a2dib0y and shook his head. e hated te?ts as (2ch as he did ha1in+ to 2se
co(*2ters for fi00in+ o2t re*orts. e had ne1er sent or recei1ed any te?ts on this de1ice3 tho2+h
se1era0 *eo*0e had chided hi( for bein+ so o0d fashioned.
The te?tin+ ser1ice contin2ed bee*in+ at hi(3 (akin+ hi( annoyed a00 the (ore. Lori(er
0ooked intent0y at the face of the de1ice3 )onderin+ :2st ho) he )as s2**osed to retrie1e the
(essa+e.
e fina00y 0ocated the (essa+e b2tton and *ressed it3 a00o)in+ the )ords of te?t to a**ear
on and scro00 across the face of his screen.
#our partner is doing fine at the 1astle. & fear$ howe!er$ that he will not ,e a,le to defeat
the creature ,ehind the throne without your assistance.
F!hat the he00..>H Lori(er (2ttered. !hat )as this a00 abo2t> !hoe1er had hacked into his
co(*2ter at )ork no) had fi+2red o2t not on0y )ho he )as3 b2t ho) to hack into his ce00 *hone as
)e00. !ho )as this *erson> !hat did she )ant )ith Credo and Lori(er> o) did she kno) he and
Credo )erenGt to+ether at the (o(ent> !hy co20dnGt she :2st ca00 hi( 0ike any nor(a0 *erson and
ta0k to hi( on the *hone3 instead of sendin+ these da(ned (essa+es>
Once (ore 0ookin+ the de1ice o1er3 Lori(er fina00y fi+2red o2t ho) to res*ond to the te?t.
)hat do you want* )hy did you send me this message*
eGd had to de0ete so(e of )hat heGd )ritten= (iss*e00in+ a fe) )ords3 since he )asnGt
fa(i0iar )ith the )orkin+s of this key*ad3 then hit FsendH. The (essa+e 1anished for( the screen
and then the )ords FMessa+e sentH a**eared on the screen.
Seconds 0ater a ne) (essa+e )as recei1ed.
#our presence is needed ,y your partner. &f you want him to li!e and ,e successful$ return
to your office immediately. #our partner will die without you.
FOh for cryin+ o2t 0o2d3H he +roaned3 then si+na0ed to the first e(*0oyee he fo2nd3 a yo2n+
+ir0 )ho )orked as a )aitress.
FIG( Detecti1e Lori(er. I ha1e a to9+o order bein+ *re*ared. Co20d yo2 te00 Ch2en that IG00
be back for it as soon as I can> So(ethin+Gs co(e 2* and I ha1e to +et back to the office. Te00 hi(
IG( sorry3H he added as he )as a0ready headin+ for the e?it.
Mo1in+ as D2ick0y as he co20d3 Lori(er (ade it back into the 1ast co((2na0 office s*ace
in o(icide in ti(e to see CredoGs face strainin+3 as tho2+h he )as e?*eriencin+ a diffic20t ti(e.
Lori(er ca(e 2* ne?t to his *artner and res2(ed his seat. e scanned the (onitor and co20d see
that CredoGs a1atar )as d2e0in+ )ith a kni+ht dressed in a s2it of hea1y ar(or. The s)ords(an
sei8ed an o*enin+ and s)2n+ his s)ord fro( the side3 the b0ade ca2+ht 2* beneath the he0(et
)here a s0i+ht o*enin+ sho)ed as the kni+ht before hi( ti0ted his head s0i+ht0y to one side. The
(o1e ca2sed the s)ord to hack the (anGs head c0ean off at the sho20ders. The he0(et3 no 0on+er
connected to the rest of the ar(or3 t2(b0ed to the stone f0oorin+ and c0attered abo2t 2nti0 it ca(e to
a sto* a+ainst a side )a00.
Lori(er 0ooked intent0y at the ar(or3 e?*ectin+ to see b0ood s*rayin+ forth the )ay it
sho20d fro( s2ch a serio2s3 (orta0 )o2nd. No b0ood +2shed forth. A00 that res20ted fro( the
deca*itation )as that the ar(or st2(b0ed abo2t3 then to**0ed hea1i0y to the f0a+stone f0oor and 0ay
sti00.
F!hereGs the b0ood>H Lori(er co20dnGt he0* b2t inD2ire.
FB2ess there )asnGt any3H Credo shr2++ed. FLooks 0ike this )as :2st an ani(ated s2it of
ar(or )itho2t anyone inside of it.H
Lori(er )as abo2t to ob:ect that s2ch )as not *ossib0e3 b2t then rea0i8ed the ty*e of +a(e
they )ere in1o01ed in and (ere0y shook his head in resi+nation. Anythin+ )as *ossib0e in this
for(at3 it see(ed.
F!hat ha**ened )ith the creat2re fro( behind the throne>H Lori(er asked3 )atchin+
intent0y as the s)ords(an (ade his )ay do)n the re(ainder of the )ide ha00)ay3 and then stood
before a 0ar+e3 ornate door (ade of so0id )ood3 b2t +i0ded a00 aro2nd )ith hea1y +o0d tri(.
F!hat creat2re>H Credo +0anced at his *artner :2st before he had the s)ords(an kick the
door in )ith one of his feet. FI ha1enGt +otten to any throne roo( yet.H
As the door s)2n+ o*en they both co20d see the throne settin+ at the far end of the roo(.
Credo +0anced at Lori(er3 )ho +0anced 0ike)ise back at Credo.
Fo) the he00 did yo2 kno) there )as a throne roo(>H
FL2cky +2ess>H Lori(er shr2++ed.
S2dden0y a +2st of )ind (o1ed thro2+h the roo( )here the t)o detecti1es )ere seated.
Pa*ers f02ttered and b0e) off desks aro2nd the(= e1en *a*ers on their o)n desks f02ttered. Lori(er
snatched se1era0 *a+es as they tried to 0ift fro( his desk.
E!here did that co(e fro(>E Lori(er asked3 0ookin+ abo2t and seein+ that there )eren6t
any o*en )indo)s in this 0ar+e roo(. The )indo)s )ere (ade so they co20dn6t be o*en. So )here
had the +2st of )ind co(e fro(>
ENo idea3E Credo shr2++ed. EMaybe an o*en door so(e)here>E They both kne) that )asn6t
the ans)er3 b2t it )as the best they had at this (o(ent. A chi00 *assed thro2+h both their bodies as
they each si0ent0y tho2+ht *erha*s that )ind had been connected to the +a(e they )ere *0ayin+3
tho2+h they had no idea ho) it co20d ha1e been.
Credo t2rned his attention back to the ins*ection of the throne roo(3 (o1in+ f2rther into the
roo( at the sa(e ti(e. S2dden0y3 the throne to**0ed for)ard and the )a00 see(ed to e?*0ode into
the roo(. The s)ords(an d2cked in order to a1oid the 1ario2s f0yin+ ch2nks of stone fro( the
e?*0odin+ )a00. !hen the s)ords(an a1atar strai+htened 2*3 a 0ar+e creat2re3 so(e ty*e of hideo2s
(onster )ith sca0es a00 o1er its h2(anoid for( that stretched fro( the f0oor a0(ost to the 1ery
cei0in+ itse0f3 (akin+ it at 0east three feet ta00er than the s)ords(an3 0oo(ed 2* thro2+h the o*enin+
and 02rched into the throne roo(.
FDa(n thin+ 0ooks 0ike the o0d 1ersion of the creat2re fro( the b0ack 0a+oon3H Lori(er
offered.
FOn0y 2+0ier3H Credo added )ith a to2ch of h2(or.
F&o2 +ot that ri+ht3H Lori(er a+reed.
The creat2re (o1ed far too D2ick0y for so(ethin+ of its si8e and +irth. Lori(er )as
)onderin+ ho) his *resence )as s2**osed to he0* his *artner )ith this thin+ )hen his %0ackberry
ran+ once (ore3 a0ertin+ hi( to yet another te?t (essa+e.
e o*ened the (essa+e3 findin+ ho) +ood he )as +ettin+ at this and ho) easy it act2a00y
)as.
#our partner must chop the throne into pieces. The power to the Ja,,erwocky is within the
throne.
Jabber)ocky> This thin+ CredoGs s)ords(an )as abo2t to fi+ht )as the Jabber)ocky they
)ere 0ookin+ for> Not certain ho) the infor(ation re0ated to )hat )as ha**enin+ on the screen3
Lori(er kne) eno2+h not to D2estion )hoe1er had sent the (essa+e= instead he (ere0y *assed the
infor(ation on to Credo.
FC2t the throne into *ieces )ith yo2r s)ord3H he offered.
F!hat>H Credo +0anced back at his friend as tho2+h he tho2+ht the detecti1e had 0ost his
(ind. F!hy )o20d I do that>H
FJ2st tr2st (e3 Ji((y. The *o)er to this thin+ is in the throne. Destroy the throne and yo2
sto* the Jabber)ocky.H
Sti00 not s2re that his *artner had a00 his (arb0es in one ba+3 Credo t2rned his attention back
to the scene at hand3 :2st as the creat2re 02n+ed to)ard hi(. e skittered off to the ri+ht side3
kee*in+ the s)ords(an 0o) to the +ro2nd so he co20d ease be0o) the b20ky (onsterGs body and
(o1e off D2ick0y to)ard the to**0ed throne.
The creat2re t2rned abo2t and sa) the direction in )hich the a1atar )as headin+. The
Jabber)ocky roared its disa**ro1a0 and 02n+ed after the s)ords(an3 )ho3 standin+ before the
throne no)3 raised his s)ord hi+h abo1e his head3 ho0din+ onto the *2((e0 )ith both hands.
The Jabber)ocky (o1ed faster3 tryin+ to reach the s)ords(an before he co20d da(a+e the
ite( that con1eyed *o)er into its body3 b2t the beast )as too s0o). The s)ords(anGs ar(s ca(e
do)n D2ick0y3 the shar* ed+es of the s)ord strikin+ the hea1y fra(e of the throne and sinkin+
dee*0y.
!ithin the detecti1es6 office the 0i+hts s2dden0y f0ickered as tho2+h they )ere abo2t to +o
o2t3 and then the 0i+hts did +o o2t3 0ea1in+ the office in tota0 darkness 9 e?ce*t for the co(*2ter on
)hich the "PB )as sti00 *0ayin+.
E!hat the he00>E Credo +0anced abo2t the darkened roo(3 )onderin+ ho) it co20d be
*ossib0e that the co(*2ter he )as sittin+ before had *o)er f0o)in+ into it3 b2t nothin+ e0se )ithin
the roo( had any e0ectricity. A00 the other co(*2ters )ere dark3 as )ere the 0i+hts.
Then the e(er+ency *o)er ca(e on and a soft +0o) of 0i+htin+ *0ayed abo2t the roo(. Sti00
a00 the co(*2ters )ere dark3 no e(er+ency *o)er bein+ a00ocated to the )orkin+ of the co(*2ters
in this office3 other than the one 0one co(*2ter the +a(e )as *0ayin+ o2t on.
EKee* yo2r eyes on the screenIE Lori(er sho2ted to his *artner :2st as the Jabber)ocky
(o1ed 2* behind the s)ords(an that )as their a1atar.
The Jabber)ocky6s ar(s shot o2t to)ard the s)ords(an3 as tho2+h the creat2re )ere tryin+
to stran+0e the (an before it.
Credo 0ooked back at the screen :2st in ti(e to *re1ent his a1atar fro( bein+ ki00ed3 tho2+h
for so(e reason he co20dn6t co(*rehend his o)n throat fe0t s0i+ht0y constricted3 as tho2+h
so(eone6s hands had ti+htened abo2t hi(3 c2ttin+ off his o)n airf0o). The ine?*0icab0e sensation
*assed D2ick0y3 ho)e1er3 and Credo once (ore breathed easi0y. e 0ooked at the screen and noticed
that 2nder his contro0 the s)ords(an d2cked beneath the Jabber)ocky6s o2tstretched hands3 *200in+
his s)ord free fro( )here it )as b2ried dee* )ithin the throne6s fra(e.
The s)ords(an ro00ed to one side3 0ea*ed to his feet and s)2n+ his s)ord once (ore
a+ainst the fra(e of the throne. T)ice (ore before the Jabber)ocky co20d react the s)ords(an
hacked at the throne 2nti0 it 0ay in *ieces before his feet.
%ehind the s)ords(an the Jabber)ockyGs body tre(b0ed. It 0ifted its head to)ard the
cei0in+ and roared 1io0ent0y3 as tho2+h in serio2s *ain.
The a1atar e?tracted the b0ade fro( the throneGs fra(e and once (ore bro2+ht it do)n )ith
eno2+h force to da(a+e the hea1y throne3 this ti(e (ana+in+ to co(*0ete0y se1er the back fro(
the seat. The t)o *ieces t2(b0ed a)ay fro( one another3 0ea1in+ the throne in e1en (ore *ieces
than )hen the a1atar had first entered the throne roo(.
The (onster s*read its ar(s o2t )ide3 the eerie screa( iss2in+ forth fro( its )ide o*en
(o2th *iercin+ e1en thro2+h the chea* s*eakers feedin+ the so2nd o2t fro( the 0a*to* and o1er to
the ears of the detecti1es.
FDa(n. That thin+ (2st be in so(e serio2s *ain3H Credo chort0ed3 not findin+ it in hi( to
0a(ent o1er the a+ony of a (onster s2ch as this.
Fit the throne a+ain3H Lori(er directed. F"ea00y cho* it 2*. Make s2re yo2G1e +ot that
thin+ beaten +ood3 ok>H
FS2re thin+3 %2d3H Credo nodded3 seein+ as ho) his *artner had so(eho) been correct
abo2t the throne bein+ the so2rce of *o)er for the (onster.
The s)ords(an 0ifted his s)ord hi+h and bro2+ht it do)n t)ice (ore3 s*0ittin+ each of the
a0ready e?istent3 0ar+er sections of the throne and c0ea1in+ the( each in t)o. The (onster fe00
hea1i0y to the f0a+stone f0oor3 its body )rithin+ no)3 archin+ 2*)ards as tho2+h in the 1ery fina0
throes of death. %oth the detecti1es )atched in a(a8e(ent as the sca0y creat2reGs for( b2rst into
f0a(es and disinte+rated before their 1ery eyes.
An acrid s(e00 as of so(ethin+ b2rnin+ f0o)ed thro2+h the office )here o(icide )as
0ocated. %oth Lori(er and Credo noticed the *2n+ent odor and 0ooked at one another odd0y before
t2rnin+ their attention back to )hat had ha**ened on the (onitor.
F!e003 IG00 be da(ned3H Credo near0y )his*ered. FI donGt kno) ho) yo2 kne)3 %2d3 b2t
yo2 s2re +ot (e thro2+h )hat co20dG1e been a to2+h scra*e. Thanks.H
FDonGt thank (e3 Ji((y. I +ot a te?t (essa+e fro( the hacker. She to0d (e )hat to do and
that I had to +et back here or yo2 )o20d die.H
F&o2 (ean the a1atar )o20d die3H Credo corrected.
FNo3 the (essa+e s*ecifica00y said yo2 )o20d die3H Lori(er he0d o2t his %0ackberry so
Credo co20d th2(b thro2+h the te?ts and see the (essa+es for hi(se0f.
F!e003 IG00 beRH Credo be+an3 *a2sin+ incred20o2s0y.
FThatGs the )ay I fe0t3 too3H Lori(er a+reed.
F%2t ho) did the hacker..>H CredoGs )ords )ere c2t off as first the 0i+hts in the office ca(e
back on3 restorin+ *o)er to e1erythin+ so that a00 the co(*2ters rebooted3 and then a 2nifor(ed
officer entered the roo( )ith a ba+ in his hands. e bro2+ht it o1er and set it on the desk to*
bet)een the t)o detecti1es3 )ho 0ooked 2* at hi( in )onder.
FSo(e kid fro( the Chinese resta2rant do)n the street bro2+ht it in a (in2te a+o. Said to
brin+ it to yo2 +2ys and to (ake s2re I te00 yo2 itGs a0ready *aid for. 2h. !ish so(eone )o20d b2y
dinner for (e so(eti(e.H
The officer t2rned and e?ited the roo(3 headin+ back to the desk do)nstairs.
Lori(er o*ened the ba+ and reached inside. FThat Ch2en s2re is a +reat +2y. I(a+ine hi(
sendin+ so(eone )ith o2r order and *ayin+ the tab for (e.H
is s(i0e fa0tered as his hand enco2ntered a sheet of *a*er that instr2cted hi( to o*en the
fort2ne cookies first.
F;irst>H Credo scr2nched his face )ry0y3 *ressin+ a b2tton on the keyboard in order to
*a2se the +a(e bein+ *0ayed. FNe1er heard of eatin+ fort2ne cookies before the (ain co2rse.
!onder )hy Ch2en said that>H
FI donGt kno)3H Lori(er shr2++ed3 F%2t since he *aid the tab3 +2ess IG00 ob0i+e hi( on this
and o*en a fort2ne cookie.H
The o0der detecti1e cracked o*en one of the t)o cookies3 re0easin+ the s0i* of *a*er that )as
t2cked 2* inside of it. e s*read the *a*er bet)een his fin+ers and read the (essa+e o2t 0o2d.
FGInco(in+ (essa+e of +ra1e i(*ortance.G !hat the he00 does that (ean>H Lori(er 0ooked
o1er at Credo3 )ho )as o*enin+ the other cookie.
FGM2ch *raise for )ork )e00 done.GH e 0ooked 2* at Lori(er3 )ho )as sti00 0ookin+ at hi(.
FB2ess )e (2stG1e done a +reat :ob3H Credo shr2++ed )ide9eyed3 )onderin+ if both these
(essa+es referred to the )ay they had beaten the creat2re in the throne roo(3 b2t not 2nderstandin+
ho) Ch2en co20d ha1e inserted s2ch (essa+es into these cookies3 nor ho) Ch2en )o20d e1en
kno) abo2t )hat they had been doin+ on the 0a*to*.
The %0ackberry chi(ed in once (ore. Lori(er *icked it 2* and o*ened the te?t to find3 #ou
will ,e pleased to know that in the 0ealm of the )arrior$ the 0P- you were playing$ whate!er
happens there happens in the real world as well. The person controlling the Throne and therefore
the Ja,,erwocky was the one who killed (ichael )arner. Now that his Throne is destroyed$ he too
has ceased to e2ist. & know this is something you cannot understand at this point$ ,ut ,e assured
that what you achie!ed was to enact 'ustice for the death of an innocent man$ as well as others like
him who were killed ,y this monster in human guise. Thank you for ser!ing 'ustice this day.
J2st as they finished readin+ the (essa+e the assistant (edica0 e?a(iner3 )ho had been
*rocessin+ the co(*onents of the co(*2ter in order to deter(ine if anythin+ inside of it had ca2sed
the death of the 1icti(3 entered the office co(*0e?.
Fey there3 Detecti1es3H he ca00ed o2t as he a**roached their desks. F&o2G00 be +0ad to
kno) that nothin+ in the co(*2ter or any of its 1ario2s accessories )as res*onsib0e for the
decedentGs death. The M.#. has officia00y r20ed it as death by nat2ra0 ca2ses.H
%oth Lori(er and Credo 0ooked at one another (o(entari0y before t2rnin+ their attention to
the assistant M.#.
FIf it )as an accident3 )hat )as that s(e00 yo2 detected )hen yo2 first entered the
a*art(ent>H
FOh that3G he shr2++ed. FThat t2rned o2t to be nothin+ (ore than so(e )irin+ that decided
to short o2t3 b2rnin+ 2* and e(ittin+ a (i0d +as that created an 2n*0easant odor3 b2t nothin+
har(f20 at a00. The +2y had a heart attack3 thatGs the officia0 *ro+nosis.H
The detecti1es 0ooked at one another once (ore3 kno)in+ that the odor at the decedent6s
a*art(ent that (ornin+ )as the sa(e thin+ they had s(e00ed in this office a short fe) (in2tes a+o
as they *0ayed the "PB a+ainst the Jabber)ocky. They then t2rned to)ard the 0a*to* that sti00 sat
o*ened= the *ict2re *a2sed on the scene )ithin the "PB site.
Fey3 )hat +a(e are yo2 +2ys *0ayin+>H The (edica0 assistant (o1ed for)ard to *eer
(ore c0ose0y at the screen. Credo reached o2t and sh2t the 0a*to*3 t2rnin+ it off in the *rocess. e
reached do)n and *200ed the *02+ fro( the o2t0et 2nder the desk.
FThatGs :2st a bit of research )e )ere doin+3H Lori(er res*onded noncha0ant0y. FNothin+
for yo2 to be concerned )ith. Te00 the M.#. thanks fro( both of 2s. Nice to kno) )e donGt ha1e to
s*end any ti(e on so(ethin+ that )asnGt a (2rder after a00.H
The (edica0 assistant 0ooked *2880ed for a (o(ent3 then D2iet0y t2rned and 0eft the office.
e co20d te00 )hen he )asnGt )anted.
%oth detecti1es sat starin+ at one another for 0on+ (in2tes before fina00y broachin+ the
s2b:ect.
FIf !arnerGs death )asnGt a ho(icide3 )hat )as a00 that abo2t on the co(*2ter>H Lori(er
fina00y D2eried.
FI donGt ha1e any ans)ers3 %2d3H Credo si+hed3 reachin+ into the ba+ and e?tractin+ a bo?
of Chinese food. FI on0y ho*e that )hate1er it )as3 no one act2a00y +ot h2rt by )hat ha**ened on
that "PB site.H
Lori(er tho2+ht abo2t that state(ent for a (o(ent before sayin+3 F"ea0istica00y3 Ji((y3
ho) co20d so(eone be har(ed by )hat ha**ened on a co(*2ter +a(in+ site> I (ean3 0etGs be
reasonab0e abo2t this K *eo*0e donGt die beca2se their3 2(3 a1atar on a co(*2ter +a(e +ets ki00ed3
ri+ht>H
F"i+ht as a0)ays %2d3H Credo ans)ered aro2nd a (o2thf20 of food. FSh2t 2* and eat3 )i00
ya> I donGt )ant yo2 +i1in+ (e any indi+estion.H
FMe neither3 Ji((y. Me neither.H Lori(er e?tracted another bo? and o*ened it3 reachin+
into the bo? )ith a set of )ooden cho*sticks. e co20dnGt he0* b2t )onder if there had been any
tr2th at a00 to )hat had ha**ened )ith the( today> If it had a00 been a hoa?3 ho) had that hacker
(ana+ed to break into the De*art(entGs co(*2ter and his %0ackberry> And )hat abo2t the fort2ne
cookies>
Lori(er shook his head and o*ened his (o2th to recei1e a 0ar+e breaded shri(* di**ed in
s)eet and so2r sa2ce. ;or+et abo2t anythin+ that doesnGt i((ediate0y (ake sense3 he to0d hi(se0f.
That had a0)ays been his (otto for 0i1in+ and so01in+ cases. It )o20d ser1e hi( no) as )e00.
$ $ $ $ $
JACK SKULL
, -..N Jacob M. Drake
The door to the bar s)2n+ o*en D2ick0y3 s0a((in+ a+ainst the ci+arette (achine :2st inside
the door. The bartender 0ooked 2*3 a fro)n on his face3 2nti0 he sa) )ho it )as )hoGd entered his
estab0ish(ent. is face t2rned )hite as the 0ean3 (2sc20ar (an sa2ntered 2* to the bar3 his e1i0 +rin
insti00in+ fear.
FDraft eineken3 Char0ie3H Jack Sk200 0eaned a+ainst the ed+e of the bar3 his head bobbin+
s0o)0y back9and9forth3 searchin+ the dark roo( (ade darker by the ha8e of ci+arette s(oke that
a0)ays h2n+ thick0y in the air.
Char0ie *assed the (an his (2+ of beer3 ho*in+ )hoe1er it )as he )as 0ookin+ for )asnGt
here. Jack 0ifted his (2+ )itho2t *ayin+ for it. e ne1er *aid. No one asked hi( to. They :2st
)anted hi( to 0ea1e. S0o)0y Jack Sk200 drained ha0f his beer )itho2t re(o1in+ the (2+ fro( his
0i*s. is eyes foc2sed on the sha*es in this +0oo(3 as tho2+h ab0e to *eer thro2+h the darkest
interiors.
The (anGs na(e )as Jack Sch2y0er3 b2t beca2se of the fact that he )as (eaner than (ost
anyone e0se )hoGd e1er )a0ked the streets of this city3 beca2se of the fact that he )orked as an
enforcer3 a bone cr2sher3 a hit (an3 for so(e 1ery 2nsa1ory *eo*0e3 )ith (ore *o)er than anyone
e0se in this city3 and beca2se of the fact that his skin )as ta2t a+ainst his 0ean3 (2sc20ar fra(e3
es*ecia00y ti+ht aro2nd the feat2res of his face3 (akin+ his 1ery head a**ear so (2ch 0ike a sk200
)ith f0esh co0orin+ added to it3 e1eryone ca00ed hi( Jack Sk200.
#1eryone kne) that if Jack Sk200 )as 0ookin+ to ta0k )ith yo23 he )asnGt interested in :2st
ta0kin+. If yo2 )ere 02cky3 and I (ean rea00y 02cky3 he (i+ht :2st break both yo2r 0e+s and (aybe
an ar(. If yo2 )ere hi+h on his 0ist or (aybe he :2st )asnGt fee0in+ es*ecia00y cheerf20 that day3
yo2 (i+ht end 2* )ith ha0f the bones in yo2r body cr2shed 9 not broken 9 cr2shed.
If yo2 )ere the to* *riority on Jack Sk200Gs 0ist3 ho)e1er3 that (eant yo2 )ere dead before
yo2 e1en )oke 2* that (ornin+.
FSee the o*enin+ day +a(e>H Char0ie )i*ed the co2nter :2st *ast Jack Sk200. e tried
(akin+ con1ersation )ith the (an on0y beca2se he ho*ed no one )as +oin+ to +et ki00ed in his bar.
e re(e(bered the 0ast ti(e Jack Sk200 had co(e 0ookin+ for so(eone in here K and fo2nd hi(.
The *o0ice had c0osed the bar for near0y a )eek )hi0e they checked es*ecia00y c0ose in order to
0ocate the forensic e1idence to fi+2re o2t )ho had co((itted the cri(e so they co20d *2t hi(
a)ay.
The *o0ice had ne1er so01ed that (2rder. They ne1er )o20d3 e1en tho2+h e1eryone had
kno)n )ho the ki00er )as. e hadnGt dis+2ised hi(se0f or done his deed in secret. %2t no one )as
abo2t to say anythin+ that (i+ht i(*0icate Jack Sk200. No one )anted to take the chance that he
(i+ht not be con1icted and )o20d then co(e 0ookin+ for the(.
Char0ie co20dnGt afford the 0oss of b2siness3 b2t he )asnGt abo2t to say anythin+ the 0ean
(an (i+ht take as an offense. eGd seen )hat Jack did to *eo*0e )ho irritated hi(. e didnGt )ant
to beco(e one of the(.
Jack Sk200 didnGt ans)er Char0ieGs D2estion. e kne) the bartender didnGt )ant to +et into a
con1ersation )ith hi( abo2t the o*enin+ day of baseba00 season or any other to*ic. e drank his
beer in si0ence3 then )itho2t a )ord3 t2rned and )a0ked into the back of the bar3 his eyes e1er9
searchin+3 checkin+ o2t each tab0e3 and each booth in this seedy :oint.
At a s(a00 booth near the back3 he s*otted so(eone he reco+ni8ed and D2ick0y s0id in ne?t
to the (an before he co20d reco+ni8e Jack.
The (an )as start0ed to find so(eone not on0y :oinin+ hi( 2nbidden in his booth3 b2t on
the sa(e side of the booth he had s0id into3 (eanin+ that this ne)co(er )as *ressin+ 2* c0ose to
his side. Un0ess this +2y )as a fa+ 0ookin+ for se?3 he had no reason s0idin+ 2* so c0ose to Matt
Perkins this )ay. And Matt didnGt ha1e se? )ith fa+s. e didnGt s)in+ that )ay.
Matt t2rned )ith a +ro)0 to)ards the ne)co(er3 his 0eft fist raised to s)in+ into the
intr2derGs face. ;ort2nate0y for hi(3 he reco+ni8ed the a0(ost *erfect rict2s +rin s*read across the
ske0eta0 face of Jack Sk200. is fist *oised in the air3 Matt Perkins dro**ed it onto the to* of the
tab0e before hi(. !ith his other hand he ti+ht0y c0a(*ed ho0d of his o)n beer.
F9hey3 Jack. !hatGs 2*>H Matt PerkinsG 1oice )as as fri+htened and as 2nsteady as the rest
of Matt Perkins. is eyes tried to re(ain fi?ed on JackGs3 b2t he )as searchin+ for a )ay o2t of the
booth3 kno)in+ there )as none. Sti00 his eyes contin2ed to f0it aro2nd the dark corner )here heGd
chosen to sit3 dro*s of co0d s)eat beadin+ 2* on his forehead and (akin+ their )ay do)n his face.
Jack Sk200 contin2ed starin+ si0ent0y at Matt Perkins. is ha0f9drained (2+ of eineken
he0d in his ri+ht hand3 the hand f2rthest a)ay fro( Matt.
Jack 0ifted the (2+. Matt f0inched. e kne) too )e00 )hat Jack Sk200 co20d do )ith a
)ea*on as si(*0e as a beer (2+. Jack (ere0y took a cas2a0 drink fro( the (2+3 and then set it back
onto the tab0eto*.
F&o2 seen Da1ey Os)a0d>H JackGs D2iet 1oice fi0tered thro2+h the +0oo(3 so2ndin+ 1ery
(2ch 0ike a creaky door that needed terrib0y to ha1e its hin+es oi0ed.
FDa1ey>H MattGs 1oice3 nor(a00y dee*3 0o)3 a h2sky baritone3 ca(e o2t too hi+h. e
so2nded (ore 0ike a +ir0 than the hea1y3 thick (an of bra)n he act2a00y )as. FN9no3 Jack. I ha1enGt
seen hi(. Not 0ate0y.H
F!hen )as the 0ast ti(e yo2 sa) hi(>H Jack 0ifted the (2+ to his 0i*s once (ore3 takin+
another si* of his beer3 his eyes ne1er 0ea1in+ the eyes of the (an beside hi(.
FDa1ey>H MattGs 1oice )as e1en sD2eakier no). e c0eared his throat3 took a +20* of his
beer3 +0anced a)ay fro( Jack Sk2003 then ri+ht back to 0ook into JackGs eyes.
It )as said that Jack Sk200 had a s*ecia0 *o)er. That he co20d 0ook into yo2r eyes and see
e1erythin+ abo2t yo2. !hen Jack Sk200 )as 0ookin+ into yo2r eyes3 if yo2 tried 0yin+ to hi(3 he
kne) it. And Jack Sk200 didnGt 0ike bein+ 0ied to.
Matt )asnGt s2re he be0ie1ed the stories abo2t JackGs *o)ers. e fi+2red he )as :2st a
nor(a0 +2y3 0ike e1eryone e0se. e )as :2st the kind of +2y )ho insti00ed fear in e1eryone and )as
+ood at fi+2rin+ o2t )hen so(eone )as 0yin+ to hi(. ThatGs a00. ThatGs )hat rea00y (ade hi( so
scary. e co20d ki00 a (an )itho2t b0inkin+3 )itho2t any s*ecia0 *o)ers.
FThe 0ast ti(e I sa) Da1ey )as a co2*0a days a+o. Do)n on B Street. O1er by the theater.H
The streets on this side of to)n had n2(bers assi+ned to the(. At one ti(e3 a 0on+ ti(e
a+o3 they had na(es3 na(es that (eant so(ethin+ to *eo*0e )ho 0i1ed there and the *eo*0e )ho
had assi+ned the( their na(es. As ti(e (o1ed on)ard and the area chan+ed3 the nei+hborhood
beco(in+ e1er (ore r2n9do)n3 dirty3 c02ttered )ith e1ery kind of b2(3 dr2++ie and hooker anyone
co20d i(a+ine3 those )ho +o1erned the city chan+ed the na(es to 0etters and n2(bers. They
decided the na(es had too (2ch (eanin+ to be assi+ned any 0on+er to s2ch a 0o)9c0ass section of
to)n. The na(es )ere then assi+ned to ne)er3 (ore aff02ent sections of the city. And the streets
)here the na(es 2sed to be )ere re9identified= in one direction the streets he0d n2(bers. On the
cross streets3 they he0d 0etters. ThatGs a00 they )ere3 0etters and n2(bers.
Jack Sk200 he0d his stare into Matt PerkinsG eyes. e sat si0ent0y a fe) (in2tes before askin+
his ne?t D2estion.
F!hat )as Da1ey Os)a0d doin+ at the theater>H
FDoin+>H MattGs 1oice )as (ore ner1o2s than before. F!hat )as Da1ey doin+ there3
Jack>H is hands fid+eted )ith his +0ass of beer. e ti**ed it to his 0i*s. "ea0i8ed the +0ass )as
e(*ty. Set it back onto the tab0e. Sti00 his fin+ers contin2ed fid+etin+ )ith the no) e(*ty +0ass.
FThatGs )hat I asked3H JackGs 1oice )as a 0o) +ro)03 no). is eyes narro)ed. e didnGt
0ike ha1in+ to e?*0ain hi(se0f. Matt )as ca2sin+ hi( to 0ose )hat 0itt0e contro0 of his te(*er he
had.
!itho2t another )ord3 Jack Sk200 s)2n+ the hea1y (2+ he0d in his hand. The thick +0ass
str2ck sD2are0y a+ainst MattGs nose. The hea1y botto( of the +0ass str2ck first. %0ood s*2rted o2t
fro( )here the carti0a+e f0attened3 breakin+ )ith a sna*. ad there not been a thick3 *added back to
the booth )here Matt Perkins sat3 his head )o20dG1e hit the back )a00 of the bar behind hi(.
The ho)0 that in1o02ntari0y esca*ed MattGs throat a0erted e1eryone in this bar that Jack
Sk200 )as at )ork. No one 0ooked their direction. No one )anted to be in1o01ed. No one (o1ed o2t
of their res*ecti1e seats3 either3 afraid that the (o1e(ent (i+ht attract JackGs attention. Ca2se hi(
to co(e after the( ne?t3 e1en if they )erenGt on his 0ist for the day. Mo1in+ )asnGt a )ise idea at
the (o(ent.
Not 0ikin+ the so2nd of MattGs )ai03 his )hi(*erin+3 Jack once (ore s)2n+ the (2+ in his
hand3 this ti(e ho0din+ it side)ays. The +0ass str2ck MattGs (o2th3 breakin+ his front teeth. Jack
sho1ed it in f2rther. arder. The (2+ beca(e sn2++0y fit )ithin the stretched )ide f0esh of MattGs
0i*s. %0ood oo8ed fro( both the (anGs nose and his (o2th. %roken teeth 0ay on the tab0e before
the(.
Jack 0eaned in c0ose3 so on0y Matt co20d hear his )ords. e didnGt care if anyone e0se heard
hi(. No one )as +oin+ to say anythin+ to anyone abo2t )hat heGd said. e :2st *referred s*eakin+
soft0y. It added a di(ension of fear to those he s*oke to. Jack kne) this. e thri1ed on that fear.
F!hen I re(o1e the (2+ yo2Gre not +oin+ to screa( 0ike a 0itt0e bitch. "i+ht> &o2Gre +oin+
to ans)er (y D2estion.H
Jack didnGt )ait for Matt to nod his head or indicate in any other (anner that he a+reed )ith
)hat Jack had said. The 0ean3 ske0eta0 (an kne) Matt )as +oin+ to obey his )ords. ;ear dictated
he do so.
Jack +rabbed ho0d of the +0ass hand0e *rotr2din+ fro( bet)een MattGs 0i*s. e *200ed the
st2ck (2+ fro( the other (anGs (o2th. %0ood s*attered e1ery)here. Matt +rabbed ho0d of his
(o2th3 ho0din+ it in his hands3 b0ood oo8in+ fro( beneath the hands c0a(*ed ti+ht0y o1er the
c0osed 0i*s. Matt rocked back9and9forth fro( the *ain he fe0t shootin+ thro2+h his face.
One +0ance fro( JackGs eyes to0d Matt to for+et his *ain and ans)er the D2estion.
S0o)0y3 Matt re(o1ed his tre(b0in+ hands fro( before his 0i*s. As he o*ened his 0i*s to
s*eak3 b0ood *o2red forth. e +0anced aro2nd D2ick0y3 tryin+ to fi+2re o2t )hat to do )ith this
(o2thf20 of b0ood. is b0ood. e fina00y 0ifted his e(*ty +0ass to his 0i*s3 a00o)in+ the b0ood to
*o2r fro( bet)een his br2ised and b0oodied 0i*s into the +0ass.
FD9Da1ey )as )aitin+3H Matt Perkins tried s*eakin+. It )asnGt easy. %0ood contin2ed
see*in+ into his (o2th and o2t *ast his broken teeth3 his 0i*s3 do)n his chin and onto the tab0e.
Char0ie )asnGt +oin+ to 0ike the (ess Matt (ade of the booth back here.
Fe K he )as )aitin+ for a kid to enter the theater.H Matt (2(b0ed his )ords. To anyone
e0se they )o20d ha1e been 2ninte00i+ib0e. Jack Sk200 had +ro)n acc2sto(ed to 0istenin+ to )ords
(2(b0ed thro2+h broken teeth and s*0it 0i*s. It )as an occ2*ationa0 ha8ard for hi(. e 2nderstood
e1ery )ord.
F!hat kid>H Jack Sk200 sti00 he0d his (2+. e +ri**ed it by the +0ass hand0e no)3 the rest of
the (2+ too s0i**ery )ith MattGs b0ood to ho0d onto sec2re0y.
FI donGt kno)3H Matt ans)ered (eek0y. !ith the barest (o1e(ent of JackGs (2+3 he
*2shed hi(se0f back a)ay fro( his assai0ant3 dee* a+ainst the c2shion behind hi(.
FI s)ear I donGt kno)3H Matt *ractica00y screa(ed3 both hands he0d o2t in front of hi(3 a
feeb0e atte(*t to )ard off so(eone as 1icio2s as Jack Sk200. F&o2 kno) ho) Da1ey is. Any kidG00
do for hi( )hen heGs in the (ood. e ainGt *artic20ar.H
Jack considered the )ords in si0ence for a (o(ent. e decided the (an )as too fri+htened
for his 0ife to 0ie to hi(. Ne1erthe0ess3 Jack Sk200 )asnGt kno)n for 0ea1in+ *eo*0e )itho2t ens2rin+
they )o20d ne1er testify a+ainst hi(.
F&o2 +ot a co2*0e of nice kids yo2rse0f3 donGt yo2>H Jack didnGt 2se MattGs na(e3 a0tho2+h
he kne) it. e ne1er 2sed the na(es of the *eo*0e he tor(ented. The 0ack of their na(e
deh2(ani8ed the( in his eyes. They )erenGt *eo*0e to hi(. ThatGs ho) he )as ab0e to be as br2ta0
as he )as. That and the fact that he :2st didnGt care abo2t their feeb0e3 (ea+er 0i1es.
That )as a00 Jack Sk200 had to say. Standin+ fro( the booth3 Jack f02n+ the (2+ at MattGs
face. Matt )asnGt fast eno2+h to sto* the hea1y +0ass fro( strikin+ hi( in the face once (ore. This
ti(e ho)e1er3 he didnGt ho)0 his *ain. e kne) better by no). e :2st )anted Jack Sk200 to 0ea1e
hi( a0one.
!itho2t another )ord to anyone3 Jack Sk200 )a0ked o2t thro2+h the front door of the bar. A
co00ecti1e si+h )ent thro2+h the bar as e1eryone *resent e?*e00ed the breaths they hadnGt rea0i8ed
theyGd been ho0din+.
Char0ie )a0ked to the booth in the back )ith a b2cket ha0f f200 of dirty b0each )ater and a
co2*0e of bar ra+s. e tossed the ra+s to Matt3 settin+ the b2cket on the tab0e.
Fere. C0ean yo2rse0f 2*. Then c0ean the booth.H Char0ie )a0ked a)ay )itho2t another
)ord. e kne) better than to +et a re*2tation for bein+ too nice to those br2ta0i8ed by Jack Sk200.
JackGs ne?t sto* )as the theater on B Street. e kne) it )as a 0on+ shot for findin+ the
*erson he )as 0ookin+ for3 b2t if anyone at the theater had seen Os)a0d 0ate0y3 they (i+ht be ab0e
to +i1e hi( a better an+0e on )here to find hi(.
Sk200 s(i0ed +ri(0y as he )a0ked the fe) b0ocks to his destination. e didnGt nor(a00y ha1e
to +o thro2+h this (2ch tro2b0e to find his *rey. They 2s2a00y had certain han+o2ts they freD2ented
(ost often. Sk200 nor(a00y on0y had to +o to those *0aces and heGd find )hoe1er he )as trackin+.
Today )as different. e s(i0ed3 beca2se he s2dden0y rea0i8ed this is e?act0y )hat co*s )ent
thro2+h )hen they )ere searchin+ for a s2s*ect to a cri(e that had been co((itted. Often that
s2s*ect )as hi(. It str2ck hi( f2nny that he )as actin+ 0ike a co*. Us2a00y he )as the one the co*s
)ere searchin+ for.
The theater )as a0ready o*en )hen he arri1ed. A co2*0e of (o1ies )ere a0ready in
*ro+ress3 accordin+ to the si+n on the door3 b2t there )as no one o2t front at the booth. M2st be the
+ir0 )ho 2s2a00y )orked there )as takin+ a break3 since no ne) (o1ies )o20d be startin+ for
a)hi0e.
Jack Sk200 )a0ked in *assed the front door )itho2t a ticket. The o0d +ee8er )ho took the
tickets and tore the( in ha0f 0ooked 2* fro( )here he )as 0eanin+ o1er the candy co2nter3 ta0kin+
to the o0d 0ady )ho ser1ed o2t the *o*corn and other refresh(ents. The o0d (an didnGt sto* Jack
Sk200 fro( enterin+ )itho2t a ticket. Like e1eryone e0se3 he kne) better.
Instead3 Sk200 )a0ked ri+ht 2* to hi(3 his face no 0on+er he0d a s(i0e.
F&o2 seen Da1ey Os)a0d3 Po*s>H Sk200 +0anced abo2t the theater 0obby. e didnGt ha1e to
2se his 2s2a0 tricks of ho0din+ eye contact )ith this o0d (an. The o0der *eo*0e aro2nd here )ere a00
too fri+htened of hi( a0ready3 (ore so than anyone e0se. They )ere a0)ays afraid he (i+ht *o* 2*
as the Fan+e0 of deathH to 2sher the( o2t of this )or0d they c02n+ to so fearf200y.
FOs)a0d>H The o0d (an heGd ca00ed FPo*sH +0anced o1er to)ard the ri+ht entrance to the
theaters. FDo)n that )ay.H
Sk200 nodded his head. It )as nice to ha1e so(eone )ho feared hi( eno2+h to coo*erate
free0y. e didnGt 0ike ha1in+ to 0ean on o0d *eo*0e.
FAnyone )ith hi(>H Sk200 asked.
The )ay the o0d (an shifted his feet +a1e Sk200 his ans)er3 b2t the o0d (an s*oke 2*3
any)ay. F&eah. A 0itt0e +ir0. J%o2t ei+ht K nine years o0d3 (aybe ten.H
Sk200Gs feat2res took on an e1en +ri((er sco)0 than nor(a0. e didnGt :2d+e *eo*0e in the
cri(es they co((itted. e003 heGd co((itted )orse cri(es than (ost anyone e0se in this entire
section of to)n they a00 ca00ed ho(e3 and a 0ot (ore than anyone e0se3 either. J2st not the ty*e of
cri(es *eo*0e 0ike Da1ey Os)a0d co((itted. Pedo*hi0es )ere ri+ht on the 1ery to* of Sk200Gs 0ist.
eGd e1en dis*atched a fe) heGd fo2nd )ith their 1icti(s )itho2t the( bein+ officia00y on his 0ist.
ThatGs ho) (2ch he hated those )ho *reyed on chi0dren.
Os)a0d )as different. eGd a0)ays been a s0i**ery sort. So(eone )ho see(ed to kno)
)hen others )ere 0ookin+ for hi( and (ana+ed to re(ain hidden 0on+ eno2+h to +et a)ay. %2t this
*artic20ar chi0d (o0ester had chosen the )ron+ kid to *2nk the other day. That )as the reason Jack
Sk200 )as h2ntin+ hi( do)n. Certain kids yo2 donGt to2ch in this nei+hborhood. Os)a0d kne) that.
So(eho) his *redatorGs h2n+er had +otten the better of hi( and 0ed hi( do)n a *ath that no) 0ed
to his death.
Sk200 )a0ked do)n the di(0y 0it ha00)ay that he0d t)o doors3 both o*enin+ into the theater
he )anted. e chose the second door3 kno)in+ (ost *eo*0e )ho entered )o20d take the first door.
Os)a0d3 bein+ the se?2a09*redator that he )as3 )o20d 0ike0y take the second door3 *2ttin+ hi( and
his *rey f2rther a)ay fro( the rest of the cro)d.
e )aited 2nti0 the door c0osed and a00o)ed his eyes to ad:2st to the darkness. On0y the
f02id0y f0ickerin+ ce0020oid stri*s that sho)ed the (o1ie c2rrent0y ro00in+ *ro1ided any 0i+ht.
Sk200 t2rned to his 0eft3 kno)in+ that the 0ayo2t of this theater )as desi+ned so there )as a
s(a00 section that )ent back *assed the entry)ay. A recessed area heGd seen in other theaters3 as
)e00. !hy these desi+ns )ere so )e00 0iked3 Sk200 didnGt kno). The on0y *eo*0e )ho 2sed those
recessed sections )ere teena+ers )antin+ to (ake o2t K and *redators. Like Os)a0d.
!ith his eyes ad:2sted3 Sk200 *eered back to)ard the f2rthest *art of that section. e co20d
see the di(0y 0it face of a chi0d3 (ost 0ike0y a 0itt0e +ir03 her face 0it 2* by the 0i+ht fro( the (o1ie
*0ayin+ do)n front. She 0ooked 0ike her body )as bobbin+ 2*9and9do)n. Sk200 kne) )hy.
!a0kin+ D2ick0y3 Sk200 reached the back ro) and +rabbed ho0d of the 0itt0e +ir03 *200in+ her
off the 0a* of the (an )ho he0d her by the )aist3 2sin+ his hands to *2(* her 2*9and9do)n on his
0a* )here his 8i**er )as 2ndone and his dick *2shed strai+ht 2* into the 0itt0e +ir0Gs 2nti0 no)3
1ir+ina0 1a+ina.
FeyIH Os)a0d )as s2r*rised by the action. e fi+2red he )as safe back here. e a0)ays
had been before. This *ortion of the theater )as 0ike an office to hi(. e *aid his dai0y FrentH and
bro2+ht his Fc0ientsH in for cons20tations.
FBet o2t of here3H Sk200 +ro)0ed harsh0y to the 0itt0e +ir0. FBo ho(e.H
!itho2t ans)erin+ back3 tho2+h Sk200 co20d te00 she )as )hi(*erin+ D2iet0y fro( )hat
Os)a0d had done to her3 the +ir0 hiked 2* her shorts3 )hich had been *200ed do)n aro2nd her
ank0es3 and ran D2ick0y o2t of the dark theater.
The f0ickerin+ 0i+ht dis*0ayed the fear that etched itse0f on Os)a0dGs face. eGd fina00y
reco+ni8ed Jack Sk200 and kne) the reason )hy this (an had s*oi0ed his afternoon f2n. That
reco+nition ca2sed Os)a0d to *2sh his body as far to the side of his seat a)ay fro( the (an
to)erin+ o1er hi( as he co20d )itho2t standin+ 2*.
No )ords )ere s*oken )hen Sk200 reached back and s0a**ed Os)a0dGs head to one side
)ith the back of his bony kn2ck0es. Sk200 then +rabbed Os)a0dGs shirt3 cinchin+ the co00ar too ti+ht
abo2t his neck and yanked hi( o1er the seats in front of hi(3 dra++in+ the chi0d (o0ester o2t of the
theater and onto the street o2t front. No one )orkin+ in the theater said a )ord of *rotest. They a00
kne) )hat Os)a0d )as3 b2t no one aro2nd this area )anted to +et in1o01ed in anyone e0seGs affairs.
It )as an 2nderstood and 2n)ritten r20e of s2r1i1a0.
a0f)ay do)n the b0ock Os)a0d fina00y (ana+ed to catch a breath. e c0a)ed at the back
of Sk200Gs hand and 2* his ar( as far as he co20d reach. %0ood trick0ed do)n fro( the scratches on
Sk200Gs ar(3 ca2sin+ the ske0eta0 (an to sto* and face the one he )as to)in+ behind hi(.
F&o2 0ike 0itt0e kids3 h2h *2nk>H Jack Sk200 0ifted Os)a0d 2* so their faces )ere (ore9or9
0ess e1en3 ho0din+ the *er1ert 2* )ith on0y one hand. !ith his other hand he reached do)n to
)here the no) f0accid *enis h2n+ bare0y o2tside of the sti00 o*en 8i**er. It )as so s(a00 at this
*oint it )as hard0y noticeab0e.
Sk200 forced his hand inside the o*en 8i**er3 +rabbed ho0d of the tiny (e(ber3 catchin+ the
(o0esterGs ba00s 2* )ith it. e then sD2ee8ed as hard as he co20d. A hi+h9*itched keenin+ e(itted
fro( Os)a0dGs throat as his eyes b2++ed o2t3 as tho2+h they (i+ht *o* o2t of their sockets at any
(o(ent.
A00 those )a0kin+ by on the b2sy side)a0k contin2ed )a0kin+ )itho2t hesitation. No one
bothered to 0ook at )hat )as +oin+ on. No one cared.
F&o2Gre not +onna fi+ht (e any(ore3 are yo23 ya 0itt0e shit>H The si(*0e nod of Os)a0dGs
head +a1e the correct res*onse. Sk200 contin2ed his stro00 do)n the b0ock3 dra++in+ his c2rrent
1icti( a0on+ behind hi(.
A do8en b0ocks or so 0ater Sk200 t2rned do)n an a00ey. The a00ey )asnGt bi+ and there )ere
a 0ot of bo?es3 +arba+e cans and other ite(s of ref2se that fi00ed 2* (ost of the s*ace. e (ade s2re
to dra+ his *risoner thro2+h as (2ch of the rea00y nasty fi0th as he co20d3 e1en tho2+h it (eant
e?ertin+ (ore of his stren+th and ener+y than if he had si(*0y dr2+ hi( strai+ht a0on+ behind hi(
in the narro)3 )indin+ *ath)ay.
Os)a0d )as fi0thy and b0eedin+ *rof2se0y by the ti(e Sk200 reached the back door in the
darkest section of this a00ey. e inserted a key in the door3 t2rned it3 and s)2n+ the door o*en. !ith
one hand he c0osed the door behind hi(. !ith the other3 the one ho0din+ onto his *rey3 he s0a((ed
Os)a0dGs head a+ainst the concrete )a00 inside the door)ay. ard. %0ood s*attered )here the
(o0esterGs head str2ck. Os)a0d )hi(*ered3 b2t other)ise didnGt *rotest. e kne) )hat )as
co(in+ )as +oin+ to be far )orse.
The door Sk200 had entered 0ed do)n a short ha00)ay3 then strai+ht do)n into a base(ent.
is base(ent. is *ri1ate do(ain. The c0osest thin+ Sk200 had to an office.
On0y this office didnGt ha1e a desk3 c2shioned chair3 te0e*hone3 a secretary sittin+ o2t front
ans)erin+ ca00s and takin+ dictation. No c0ients 1isited hi( here for cons20tations.
In this office3 Sk200Gs *ri1ate D2arters3 )ere ite(s3 too0s 2sed for inf0ictin+ *ain3
disfi+2re(ent3 tort2re.
Sk200 re0eased his 1icti( by thro)in+ hi( as hard as he )as ab0e K and )ith Sk200Gs
stren+th3 he )as ab0e to thro) the s(a00er (an *retty hard K a+ainst the concrete )a00 in the f2rthest
corner of this base(ent.
Os)a0d 0anded )ith a shar* crack3 his head hittin+ at an a)k)ard an+0e. Sk200 noticed the
)ay his 1icti( 0anded on the f0oor. e ho*ed he hadnGt inad1ertent0y ki00ed the 0itt0e *rick a0ready.
That )o20d s*oi0 a00 the f2n heGd *0anned for hi(se0f the ne?t co2*0e of days.
A D2iet +roan iss2ed forth fro( the corner. No3 the *er1 )as sti00 a0i1e. Sk200 s(i0ed
broad0y3 e1i00y. !hen he sho)ed his teeth in a s(i0e it (eant the )orst for )hoe1er he )as s(i0in+
at. is teeth sho)ed no). Ne1er (ore did Jack Sk200Gs face a**ear (ore 0ike a tr2e sk200 than )hen
he s(i0ed this )ay.
e reached do)n and 0ifted Os)a0d by his 0eft ar(3 e0icitin+ f2rther +roans as he stra**ed
the )rist he he0d )ithin a 0eather stra* )ith Ce0cro se)n into the 2nderside of it fi?ed to a chain
attached to the )a00. e then 0ifted one of Os)a0dGs 0e+s3 the one f2rthest fro( the ar( heGd
stra**ed 2*3 and then bared the ank0e in order to )ra* the o**osite Ce0cro stra* aro2nd the 0ifted
0e+3 fastenin+ it to the )a00 as )e00.
e ste**ed back to ad(ire his handi)ork. Sk200 +rinned. e en:oyed this dis*0ay. No one
e1er esca*ed fro( hi( in this *osition. !hy 0ea1e both 0e+s on the +ro2nd )here so(eone (i+ht
+ain a footho0d and find a )ay to esca*e> !ith one 0e+ in the air and one ar( at eD2a0 hei+ht3 both
abo1e the *ersonGs head3 no one e1er esca*ed.
Sk200 se0ected a knife fro( the i(*0e(ents on a tab0e off to one side. e (ade s2re Os)a0d
)as )atchin+ as he to2ched an inde? fin+er to the *oint of the knife. A bead of his o)n b0ood
a**eared on the ti* of his fin+er.
FP9*0easeIH the feeb0e *0eadin+ )as 0itt0e (ore than a )his*er. FD9donGt do this. I didnGt
har( anyone. N9not rea00y.H
Sk200 a**roached his *rey3 the knife he0d o2t s0i+ht0y to one side and in front of hi(. e
kne) ho) to )ie0d a knife in a fi+ht. No one aro2nd this area kne) better ho) to knife9fi+ht than
Jack Sk200. e )as a *ro at e1erythin+ he did. e he0d the knife in his hand as tho2+h he )as ready
to fi00et the f0esh fro( Os)a0dGs body.
A *athetic )hi(*er iss2ed fro( his *risoner as he )atched the a**roach of his i(*endin+
doo(.
Sk200 +rabbed ho0d of Os)a0dGs *ants3 2* by the crotch3 stabbin+ the *oint of his knife in
)here the fo0d )as thickest. e deft0y and D2ick0y s0it a00 a0on+ the 0en+th of that 0e+3 0ayin+ o*en
the (ateria0 fro( hi* to ank0e. It fe00 a)ay fro( the no) bare 0e+.
Sk200 did the sa(e )ith the other 0e+ so that the on0y *art of Os)a0dGs *ants sti00 attached to
his a)k)ard0y han+in+ body )as the *ortion aro2nd his )aist.
Sk200 reached for)ard )ith his free hand and )ith a t)ist of his th2(b and forefin+er3
2nsna**ed the *ants. They fe00 co(*0ete0y a)ay fro( his *risonerGs body3 0ea1in+ hi( naked fro(
the )aist do)n3 since the *er1 )asnGt )earin+ any 2nder)ear. Made it easier to *ork kids that )ay3
Sk200 +2essed.
FP0ease>H Os)a0d contin2ed )ith (ore of a sD2eaky )hi(*er3 (ore of a )hininess that
rea00y irritated Sk200.
FIf yo2Gre +onna be a (an3H Sk200 +ro)0ed fro( dee* in his throat. FThen be a (an.H
e stabbed the knife for)ard3 *rickin+ the *oint into the base of Os)a0dGs testic0es. Os)a0d
screa(ed 0ike a 0itt0e +ir03 b2t on0y a fe) dro*s of b0ood trick0ed forth fro( the (inor c2t.
FThat h2rt>H Jack sco)0ed. e +ot c0ose in his 1icti(Gs face. F&o2 rea00y think that h2rt>H
e (o1ed back fro( the h2(an )a009han+in+. F!aitG00 yo2 see )hat I do 0ater. M2ch
0ater.H
!ith the knife sti00 in his hand3 Sk200 reached for)ard )ith ra*id (o1e(ents3 *rickin+ 0itt0e
s0its a00 o1er the bare f0esh of Os)a0dGs e?*osed 0o)er body. !hen he finished3 his 1icti( 0ooked a
0ot 0ike heGd been ra1a+ed by )i0d do+s3 or (aybe attacked by a b2nch of cats. %0ood oo8ed fro(
e1ery c2t. Ja++ed streaks of red trick0ed do)n the f0esh and onto the dirty3 0ittered f0oor beneath
hi(.
Os)a0d had ceased his )hi(*erin+ and )hinin+. e kne) no one )o20d hear and co(e to
his resc2e. There )as no resc2e for anyone )ho fo2nd their )ay into Sk200Gs base(ent. Sti003 )ith
each ne) *rick of the knife he cried o2t in *ain3 his body shi1ered3 searched for a )ay to a1oid
)hat he kne) he co20d ne1er esca*e.
F&o2 kno) )hy this is ha**enin+ to yo23 Chester>H Sk200 2sed the acce*ted na(e on the
streets K and in *risons K for chi0d (o0esters. These )ere the (ost hated and detested *eo*0e in
*risons. No one 0iked those )ho *reyed on innocent chi0dren. Not e1en hardened con1icts.
F%eca2se yo2 decided to di* yo2r )ick in the )ron+ 0itt0e boy 0ast )eek. ThatGs )hy.
ThereJs so(e *eo*0e aro2nd here yo2 donJt to2ch. &o2 kne) that3 Chester. !hat ha**ened K yo2
+et so horny yo2 fi+2red no one )o20d notice if yo2 :a((ed yo2r :i+ into that kidJs ass>H
Os)a0dGs eyes f0ared )ider for b2t a (o(ent. e tried to re(e(ber 0ast )eek. o) (any
chi0dren had he coa?ed into the theater )ith the *ro(ise of *o*corn and a soda> o) (any had
acce*ted candy fro( hi( in the 0oca0 *ark> o) (any had he fo2nd +a8in+ at toys in the store
)indo)> Toys he ass2red the( he a0ready had at his *0ace. Toys he *ro(ised to +i1e the( if they
)o20d on0y fo00o) hi( ho(e.
So(e of those )ere boys and so(e )ere +ir0s. e had no idea )hich one Sk200 )as ta0kin+
abo2t. Chi0dren )ere a00 the sa(e to hi(. e didnGt e1en (ake the distinction bet)een boys and
+ir0s. e :2st en:oyed s0idin+ his re0ati1e0y s(a00 dick 2* inside their 1ir+ina0 1a+inas and asses. At
0east he )as +ent0e )ith the(. e )orked hi(se0f inside the( )ith *0enty of 02bricant so it h2rt as
0itt0e as *ossib0e. DidnGt that co2nt for so(ethin+>
And heGd ta2+ht both boys and +ir0s ho) to +i1e the best b0o) :obs in e?istence. That )as
so(ethin+ they )o20d a00 need to kno) 0ater in 0ife3 so he )as act2a00y teachin+ the( 0ife ski00s3
)asnGt he> !asnGt it +ood to teach chi0dren so(ethin+ 2sef20> So(ethin+ they )o20d be ab0e to 2se
o1er and o1er for the rest of their 0i1es3 so(ethin+ that (any of the( co20d t2rn into a cash f0o)3 if
they 0earned ho) to do it ri+ht>
e )as teachin+ the( b2siness ski00s3 as )e00. And )hen he finished )ith the(3 they rea00y
kne) ho) to s2ck a cock so it *o**ed 0ike a *ro )o20d do. Think of a00 the 0one0y o0d (en these
boys and +ir0s co20d satisfy 0ater in 0ife. Men )ho )o20d *ay to* do00ar for the ski00s heGd ta2+ht
the( free of char+e.
Their *arents rea00y sho20d ha1e *aid hi( for teachin+ their chi0dren s2ch 1a02ab0e ski00s as
those.
F&o2 donGt kno) )ho IG( ta0kin+ abo2t3 do yo23 *er1>H Sk200 a**roached )ith the knife
once (ore3 :abbin+ the base of the no) erect *enis. See(ed o0d Chester here +ot off on the *ain. It
(ade hi( hard. That *issed Sk200 off (ore than anythin+ e0se. Pain )as tor(ent3 not for *0eas2re.
Un0ess it )as Sk200Gs *0eas2re for ho) he inf0icted the *ain on others.
F&o2 0ike this *ain3 Chester>H e stabbed the cock se1era0 ti(es a00 o1er. Os)a0d bare0y
)hi(*ered any 0on+er. e )as +ro)in+ 2sed to this for( of tort2re.
Sk200 )a0ked back to his tab0e and 0aid the knife do)n. e (o1ed his hand s0o)0y abo1e the
i(*0e(ents s*read o2t o1er the )ooden s2rface3 )onderin+ )hich to 2se ne?t. e fina00y sett0ed on
a 0ar+e *air of *0iers that fit nice0y in his hand.
e t2rned back aro2nd and dis*0ayed the *0iers so his *risoner co20d ins*ect the(.
Os)a0dGs body shi1ered as he rea0i8ed )hat )as co(in+ ne?t.
Sk200 )a0ked 2* c0ose to the (an han+in+ on the )a003 o*enin+ the *0iersG :a)s )ide. e
s0o)0y c0osed the( aro2nd the han+in+ testic0es3 )atchin+ Os)a0dGs face as the *ain fro( the
*ress2re of ha1in+ his ba00s sD2ee8ed contorted his feat2res. This he definite0y did not en:oy.
FNnnn++hhIH The 2ninte00i+ib0e so2nd sD2ee8ed *ast Os)a0dGs c0enched teeth e1en as the
:a)s of the *0iers c0enched ti+hter aro2nd the t)o sD2ishy ba00s )ithin the n2t9sack that he0d the(.
Sk200 re9*ositioned the *0iers so that on0y one ba00 at a ti(e ca(e )ithin the +ri* of its :a)s. e
a**0ied *ress2re s0o)0y3 en:oyin+ the )ay Os)a0dGs face beaded 2* )ith s2ch an ice co0d s)eat.
is face had t2rned co(*0ete0y )hite. Sk200 hadnGt seen a face this )hite in D2ite a)hi0e. e kne)
he )as *0yin+ his trade *ro*er0y no). That )as the best si+n.
e didnGt )ant his 1icti( to *ass o2t. Not yet. e re0eased the *ress2re and Os)a0d
dis*0ayed his a**reciation by e?ha0in+ )ith a )hoosh as his body3 )hich had been tota00y tensed
)hen the *0iers sD2ee8ed his ba00 so ti+ht0y3 f200y re0a?ed.
Sei8in+ the (o(ent3 Sk200 ca2+ht ho0d of the other ba00 in the )ide :a)s and sD2ee8ed hard
as fast as he co20d. Os)a0dGs eyes near0y *o**ed fro( his head as his body 02rched 2*)ard in
e?cr2ciatin+ a+ony.
Sk200 kne) e?act0y )hat he )as doin+. eGd done this sa(e thin+ (any ti(es before. ad
he 1ideo9ta*ed these tort2res3 (any *eo*0e a00 o1er the )or0d )o20d ha1e *aid to* do00ar for the(.
%2t Sk200 )as s(art eno2+h not to do anythin+ that )o20d *ro1e he )as the hand behind tort2rin+
and ki00in+ these *er1s. #1en tho2+h the co*s a00 had it easier )ith far 0ess chi0d (o0esters on the
street3 they )o20d ha1e to arrest hi( and try hi( for (2rder if they kne) )hat he did do)n here.
Anony(ity )as the on0y )ay to re(ain o2tside the *rison )a00s for Jack Sk200. It had
)orked for (ore years than he co20d reca00. It )o20d )ork for a 0ot (ore years to co(e.
e he0d the sin+0e testic0e ti+ht in the *0iersG +ri* for se1era0 (in2tes3 a0(ost 0on+er than
Os)a0d co20d stand. J2st as the (o0ester )as abo2t to *ass o2t K Sk200 co20d te00 beca2se the (anGs
eyes be+an f02tterin+3 readyin+ to c0ose as his brain sh2t do)n K he re0eased his +ri*3 settin+ the
testic0e free.
Os)a0d once (ore re0a?ed3 on0y this ti(e a tho2sand bri+ht *ricks of 0i+ht s)ir0ed aro2nd in
front of his eyes K a res20t fro( near0y *assin+ o2t.
F&o2 0ike ha1in+ yo2r *athetic 0itt0e dick 0icked3 donGt yo23 Chester>H Sk200 0aid the *0iers
on the tab0e3 then reached o1er at the end of the tab0e and *icked 2* a 0ar+e container of so(e kind.
Os)a0d reco+ni8ed it as a *et carrier. So(ethin+ to ho0d s(a00 cats or do+s.
Sk200 set the carrier on the tab0e and inserted his hands into hea1y 0eather )ork +0o1es. The
rea00y hea1y kind )orn by )e0ders. e then caref200y o*ened the carrierGs door and reached in )ith
one hand3 )ithdra)in+ the bi++est rat Os)a0d had e1er seen3 e1en bi++er than the nor(a09si8ed
Chih2ah2a.
!hat )as he +oin+ to do )ith that> Os)a0dGs face once (ore t2rned ashen )hite. e
tho2+ht he kne) )hat )as abo2t to co(e ne?t3 b2t he ho*ed he )as )ron+.
o0din+ the rat a)ay fro( his body3 sec2re in the +0o1ed hand so he didnGt +et bit by the
shar* teeth on the rodent3 Sk200 reached o1er across the tab0e and +rabbed ho0d of a tab0e knife that
)as stickin+ o2t of an o*en :ar of *ean2t b2tter. e scoo*ed o2t a 0ar+e +0ob of the 0i+ht bro)n3
+ooey s2bstance and carried both the *ean2t b2tter on the knife in one hand and the sD2ir(in+ rat
in the other3 ri+ht 2* to )here Os)a0d h2n+ terrified on the )a00.
FN9nooo3 *9*0easeIH Os)a0d tried to sD2ir( o2t of the )ay3 b2t co20dnGt (o1e far eno2+h to
kee* Sk200 fro( )i*in+ the +0ob of *ean2t b2tter a00 o1er his once (ore *athetica00y f0accid 0itt0e
*enis.
!ith a +rin s*readin+ a00 across his ske0eta0 face3 Sk200 *2shed the rat for)ard3 its nose
sniffin+ )i0d0y as it ca(e into contact )ith the *ean2t b2tter9co1ered dick.
F"ats 0o1e *ean2t b2tter. Did yo2 kno) that3 Chester> ThatGs ho) they +et rats to *erfor(
in (o1ies. They s(ear thin 0ayers of *ean2t b2tter a00 o1er so(eoneGs body and the rats +o a*e9shit
0ickin+ it off the(. Makes it 0ook 0ike the rats3 )hich are bred and trained in ca*ti1ity for that
*2r*ose3 are eatin+ that *ersonGs f0esh.
FNo)3 this rat3H Sk200 *200ed the rat3 a0(ost as bi+ as a three9(onth o0d kitten3 a)ay fro(
the 0i(* dick and he0d it 2* so its nose )as a0(ost to2chin+ Os)a0dGs nose. FThis rat )as born in
the se)ers. ItGs )i0d3 Chester. As )i0d as they co(e. It )asnGt trained to not bite )hate1er the
*ean2t b2tter is s(eared o1er. So )hen it eats do)n far eno2+h3H he ret2rned the rat to the s(eared
dick as he ta0ked3 FitGs 0ike0y to bite the f0esh of this 0iG0 )eenie yo2 ca00 a cock.H
Os)a0d )anted nothin+ (ore than to +et a)ay fro( this ra1eno2s rodent eatin+ *ean2t
b2tter off his dick3 b2t he kne) that if he sD2ir(ed3 the (otion (i+ht ca2se the rat to bite hi(
*re(at2re0y. %etter to re(ain as sti00 as *ossib0e3 ho*in+ that the rat )o20dnGt bite his f0esh )hen it
c0eaned the s(eared food off it.
Sk200 )atched in +ro)in+ a(2se(ent as his 1icti(Gs cock +re) erect once (ore 2nder the
(inistrations of the ratGs 0ickin+ ton+2e and nibb0in+ teeth.
F&Gsee3 Chester>H he ta2nted )ith a ch2ck0e. FI kne) yo2 0iked ha1in+ yo2r cock 0icked.
#1en a rat can brin+ yo2 :oy3 h2h> &o2 donGt need kids. J2st +et yo2rse0f a rat and yo2 +ot
so(ethin+ thatG00 +i1e yo2 *0eas2re a00 yo2 )ant.H
Sk200 be+an (o1in+ the rat aro2nd s0i+ht0y as he ta0ked. is :erky (o1e(ents (ade the
rodent an+ry. S2dden0y it bit o2t at the *ean2t b2tter9stre)n (e(ber that ke*t s0i**in+ o2t of its
)ay3 ho*in+ to 0atch onto it so it co20d finish its eatin+. Its shar* incisors 0atched onto the s)ayin+
f0esh3 bitin+ dee*. C0a(*in+ ti+ht.
FArrr++hhIH Os)a0d screa(ed 0o2der3 (ore hi+h9*itched than Sk200 had heard so far d2rin+
their session to+ether.
FBet it offIH he screa(ed3 his )aist :erked side9to9side. The rat bit ti(e and a+ain3 *issed at
the s2dden3 ra*id (o1e(ents.
F%etter sto* :erkin+ Jro2nd3 Chester. The rat doesnGt 0ike that. ItGs *issin+ hi( off and heGs
:2st +oin+ to kee* bitin+.H
Sk200 )as ri+ht. %2t )ith this rat bitin+ into the so0id (2sc0e of his no) stiff cock3 Os)a0d
had a hard ti(e stayin+ sti00. e fina00y e?erted a00 the )i00 *o)er he had 0eft3 )hich )asnGt (2ch at
this (o(ent3 and forced hi(se0f to re(ain (otion0ess as (2ch as *ossib0e.
;ina00y the rat sto**ed bitin+ his dick and )ent back to 0ickin+ it c0ean.
FSee ho) that )orks3 Chester>H Sk200 *200ed the rat a)ay and *0aced it back inside the
carrier3 c0osin+ and sec2rin+ the )ire door ti+ht.
!hen Sk200 t2rned back to his 1icti( he noticed the *anicky )ay the *er1 breathed and ho)
(2ch b0ood )as oo8in+ fro( the 1ario2s )o2nds on his dick 0eft by the rat.
F&o2 +oin+ to *ass o2t3 Chester>H Sk200 *icked 2* a 0ar+e *0astic c2* f200 of )ater and
tossed it into Os)a0dGs face. FCanGt ha1e that3 no) can )e> Lots (ore f2n to co(e3 Chester. &es
sir3 )e canGt sto* 2nti0 the f2nGs o1er3 no) can )e>
F&o2 ne1er a00o)ed the kids yo2 *2nked to sto*3 e1en )hen they )hined and *0eaded )ith
yo23 did yo23 Chester>H
Sk200 s0a**ed his 1icti(Gs face se1era0 ti(es )ith the back of his 0eft hand. ard. Os)a0dGs
face hit the )a00 behind hi( )ith each s0a*3 addin+ (ore *ain to the f2n.
FLetGs see3 Chester. !hat e0se did yo2 force those kids to do>H e r2bbed at his chin )ith
one hand3 as tho2+h tryin+ hard to think. e kne) a009to9)e00 )hat (o0esters (ade kids do. e :2st
)anted to *ro0on+ the tort2re for this *er1. Make hi( )onder )hat )as co(in+ ne?t.
FOh3 yeah3H Sk200 sna**ed his fin+ers to+ether3 as tho2+h a tho2+ht had :2st occ2rred to
hi(3 as tho2+h he hadnGt *0anned this entire scenario a00 the )ay thro2+h a00 a0on+.
F&o2 0ike stickin+ yo2r J0iG0 O88ieG inside the tiny assho0es of yo2r 1icti(s3 donGt yo23
Chester>H
Brabbin+ ho0d of Os)a0dGs restrained hand3 Sk200 re0eased the stra*3 b2t he0d onto the )rist
ti+ht eno2+h to c2t off the b0ood circ20ation. e then *200ed Os)a0dGs body3 by the )rist he he0d3
D2ick0y o1er to the 0eft3 s0a((in+ his 1icti(Gs face into the concrete )a00 K hard. Os)a0d
)hi(*ered once (ore fro( the *ain of his nose breakin+ as it str2ck the hard s2rface. Sk200 then
re9stra**ed the )rist to another 0eather bindin+ hooked to the )a00 e1en hi+her 2*.
The *resent *osition forced Os)a0dGs free foot 2* off the f0oor. e no 0on+er had any
contact )ith )hich to e?ert 0e1era+e. Sk200 +rabbed the dan+0in+ foot and *200ed it off to the side K
)ide eno2+h to force a cry o2t of his 1icti(Gs throat as he fastened this ank0e )ithin a si(i0ar stra*
as the other 0e+ )as he0d by. F!hatGre yo2..>H The cry died in Os)a0dGs (o2th as Sk200 de0i1ered a
kidney *2nch to his back.
FSh2t the f2ck 2*3 ChesterI &o2 donGt +et to ask D2estions or (ake de(ands. &o2 :2st +et
to set back and en:oy the f2n of )hatGs abo2t to ha**en ne?t.H
is 0e+s s*read as )ide a)ay fro( one another as they co20d *hysica00y +et3 Os)a0d fo2nd
his ass cheeks )ere s*read s0i+ht0y a*art. This )as e?act0y )hat his tor(entor )anted.
Sk200 reached back o1er to his tab0e3 c02ttered )ith too (any too0s and i(*0e(ents of
tort2re. e +rabbed ho0d of a 0on+3 iron bar and s0o)0y )a0ked 2* behind his 1icti(3 )ho3 )ith his
face *0astered a+ainst the bare )a003 co20dnGt see )hat )as abo2t to ha**en.
F&o2 kno)3 I think yo2 (i+ht :2st 0ike this ne?t *art of o2r f2n ti(e3 Chester.H !itho2t
)aitin+ for a res*onse3 Sk200 *0aced the ti* of the bar a+ainst the o*enin+ of Os)a0dGs an2s. e
then :a((ed it ro2+h0y 2* *assed the s*read b2tt9cheeks abo2t ten inches.
Os)a0d ho)0ed )ith a 0on+3 dra)n9o2t screa( that )o20dG1e bro2+ht the co*s for certain3
had anyone been c0ose eno2+h to hear. Anyone )ho act2a00y cared.
Sk200 (o1ed the bar aro2nd in rando(3 :a++ed thr2sts. F&o2 0ike this3 don6cha3 Chester>
This is ecstasy to a baby9ra*er 0ike yo23 isnGt it>H
Sk200 *200ed the bar (ost of the )ay o2t3 and then thr2st it back inside the a0ready b0eedin+
an2s3 harder and dee*er. e fe0t so(ethin+ +i1e )ay inside his 1icti(Gs body fro( his thr2st3 and
+rinned )ider3 sho1in+ the bar e1en dee*er3 rea(in+ the ana0 ca1ity in e1er9)idenin+ circ0es.
%0ood f0o)ed free0y fro( the o*enin+ that )as intended on0y to re0ease shit.
FDa(n3 Chester3H Sk200 (ocked his 1icti(3 FDidnGt kno) yo2 0iked (e that (2ch. IG(
to2ched by yo2r dis*0ay of affection.H
Sk200 *200ed the bar o2t of Os)a0dGs ass in one 0on+ (otion3 dro**in+ it onto the f0oor so
the b0ood and shit co1erin+ it )o20dnGt conta(inate the rest of his too0s. eGd c0ean it after he )as
done.
F&o2 *0ay )ith the ass9cheeks of yo2r 1icti(s3 Chester> &o2 0ike the fee0 of their soft3
ro2nd b2ttocks in yo2r hands. Maybe yo2 kiss their ass9cheeks. #1en bite Je(3 h2h>H
Sk200 *icked 2* a 0ar+e horse9+roo(in+ br2sh )ith (eta0 tines that co1ered its broad head.
e carried it o1er and )itho2t f2rther )arnin+3 s0a**ed Os)a0dGs ri+ht b2ttock3 dri1in+ the tines
dee* )ithin the soft f0esh.
is 1icti( bare0y (o1ed fro( the contact3 sti00 too o1er)he0(ed fro( the ass9rea(in+ heGd
recei1ed. %0ood sti00 dri**ed fro( his an2s that )as torn )ide fro( Sk200Gs e?ertions.
FThat didnGt *0ease yo23 Chester> Not hard eno2+h3 (aybe>H Sk200 *200ed the tines fro(
)here they bit into the f0esh and s)2n+ a+ain3 harder this ti(e. The tines str2ck the a0ready fresh
)o2nds fro( the first b0o)3 bitin+ dee*er3 stin+in+ (ore than before. This ti(e Os)a0d )hi(*ered
and sh2ddered3 his ass t)itchin+ side9to9side fro( the tort2re.
FThat better> Bood. I 0ike to kno) (y efforts arenGt )asted. If IG( doin+ so(ethin+ )ron+3
Chester3 yo2 :2st 0et (e kno) and IG00 find a better )ay to *0ease yo23 ok>H
Sk200 s)2n+ the (eta09tined br2sh a+ain3 this ti(e rakin+ it off to the side as it ca(e into
contact )ith the a0ready b0eedin+ f0esh. Lon+3 dee* scratches o*ened in the soft f0esh of this
b2ttock. %0ood a**eared at the s2rface and ran do)n in ri120ets a0on+ the 2**er thi+h of his ri+ht
0e+.
FOoo3 yo2 do 0ike (e3 Chester. IG( startin+ to +et an erection. LetGs see ho) hard this
(akes (e.H
T2rnin+ the br2sh aro2nd in his hand3 Sk200 s0a**ed the o*en )o2nds )ith the f0at of the
back. O1er9and9o1er he re*eated his action3 0o2d s(acks (eetin+ his ears. Os)a0d ho)0ed hi+her
)ith each s2ccessi1e s0a*. The contact )ith the o*en )o2nds st2n+ dee*er each ti(e.
FIG( tr20y to2ched by yo2r sho) of affection to)ard (e3 Chester. "ea00y3 I a(.H
Tossin+ the br2sh do)n onto the iron bar on the f0oor3 Sk200 *icked 2* a *0astic s*ray bott0e.
FNo)3 this (i+ht stin+ :2st a 0itt0e3H he )arned bare0y seconds before s*rayin+ the 0iD2id inside the
bott0e onto the o*en )o2nds of the ass9cheek.
Os)a0dGs face ti0ted as far back a)ay fro( the )a00 as he co20d (ana+e as his (o2th
o*ened to re0ease the 0o2dest3 coarsest screa( he e1er tho2+ht his throat co20d *rod2ce. is hi*s
*ressed the(se01es a+ainst the )a003 t)itchin+ side9to9side in a 1ain effort to )i*e his b2ttock free
of the intense b2rnin+ the 0iD2id *rod2ced.
FOh3 (y3H Sk200 fei+ned horror3 s0a**in+ one side of his face )ith his free hand. FDid I :2st
s*ray battery acid on yo2> Jee83 Chester. I donGt kno) ho) I co20d ha1e (ade s2ch a (istake.
ere3 0et (e )i*e it off.H
P2ttin+ the bott0e do)n3 Sk200 +rabbed ho0d of a section of coarse sand *a*er. e s0a**ed it
a+ainst the b2rnin+ )o2nds and *ressed dee*0y as he Fscr2bbed a)ayH the acid.
Unab0e to screa( any 0o2der3 his throat +ro)n hoarse and )eary3 Os)a0d (ere0y
)hi(*ered at the ro2+h treat(ent he recei1ed. e )as *ast carin+. e kne) he )asnGt +oin+ to 0i1e
any)ay.
FA)3 IG1e h2rt yo2r fee0in+s3 ha1enGt I>H Sk200 re0eased the 0eft hand fro( its stra* and
)hir0ed his 1icti( back to his ori+ina0 *osition3 s0a((in+ hi( e1en harder than before as he re9
stra**ed his )rist )here it had *re1io2s0y been.
A shar* crack of Os)a0dGs s*ine bro2+ht (ore so0icito2s e(*athy fro( the tor(entor.
FOh3 :ee83 I for+ot to re0ease yo2r 0e+. Da(n. That (2st be a *ainf20 *osition3 h2h3
Chester>H
"e0easin+ the 0eft 0e+3 Sk200 bro2+ht it back aro2nd so Os)a0d f200y faced hi(. e then
*200ed the 0e+ o2t to the other side and stra**ed it a+ainst the )a00 so his 1icti(Gs 0e+s )ere s*read
)ide3 for(in+ the 0etter FAH3 )itho2t the cross9bar.
FOk3 no) )e co(e to )hat I 0ike to ca00 the *innac0e of o2r *0ay ti(e to+ether. Since yo2
0ike ha1in+ yo2r dick *200ed on by 0itt0e kids3 yo2 sho20d rea00y en:oy this.H
Sk200 *icked 2* a s(a00 (eta0 bo? and *0aced it o1er Os)a0dGs testic0es3 co1erin+ the s(a00
sack of f0esh co(*0ete0y. e sD2ee8ed in )ith his hand3 co(*ressed the bo? so it (ade a shar*
c0ick3 enc0osin+ itse0f aro2nd the n2t9sack and re(ainin+ in *0ace e1en after Sk200 re(o1ed the
hand that had *0aced it there.
e then he0d a 0ar+e )ei+ht 2* in front of his 1icti(Gs face before attachin+ it to the botto(
of the (eta0 bo?. The res20t )as that once Sk200 re0eased his ho0d3 the added )ei+ht *200ed D2ick0y
and shar*0y do)n on the n2t9sack3 stretchin+ it far beyond )hat e1en its nat2ra0 e0asticity )o20d
a00o). Os)a0d +ritted his teeth hard3 b2t ref2sed to (ake any (ore so2nd that )o20d brin+ *0eas2re
to this sadistic bastard.
F&o2 0ike that3 do yo2> !ait3 thereGs (ore.H Sk200 so2nded (2ch 0ike a +a(e sho) host
)ho )as re1ea0in+ the *ri8es to a )innin+ contestant.
e se0ected a 0on+3 thin )ire3 a**ro?i(ate0y three feet in 0en+th3 and bro2+ht it 2* to
Os)a0dGs *enis. e then )ra**ed it ti+ht0y abo2t the base of the 0i(* dick3 *200in+ ti+ht0y on both
ends so the )ire bit into the f0esh3 c2ttin+ it and *rod2cin+ oo8in+ b0ood.
FTi+ht eno2+h>H Sk200 (ocked. FNo> I can fi? that.H
Sk200 *icked 2* t)o sets of *0iers and +rabbed ho0d of each end of the )ire )ith the(.
Bri**in+ the )ire ends ti+ht3 he *200ed the )ire (2ch ti+hter aro2nd the base of the f0esh0y (e(ber
than he e1er co20d ha1e )ith his bare hands.
The no) erect dick3 (ade hard by the en+or+e(ent of b0ood *rod2ced by the ti+ht0y
)ra**ed )ire3 be+an to t2rn b02e.
F(((3 that 0ooks 2nco(fortab0e3 Chester. Is it> Bood. ThatGs the )ay I 0ike it to be. A
sn2+ fit.H
e then took the ends of the 0on+ )ire and attached the( to the )ei+ht *200in+ do)n on the
testic0es. The )ei+ht *200ed the ends of the )ire e1en ti+hter. The )ire c2t so dee*0y into the base
of the cock that it for(ed a +2i00otine effect and s0iced it co(*0ete0y off.
%0ood f0o)ed free0y.
Os)a0d screa(ed :2st before he *assed o2t and died fro( b0ood90oss.
FDa(nIH Sk200 shook his head side9to9side. FAnd I rea00y )anted this one to 0ast at 0east ti00
to(orro).H
An ear0y (ode0 b0ack onda *200ed off the (ain road and onto a dirt road. This ti(e of
year3 )ith a00 the s*rin+ rain3 the road had +ro)n (2ddy3 s0i**ery. The tires of the onda skidded
s0i+ht0y3 b2t the dri1er bro2+ht the 1ehic0e 2nder contro0 and headed a00 the )ay back fro( the road3
to)ard the ta00 +ro)th of trees that 0ined the back *eri(eter of this *ro*erty.
Bettin+ o2t thro2+h the dri1erGs door3 Jack Sk200 reached do)n at the base of his seat and
*200ed on the 0e1er. The tr2nk 0id *o**ed. e )a0ked back and o*ened the 0id3 then reached inside
the sha00o) s*ace and +rabbed ho0d of the ti+ht0y )ra**ed body3 encased in the +ray *0astic tar*.
%oth ends of the tar* had been tied ti+ht. No b0ood had see*ed thro2+h to 0ea1e traces inside
the tr2nk. Not that it (attered. This )as a sto0en car. Jack Sk200 )o20d 0ea1e it a0on+ the side of a
road so(e)here far fro( his base(ent office. There )o20d be no connection (ade to hi(.
Tossin+ the b2nd0ed body o1er one sho20der3 Sk200 reached into the tr2nk3 )ithdre) a
s(a003 shar* hatchet3 then )a0ked cas2a00y to)ard the trees3 notin+ the dried 2* 1ines fro( the
*2(*kins that had +ro)n here 0ast fa00. P2(*kins that )ere one of the cash cro*s for this far( that
catered so0e0y to ho0iday *rod2ction. On one side of the far( )ere *2(*kins3 for a00o)een and
Thanks+i1in+. On the other side )ere *ine trees3 Do2+0as ;irs3 %02e S*r2ce3 Nob0es3 anythin+ a
*erson (i+ht )ant for their year0y Christ(as tree.
On each side the *eo*0e tro(*ed aro2nd in the fo20 )eather and se0ected )hat they )anted
)hi0e it )as sti00 a0i1e. Sti00 +ro)in+. Then they c2t it the(se01es and *acked it off to their 1ehic0es3
)here they took their *ri8es ho(e for the ho0idays.
Jack Sk200 )asnGt here to se0ect a tree or *2(*kin. e )asnGt here to take anythin+ a)ay.
e )as 0ea1in+ so(ethin+3 addin+ to the (inera0s that )o20d see* into the soi03 add to the +ro)th
of the *2(*kins on this side of the far(.
Tossin+ do)n his b2rden3 Sk200 2ntied the ends and 2nro00ed the tar*. The ha0f9naked3
deceased body of one Da1ey Os)a0d ro00ed o2t of its bindin+s3 f0o**in+ 0oose on the co0d3 rain9
drenched3 s*rin+9ti(e +ro2nd. M2d s*attered o1er the f0esh3 the 0ast co1erin+ Os)a0d )o20d )ear
before his f0esh )as eaten by the ra1eno2s ani(a0s3 the coyotes3 raccoons3 o*oss2(s3 and anythin+
e0se 0i1in+ in this area of the co2ntryside that )o20d +0ad0y feast on this carcass 0eft o2t here for its
dinin+ *0eas2re.
"aisin+ the hatchet he carried3 Sk200 0ifted one hand of the cor*se. e s)2n+ the hatchet
do)n)ard3 s0icin+ off the body *art at the )rist. e did the sa(e to the other hand3 tossed each one
far o2t into the de*ths of the trees3 then bent o1er and 0ifted the head in his free hand.
This )as a trade(ark for Jack Sk200. e a0)ays rid the bodies of his 1icti(s of their
hands and heads so no one co20d identify the(3 if they ha**ened to disco1er their 0ife0ess3 ra1a+ed
cor*ses after the )i0d ani(a0s finished *ickin+ the( c0ean and stre)in+ their bones a00 o1er the
co2ntryside. So far not one of the se1ered a**enda+es had t2rned 2* as e1idence a+ainst hi(.
Crad0in+ the head that had once been Da1ey Os)a0d3 Sk200 +ri**ed the hair on to* of the
head ti+ht0y3 +i1in+ hi( freedo( to s0ice the head free of the body )ith one stron+3 effecti1e )hack
of the b0ade heGd shar*ened to *erfection.
e s)2n+ his ar(. The hatchet b0ade connected. The hand ho0din+ the head (o1ed 2*)ard
as the sk200 ca(e free.
Jack Sk200 he0d the once 0i1in+ orna(ent before his eyes. e +rinned. One (ore tro*hy no
one e0se )o20d e1er see. This he sho1ed do)n into the soft (2d so the s(a00 *ortion of 1ertebra
attached at the base of the sk200 st2ck into the (2d. It a**eared as tho2+h the body )as b2ried in
the +ro2nd3 )hi0e the head )as 0eft 2* abo1e the earth. Soon the ani(a0s )o20d find this3 too. They
)o20d *200 it free fro( the +ro2nd and +na) the f0esh fro( the sk200. Lea1e the ro2nd ob:ect o2t in
the o*en3 (ost 0ike0y3 )here one of the ani(a0s )o20d e1ent2a00y (ake off )ith it. ThatGs the )ay
it a0)ays )orked.
Sk200 stood strai+ht3 s(i0ed as he ad(ired his 0atest 1icti(. e had no )ay of kno)in+
Os)a0d )o20d be his 0ast 1icti(.
Fo*e yo2 en:oyed yo2rse0f3 Jack.H Sk200 stiffened s0i+ht0y fro( the 1oice behind hi(. e
kne) that 1oice. eGd heard it for (any years3 +i1in+ hi( the na(es of those he h2nted do)n and
tort2red for the cri(es theyGd co((itted a+ainst his bosses.
Sk200 t2rned s0o)0y and sa) To( !a0sh standin+ )ith his ri+ht ar( e?tended3 a forty9fi1e
ca0iber a2to(atic *ointed strai+ht at his chest. Ne?t to hi( )as his ri+ht9hand (an3 %rian Ne0son.
e he0d a +2n o2t to)ard Sk200 as )e00.
Sk200 didnGt raise his ar(s the )ay *eo*0e did in (o1ies. e hocked 2* a (o2thf20 of s*it
and sent it into !a0shGs face.
!a0sh 2sed his 0eft hand to )i*e a)ay the s0i(e that oo8ed do)n his cheek.
FB2ess yo2 kno) )hatGs co(in+3 h2h3 Jack>H !a0sh ke*t his eyes fastened on Sk200Gs
hands. e kne) better than to +i1e the (an before hi( any chance of findin+ 0e1era+e to esca*e
)ith. eGd seen Sk200 )ork too often for too (any years. No one )as (ore effecti1e3 or dan+ero2s3
than Jack Sk200.
FArenGt yo2 c2rio2s as to )hy yo2Gre abo2t to die3 Jack>H !a0sh cocked his head s0i+ht0y to
one side. e kne) heGd )ant to kno)3 so he to0d Sk200 any)ay3 e1en tho2+h he hadnGt asked.
F&o2G1e been care0ess3 Jack. Too (any co*s ha1e been co(in+ aro2nd 0ate0y. Bi00 doesnGt
0ike co*s co(in+ into his b2i0din+. Bi1es the *0ace a bad re*2tation.
FSee(s yo2G1e +ro)n so 2sed to +ettin+ a)ay )ith e1erythin+ for so 0on+ yo2 fi+2red no
one )o20d e1er rat yo2 o2t. !e003 so(eone fina00y did3 Jack. More than one so(eone. Like at the
theater today. So(eone sittin+ in the seat a co2*0e of ro)s 2* fro( Os)a0d sa) yo2 +rab hi(.
B2ess he didnGt see the kid Os)a0d )as f2ckin+3 h2h3 Jack>
FAny)ay3 this 2*standin+ and concerned citi8en ca00ed the co*s. They ca(e to the theater.
Then they *aid a 1isit to Bi00Gs office. e )as *issed3 Jack. "ea0 *issed.
FThatGs )hy (e and Ne00y are here3 Jack. This (2d ho0e yo2 been d2(*in+ cor*ses into is
+onna be yo2r fina0 restin+ *0ace3 too. %2t thanks for takin+ care of Os)a0d for 2s. Bi00 )as thri00ed
to hear yo2 offed the +2y )ho *2nked his +randson.H
!itho2t another )ord3 both !a0sh and Ne0son raised their )ea*ons. They for+ot abo2t the
hatchet in Sk200Gs hand.
!itho2t )arnin+ the hatchet )hooshed thro2+h the air and e(bedded itse0f in the center of
!a0shGs chest. Ne0son3 ca2+ht off9+2ard by the co2nter attack he hadnGt e?*ected3 +0anced to his
ri+ht at his boss and 0on+9ti(e b2ddy. That )as a00 the ti(e Sk200 needed to bo) his head and
sho20ders and r2sh head0on+ so that he 2*ended Ne0son3 :2st 0ike a f200back in a footba00 +a(e
kee*in+ the other side fro( reachin+ the D2arterback.
Ne0sonGs breath r2shed o2t of hi( fro( Sk200Gs head *02n+in+ into his so0ar *0e?2s. e
0anded hard on the (2ddy +ro2nd behind hi(. Sk200 0anded on to* of hi(.
!ith his 0ar+e3 bony fists3 Sk200 be+an beatin+ Ne0sonGs face to a b0oody *20*. Ti(e and
a+ain the ra)9boned hands s0a((ed into the *20*y tiss2e of )hat )as once a h2(an face. No) it
0ooked 0ike (eat that had been tenderi8ed too (2ch.
A shot ran+ thro2+h the other)ise co0d3 si0ent air. Then another. The center of Jack Sk200Gs
chest b0e) o2t a00 o1er the a0ready b0oodied face of %rian Ne0son :2st before the body that had been
the (ost r2th0ess ki00er kno)n to this city fe00 0ife0ess onto his sti0090i1in+ 1icti(.
Ne0son 0ay 2n(o1in+ on his back in the (2d3 Jack Sk200Gs cor*se on to* of hi(. Ne0son
needed to catch his breath3 reco2* fro( the beatin+ heGd taken3 before tryin+ to (o1e.
A shado) 0oo(ed o1er the co2*0ed bodies on the +ro2nd. Ne0son o*ened his eyes to see
To( !a0sh3 a )added 2* handkerchief he0d to the center of his chest3 stanchin+ the f0o) of b0ood
fro( the )o2nd )here the hatchet had s2nk into his breastbone. Sk200 had been too +ood an ai(.
The hatchet str2ck the so0id bone3 rather than the softer (2sc0e. It ne1er reached the heart or 02n+s3
the )ay it had been intended. If it had3 both !a0sh and Ne0son )o20d be dead by no).
FLetGs +et o2t of here3 Ne00y3H !a0sh see(ed )oo8y3 )eak fro( 0oss of b0ood. e needed to
+et hi(se0f to a doctor before he b0ed to death.
S0o)0y3 Ne0son *2shed Sk200Gs body off his o)n. e +ot 2* on his knees3 and then (ana+ed
to stand 2* strai+ht. Instead of 0ea1in+ the body and headin+ back to the car he and !a0sh had
arri1ed in3 ho)e1er3 Ne0son searched aro2nd 2nti0 he fo2nd the hatchet Jack Sk200 had thro)n at
!a0sh.
eftin+ the )ea*on in his o)n hand3 Ne0son )hacked se1era0 ti(es into the back of Sk200Gs
neck. The s*ine cracked c0ean3 and then s*0it. The head ro00ed free fro( Sk200Gs body3 co(in+ to
rest face92*3 the 0ife0ess eyes starin+ 2* at Ne0son.
FJ2st )anted to 0ea1e Jack the )ay heGs 0eft so (any others3H Ne0son (2(b0ed thro2+h 0i*s
that )ere too s*0it and b0oodied to s*eak c0ear0y.
Takin+ the hatchet )ith hi( so as not to 0ea1e his fin+er*rints3 Ne0son fo00o)ed !a0sh to
their car. They dro1e a)ay. T)o bodies ha1in+ been dis*atched into this *2(*kin far( this day.
%y ni+htfa003 both bodies3 Da1ey Os)a0dGs and Jack Sch2y0erGs had been *icked c0ean of a00
f0esh3 (2sc0e and a00 connectin+ tiss2es that had *ro1en the( to ha1e once been h2(an. Os)a0dGs
head )as +ri**ed in the )ide teeth of a 0ar+e carni1ore. Jack Sk200Gs head3 once it had been stri**ed
c0ean3 )as 0eft in the *2(*kin *atch )here the encroachin+ s2((er s2n b0eached it of a00 traces of
b0ood and f0esh3 0ea1in+ its )hite bone to +0ea( in the bri00iant s2((er s2n. %y 0ate s2((er3 )hen
the 1ines had be+2n *rod2cin+ the tender f0o)ers that )o20d e1o01e into s(a003 soft she00s of
i((at2re *2(*kins3 JackGs sk200 had beco(e en+20fed by one s2ch f0o)er that had +ro)n o2t
direct0y abo1e it.
As the *2(*kins +re) 0ar+er and for(ed the(se01es into )hate1er near0y ro2nd sha*e they
)o20d ho0d 2nti0 car1ed by chi0dren into :ack9o90anterns3 Jack Sch2y0erGs sk200 fo2nd itse0f in the
center of the 0ar+est *2(*kin in the fie0d. The oran+e 1e+etab0e had en+20fed the sk2003 )ra**ed its
thick f0esh abo2t the ob0on+ bone3 and for(ed a soft she00 )ithin the center of the +o2rd that feasted
on the (inera0s of the soi0 )here the f0esh of the ki00er had deteriorated.
So(e say Jack Sk200 had an eerie *o)er d)e00in+ )ithin hi(. They )o20d be s2r*rised to
find they had been ri+ht. This *o)er *20sated as the 0ife of the *2(*kin :oined )ith Jack Sk200Gs
f0esh9de*ri1ed head.
Soon so(eone )o20d co(e a0on+ and *ick this *2(*kin.
Then Jack Sk200 )o20d be free to once (ore do )hat he had en:oyed (ost in 0ife.
Jack Sk200 )o20d ki00 a+ain.
SSS
Jacob M. Drake be+an his readin+ e?*erience at the a+e of si? )hen he disco1ered the s2*erheroes
of co(ic books. Since then he b2i0t his co00ection into the tho2sands3 de1o2rin+ the e?*0oits of
e1ery hero to +race those co0orf20 *a+es. Most of )hat he )rites is based 2*on the e?*0oits of those
heroes he hi(se0f has created and de1e0o*ed o1er the years thro2+h his o1er0y9acti1e and ferti0e
i(a+ination3 tho2+h e1ery once in a)hi0e he co(es 2* )ith a Eta0e of terrorE of one 1ein or another.
e has a0so )ritten (ore than a h2ndred son+s. Jake 0i1es in so2th)est !ashin+ton State )ith his
)ife and t)o cats 4Or is that t)o cats and his )ife>5. e has t)o sons of his o)n3 Josh2a and
Micah and t)o ste*9chi0dren3 Jerry and Joanna. e a0so has been b0essed )ith t)o )onderf20 and
entire0y adorab0e +randchi0dren3 Ma0achi and Cassidy3 for )hich he thanks his son Micah for
*ro1idin+.