Eric Butler's Blog, page 23
May 12, 2021
House of the Dark One: Donn, TX -1969 Part 4
The next installment in the tales of the Donn, TX Motel focuses on 4 travelers in the year 1969. Part 4 has our 4 travelers separated - Jane and Frank are searching for Cindy and Mary. This is a mature series - you've been warned.
***
Jerry stood behind the counter. He wanted to enjoy the summer heat since it was the last day before he sank back into the darkness. Oh, he might make an appearance in a few months when the barrier was weaker, but that was never guaranteed. Plus it lacked the punch of summer. Nothing like the sweet kiss of Texas in July.
Of course, if they missed their quota, he and the others would be visited with what seemed an eternity of pain. Better to make it. He worked hard to ensure that didn't happen again. After the debacle of '53, he finally learned exactly what the price of failure was; more importantly, Jerry learned exactly what they expected from him.
The door opened and closed. A man dressed in a uniform stood in the lobby and glanced around, before stepping to the counter and popping his hand down on the bell. Ding. The sound resonated through Jerry who closed his eyes. Ding. He wasn't sure, but the sensation was much worse when he was in the light. Ding. A bird flew into the window with a crunch, drawing the attention of the uniformed man.
"This can't be good, Sheriff Smite," Jerry said to the man's back.
"Jesus," he said with a jolt. "How'd you get up front so quick? Never mind, I think it's good news. There are four people on the property."
Jerry raised an eyebrow, staring silently at the man who pulled his hat off his head, running the brim through his fingers as he rocked back and forth a bit.
"Well, heading this way at least. We lost sight of two of them, but there's a couple walking on the blacktop. Can't be more than ten...fifteen minutes away from the border."
"We can only pray, but remember what happened the last time we fell short..." Jerry trailed off, his eyes locked with the Sheriff's who, after a moment, swallowed.
"No call for that," he whispered. "If these four don't work, I'll bring you more. We still have until midnight?"
Jerry nodded before offering a grin, "Best bet for you and yours is completing this job earlier than later. I can't always call the monsters back once they've been released."
The Sheriff stepped away from the counter, walking backward his eyes glued on Jerry the whole time. He stopped before running into the wall and reached over to open the door.
"Good luck Harold," Jerry called out as the man stepped through the doorway. "I'll be rooting for ya."
***
"You'd think we'd have come across them by now," Frank said breaking the silence.
Jane nodded, her thoughts still on the last thing he said. What followed him home? A burst of darkness flashed before her as she let out a cry of surprise and stumbled backward. Frank pulled her closer, using his body as a shield as the darkness swooped back towards them.
"What is wrong with this crow?" Frank asked as he swung his free arm at the bird.
Jane whimpered her eyes locked onto the bird as if fluttered to the ground. The left side of its head caved in with bits of brain and blood exposed against the dark feathers. How is it alive, let alone flying? She shuddered as the bird opened its beak wide, issuing a number of ear-piercing cries.
They watched the bird as it stumbled around, one eye always facing their direction, until it slumped to the ground with a final cry of frustration. A stiff breeze flowed over the corn, blowing dust into their faces. Frank sputtered as he turned to shield Jane as more of the grime blew towards them.
The wind howled like a beast, growing in volume until forcing them to cover their ears. The cornstalks rocked back and forth, as the wind came together in a funnel of dirt and crud spinning over the crow's carcass. Jane cracked her eyes, mesmerized by the twirling muck as it swirled over the dead bird. The funnel grew tighter as it drew closer to the blacktop.
A hush fell over Jane and Frank, the wind's cry no longer audible. The wind continued to blow as the funnel spun faster and faster. Jane's eyes popped open as she struggled to understand what she was witnessing. The tunnel began to expand, pushing outward while its tip stayed tight over the motionless bird. The shape of a man took form in the swirling madness, first kneeling but soon standing.
An unheard gasp slipped from her lips as she clung tightly to Frank as waves of fear washed over her body. The man turned his attention to them, lifting his arm until he pointed a single finger at Frank. The funnel suddenly drew in, blurring its grime with the shadowy form within. Jane realized she was holding her breath, but her body refused to respond to her mental cries as she stood frozen. The twirling mess slowed for a single moment and allowed Jane to see the man clearly. He wore deerskin pants and a shirt with long thin fringe while black feathers hung loosely from his long dark hair.
Before she could make sense of what her eyes were viewing, an explosion tore the funnel apart. Sand tore across their bodies, scouring their skin. Frank spun, scooped Jane into his arms, and rushed towards the cornfield. He staggered from the force of the wind which now seemed to follow their every step, and Jane worried they would fall before finding some cover.
Frank stepped from the road, slipping on the uneven earth. With an exclamation of surprise, he stumbled forward before losing his balance and dropping Jane to the ground. She rolled to the edge of the corn and curled up, hoping to gain some protection. She lost her breath as a sudden jerk pulled her from the ground. Opening her eyes a crack, she realized Frank carried her by her belt as the ground rushed by.
They crashed into the corn stalks, tumbling down to packed dirt. The howl of the wind increased once more until deafening. Jane watched the cloudless blue sky grow dark as the dust storm settled above the cornfield. Frank sat up, his eyes toward the sky, when the storm once again began to form a funnel. The tip stretched down past the tops of the stalks, growing thinner until slamming into Frank's face. His lips parted with a scream of terror that quickly cut short as it slipped into his mouth. The funnel spun faster until the whole thing disappeared into Frank.
After experiencing the howling winds, an unsettling quiet fell upon the cornfield. Jane kept her eyes on Frank, who now was on all fours, gasping for breath. She crawled to him. He rocked back, resting on his knees as his fingers clawed at his throat. A strangled gurgle slipped past his lips as their eyes locked. Frank's eyes shined with unshed tears, but his face took on an expression of calm. His hands slipped to his lap as he mouthed I love you.
"No," she whispered, tears streaming down her face as grit streamed from his mouth.
It poured from him, scouring his insides until blood flowed from his open mouth to pool on the earth before him. The air rushed from him with a pop, a splattering of blood sprayed out onto Jane. Frank teetered a moment, his eyes blank, before tumbling face-first into the bloody mud.
Jane stared at the body, her mouth agape as she tried to process what just happened. Her hand stretched toward Frank but froze when a breeze blew through the stalks bringing dry wheezing laughter to her ears.
"Best run," a voice suggested.
The stalks began to shudder and sway toward her. She crawled to Frank, checked his pulse. Deep sobs ripped from her chest as she moved her fingers around, hoping to find any signs of life. She wiped at her eyes and gasped. Standing a few feet away was the largest man she'd ever seen.
Besides being tall, the man was so wide he could almost be a square. She wouldn't describe the man as fat, for he carried the bulk well. Yet she wondered if it would be qualified as muscle. His overalls were torn and filthy from God knows what. His feet were bare, as were his shoulders, but upon his head, he wore a loose burlap sack.
Upon the face, someone had stitched a broad mouth and cut two eye holes. But Jane saw nothing but darkness reflected there. She scrambled to her feet and stared at the stranger.
"I said run," the man said as he pulled a hatchet from his belt loop, "A'int no fun if you don't."
© 2021 Naked Cat Press. All Rights Reserved
Copy of House of the Dark One: Donn, TX -1969 Part 4
The next installment in the tales of the Donn, TX Motel focuses on 4 travelers in the year 1969. Part 4 has our 4 travelers separated - Jane and Frank are searching for Cindy and Mary. This is a mature series - you've been warned.
***
Jerry stood behind the counter. He wanted to enjoy the summer heat since it was the last day before he sank back into the darkness. Oh, he might make an appearance in a few months when the barrier was weaker, but that was never guaranteed. Plus it lacked the punch of summer. Nothing like the sweet kiss of Texas in July.
Of course, if they missed their quota, he and the others would be visited with what seemed an eternity of pain. Better to make it. He worked hard to ensure that didn't happen again. After the debacle of '53, he finally learned exactly what the price of failure was; more importantly, Jerry learned exactly what they expected from him.
The door opened and closed. A man dressed in a uniform stood in the lobby and glanced around, before stepping to the counter and popping his hand down on the bell. Ding. The sound resonated through Jerry who closed his eyes. Ding. He wasn't sure, but the sensation was much worse when he was in the light. Ding. A bird flew into the window with a crunch, drawing the attention of the uniformed man.
"This can't be good, Sheriff Smite," Jerry said to the man's back.
"Jesus," he said with a jolt. "How'd you get up front so quick? Never mind, I think it's good news. There are four people on the property."
Jerry raised an eyebrow, staring silently at the man who pulled his hat off his head, running the brim through his fingers as he rocked back and forth a bit.
"Well, heading this way at least. We lost sight of two of them, but there's a couple walking on the blacktop. Can't be more than ten...fifteen minutes away from the border."
"We can only pray, but remember what happened the last time we fell short..." Jerry trailed off, his eyes locked with the Sheriff's who, after a moment, swallowed.
"No call for that," he whispered. "If these four don't work, I'll bring you more. We still have until midnight?"
Jerry nodded before offering a grin, "Best bet for you and yours is completing this job earlier than later. I can't always call the monsters back once they've been released."
The Sheriff stepped away from the counter, walking backward his eyes glued on Jerry the whole time. He stopped before running into the wall and reached over to open the door.
"Good luck Harold," Jerry called out as the man stepped through the doorway. "I'll be rooting for ya."
***
"You'd think we'd have come across them by now," Frank said breaking the silence.
Jane nodded, her thoughts still on the last thing he said. What followed him home? A burst of darkness flashed before her as she let out a cry of surprise and stumbled backward. Frank pulled her closer, using his body as a shield as the darkness swooped back towards them.
"What is wrong with this crow?" Frank asked as he swung his free arm at the bird.
Jane whimpered her eyes locked onto the bird as if fluttered to the ground. The left side of its head caved in with bits of brain and blood exposed against the dark feathers. How is it alive, let alone flying? She shuddered as the bird opened its beak wide, issuing a number of ear-piercing cries.
They watched the bird as it stumbled around, one eye always facing their direction, until it slumped to the ground with a final cry of frustration. A stiff breeze flowed over the corn, blowing dust into their faces. Frank sputtered as he turned to shield Jane as more of the grime blew towards them.
The wind howled like a beast, growing in volume until forcing them to cover their ears. The cornstalks rocked back and forth, as the wind came together in a funnel of dirt and crud spinning over the crow's carcass. Jane cracked her eyes, mesmerized by the twirling muck as it swirled over the dead bird. The funnel grew tighter as it drew closer to the blacktop.
A hush fell over Jane and Frank, the wind's cry no longer audible. The wind continued to blow as the funnel spun faster and faster. Jane's eyes popped open as she struggled to understand what she was witnessing. The tunnel began to expand, pushing outward while its tip stayed tight over the motionless bird. The shape of a man took form in the swirling madness, first kneeling but soon standing.
An unheard gasp slipped from her lips as she clung tightly to Frank as waves of fear washed over her body. The man turned his attention to them, lifting his arm until he pointed a single finger at Frank. The funnel suddenly drew in, blurring its grime with the shadowy form within. Jane realized she was holding her breath, but her body refused to respond to her mental cries as she stood frozen. The twirling mess slowed for a single moment and allowed Jane to see the man clearly. He wore deerskin pants and a shirt with long thin fringe while black feathers hung loosely from his long dark hair.
Before she could make sense of what her eyes were viewing, an explosion tore the funnel apart. Sand tore across their bodies, scouring their skin. Frank spun, scooped Jane into his arms, and rushed towards the cornfield. He staggered from the force of the wind which now seemed to follow their every step, and Jane worried they would fall before finding some cover.
Frank stepped from the road, slipping on the uneven earth. With an exclamation of surprise, he stumbled forward before losing his balance and dropping Jane to the ground. She rolled to the edge of the corn and curled up, hoping to gain some protection. She lost her breath as a sudden jerk pulled her from the ground. Opening her eyes a crack, she realized Frank carried her by her belt as the ground rushed by.
They crashed into the corn stalks, tumbling down to packed dirt. The howl of the wind increased once more until deafening. Jane watched the cloudless blue sky grow dark as the dust storm settled above the cornfield. Frank sat up, his eyes toward the sky, when the storm once again began to form a funnel. The tip stretched down past the tops of the stalks, growing thinner until slamming into Frank's face. His lips parted with a scream of terror that quickly cut short as it slipped into his mouth. The funnel spun faster until the whole thing disappeared into Frank.
After experiencing the howling winds, an unsettling quiet fell upon the cornfield. Jane kept her eyes on Frank, who now was on all fours, gasping for breath. She crawled to him. He rocked back, resting on his knees as his fingers clawed at his throat. A strangled gurgle slipped past his lips as their eyes locked. Frank's eyes shined with unshed tears, but his face took on an expression of calm. His hands slipped to his lap as he mouthed I love you.
"No," she whispered, tears streaming down her face as grit streamed from his mouth.
It poured from him, scouring his insides until blood flowed from his open mouth to pool on the earth before him. The air rushed from him with a pop, a splattering of blood sprayed out onto Jane. Frank teetered a moment, his eyes blank, before tumbling face-first into the bloody mud.
Jane stared at the body, her mouth agape as she tried to process what just happened. Her hand stretched toward Frank but froze when a breeze blew through the stalks bringing dry wheezing laughter to her ears.
"Best run," a voice suggested.
The stalks began to shudder and sway toward her. She crawled to Frank, checked his pulse. Deep sobs ripped from her chest as she moved her fingers around, hoping to find any signs of life. She wiped at her eyes and gasped. Standing a few feet away was the largest man she'd ever seen.
Besides being tall, the man was so wide he could almost be a square. She wouldn't describe the man as fat, for he carried the bulk well. Yet she wondered if it would be qualified as muscle. His overalls were torn and filthy from God knows what. His feet were bare, as were his shoulders, but upon his head, he wore a loose burlap sack.
Upon the face, someone had stitched a broad mouth and cut two eye holes. But Jane saw nothing but darkness reflected there. She scrambled to her feet and stared at the stranger.
"I said run," the man said as he pulled a hatchet from his belt loop, "A'int no fun if you don't."
© 2021 Naked Cat Press. All Rights Reserved
May 10, 2021
Monday Musings - More Movies from HULU
With a new month comes more movies added to an already impressive collection of films on HULU(and many times also on Prime). I wanted to showcase a few more just in case you missed them originally or didn't know they finally are a platform to stream.
First up is one of my favorite movies, A Perfect Getaway. If you don't know, I'm a big fan of Timothy Olyphant, so already I'm interested but then they add in Steve Zahn, Milla Jovovich, and Chris Helmsworth and I would watch this sight unseen. I watch this movie all the time on Blu-Ray and was happy to see it pop up on one of my favorite streaming sites. If you like thrillers, this movie should check all the boxes.
https://youtu.be/FYw_OUresioNext up is a movie I haven't seen yet. It came out during the pandemic shut down. Shadow in the Cloud stars Chloe Grace Moretz and I'm a fan so I'm willing to give it a chance.
https://youtu.be/d041Wa7LJfsNext up is Lucky Number Slevin - Outstanding cast and directed/written in a mimic of a Guy Richie gangster movie. If you like 3 Card Monty, you just might enjoy this film.
https://youtu.be/mGQmSCQrKKQ
If you haven't seen it and don't have a hard-line stance on Polanski, The Ninth Gate is a mesmerizing slow burn of a horror film. Johnny Depp is terrific in this role that doesn't require him to carry the whole movie by being weird or colorful.
https://youtu.be/IKc1n-nIIx0If you haven't seen The Dead Zone from 1983, you really should. Walken is fantastic as the psychic.
https://youtu.be/P5zc6ZLNCekYou also need to watch him spoof himself in SNL - back when it was funny.
https://youtu.be/h-xz0z1gU1MAll three of my books are available for the Kindle and paperback on Amazon and the Nook at B&N. They are being difficult on the paperback, but don't let that stop you from checking any of them out.
May 5, 2021
House of the Dark One: Donn, TX -1969 Part 3
The next installment in the tales of the Donn, TX Motel focuses on 4 travelers in the year 1969. Part 3 has our 4 travelers separated - Jane and Frank at the car and Mary is trying to catch up to the crows who took her friend Cindy. This is a mature series - you've been warned.
***
"Do you hear that?" Jane said not expecting an answer.
Frank lay motionless, the shallow rise and fall of his chest the only evidence he was still alive. Checking the dashboard clock, she wondered if the girls might still be close enough to be heard. God, I hope not. Even with the doors wide open, the car was still an oven in the shade.
Jane slipped out and walked a few feet away from the car. Glancing back, she wondered if she should wake him. At least move him out of that hot box. She shuddered at the thought as it reminded her of the stories he told of the war. Shaking her head she forced her attention back towards the direction the girls went.
Holding her breath, she strained to pick up the noise again but there was nothing but the buzz of insects and the faraway cries of some crows. Sighing she turned back to the car.
"Well, Frank, gonna need ya to wake the fuck up," she said, walking back and kicking at the ground with each word.
They were supposed to be in Houston, having their honeymoon while the girls hung out on the campus. Her skin flushed in excitement as she imagined their lips pressed together as his hands slid over her smooth skin before slipping into her panties.
Jane sighed, shaking her head to break the fantasy. Damn it, Frank. He hadn't touched her since he returned home, at least not that way and it left her frustrated; frustrated and confused. She hurried to the driver's side and studied her husband.
The boy she knew growing up no longer existed. He liked to joke the heat over there melted that away, but she knew it was something worse. Jane saw it clearly anytime he accidentally made eye contact. Something haunted him, and it was always there. This trip was going to be the beginning of the process of healing him, at least that had been her hope. Fat chance now.
Jane froze. It wasn't the sudden quiet that unnerved her but the fact Frank's eyes were open and staring past her. Danger and raw emotion sparkled through his green eyes in a way she'd never seen before.
Frank swung his legs out slowly, his hands on the doorframe for balance. Jane began to shake but her head refused to turn. She kept her eyes on Frank, hopeful he'd be able to do something in his state.
"Jane, hon," he said in a way that might have sounded calm to anyone but her. The fear in his voice soaked into her being and she wondered if she could make her legs respond. When she did not move, he barked, "now."
With a jerk, she stumbled towards him as he stood by the car. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and offered a hug. She fought the urge to bury her face into his shoulder and turned to see what spooked him.
"God damn it," she growled, punching him in the side. There wasn't anything there. "You scared me half to death."
He winced at her blow but kept his arm around her. His eyes swept back and forth. His free arm rose, extending his finger towards the other side and the stalks that were swaying in the breeze.
"There's something there...watching us," he whispered. "Where are the girls?"
"They went ahead for help while you slept...you have a nasty head injury."
He fingered the bandage on his forehead before offering a nod. He closed the door after grabbing the keys and shuffling to the other side. He popped open the glove box and searched a moment before Jane explained where the flashlight was.
Frank held still a moment then sighed and flashed a smile, "That was good. I'm sure this is nothing. Just feel better if we were together. I'm okay to walk, and we need to catch up with them."
Jane stared at him; the smile was nothing more than to disarm her. After all these years, he was incapable of hiding his true thoughts. Well, except whatever happened over this last year...those thoughts were still in his head and eating him alive.
Frank began to shuffle away from the car, gaining more confidence with each step until he was marching. Jane let out a squeak of surprise as she realized he was leaving her behind with her thoughts. Rushing forward, she caught up and slipped next to him on the left. He reached over and guided her to the other side, slipping her hand into his, the entire time his eyes studying the corn.
"Did it follow me home?" Frank said so softly, Jane thought she imagined it at first until he repeated the words.
***
Mary rushed through the corn stalks. Cindy's cries grew fainter, but she couldn't be sure if it was due to distance, exhaustion, or shock. She rushed over the uneven ground, her breaths coming in large gasps. Sweat soaked through her t-shirt yet she wished she had long sleeves for added protection as the stalks whipped at her from each side.
A sudden scream of terror echoed through the field, bringing Mary to a halt. A hot, dusty breeze moved through the corn but the only thing she could hear was the pounding of her heart. She turned slowly, making a complete circle, as she searched for any sign of movement other than the gentle sway of the corn.
Mary ran the back of her hand against her forehead as sweat stung her eyes. She gasped when she noticed large smears of blood decorating the back of her hand. The liquid ran freely from a multitude of cuts on her arm, dripping from her fingertips to the parched soil. Another scream pulled Mary's attention away from her injuries. Worry about it later. She started forward, moving in the direction she believed the scream came from. Hold on Cindy, I'm coming.
The dry ground behind her shifted and quaked, soaking up the spilled blood. Moments later, a hand shoved upwards, breaking the surface.
© 2021 Naked Cat Press. All Rights Reserved
May 3, 2021
Monday Movie Madness
I'm buried in projects, so today I've got a list of movies you should check out on the big three...
First up is Netflix. There is only one suggestion but if you like animation, this is the one you need to drop everything and check out. A great mix of science fiction, horror, action, and plain weirdness...M.F.K.Z.
https://youtu.be/k1Qor3xMfW0Over at Amazon, they put Resident Evil back up and the dragon-filled movie, Reign of Fire, starring Christian Bale, Matthew McConaughey, Izabella Scorupco, and Gerard Butler.
One of many movies to make you fall in love with Milla...
https://youtu.be/kEutwdia8n0Bale is his normal awesome self, but this is one of the first times McConaughey really shines; his intensity leaps off the screen.
https://youtu.be/Wg7bjwEXp7YFinally, I have 3 suggestions from HULU...
First up is a drama, The Judge. I'm not sure why, but this movie really hit me hard. The director is mainly a comedy guy - Fred Clause, Shanghai Knights, Wedding Crashers - but he did one of my all-time favorite movies, Clay Pigeons. So while there are funny lines, and Downey, Jr. delivers another incredible performance, there is a surprising weight to this movie that can only be described as real life.
https://youtu.be/ZBvK6ni97W8Next up is Machete. A throwback to the 60s & 70s grindhouse films, this movie has everything you need to have a good time...pop some corn and sit back for a fun, action-packed movie experience...
https://youtu.be/I16020r--oMLast up is one of my favorite horror movies, The Crazies. This is the remake of the George Romero classic. This one stars 2 of my favorites, and . This movie is so underrated...
https://youtu.be/J7w9uWFIMBsSee you Wednesday with the next installment of Donn, TX...
April 28, 2021
House of the Dark One: Donn, TX -1969 Part 2
The next installment in the tales of the Donn, TX Motel focuses on 4 travelers in the year 1969. This story is a bit longer than the 1951 tale so it may take a few weeks to share the whole thing. This is a mature series - you've been warned.
***
"I told you that was too soon," Harold Smite said with a huff.
He pulled the binoculars down and glared at the man to his left. Jim Brooks only shrugged before packing up his Remington Model 700.
"You wanted the car disabled," he said before spitting out a string of tobacco juice. "It's disabled. I'd rather not get any closer."
"Almost a mile from the damned target zone," Harold said through a clenched jaw. "You better hope this works...or we might not have a choice on how close we get."
***
"Jesus, it's hot," Cindy whined. She twirled her hair with her free hand and held it up and away from her neck.
"Sorry," Mary said.
Cindy glanced at her and forced a smile to her lips, "You didn't make it hot, silly."
Mary glanced at her before returning her attention to the blacktop they strolled on; neither willing to admit just why Mary was sorry. They should already be in Houston; some cute guys showing them around Rice to see the campus up close. Instead, they were sweating their asses off God knows where.
Cindy squeezed Mary's hand before pulling her closer to offer her a hug. After three steps, sobs began to wrack through Cindy's body. The women sank to the ground as she buried her face into Mary's shoulder, while her friend stroked her hair and offered soothing noises.
She let a few moments pass before speaking, "Cindy, sweetie, I know thinking a car might come along would be a blessing, but we are sitting in the middle of the only road."
Cindy pulled back, her eyes puffy and red but a smile split her face. "Yeah, that would suck."
Mary returned the smile, pulling her friend to her feet while she stood. They started to walk again, no longer holding hands. Cindy stepped off the blacktop to search for some shade from the occasional tree. On the opposite side, corn stalks swayed in the hot breeze.
"Shouldn't these be gone?" Mary called out as she studied the cornfields.
"Yeah, today is the last day of harvest...might do things differently here though," Cindy said without looking.
Mary nodded slowly. Cindy would know...her family owned most of the farmland in Motley County. A loud caw broke into her thoughts. She pulled up and stared at the largest crow she'd ever seen standing in the middle of the road.
"Cindy," she hissed in warning when her friend continued to move forward.
"Huh?" Cindy mumbled, glancing at Mary before following her eyes to spot the bird.
It hopped back and forth as if the blacktop was burning its feet in front of the remains of an indistinguishable animal. It paused, pecking down at the lump of meat before returning to its strange dance. Mary gasped in horror as the carcass's eye rested between the crow's beaks.
"Oh, gross," Cindy exclaimed stumbling back to hide behind Mary, sandwiching her right hand between both of her friends.
The crow turned its head, studying the two for a moment before clamping its beak shut. Gore squished from the eyeball and dripped to the blacktop. Cindy began to gag, moving her free hand to her mouth. Mary stepped back to stand even with her friend.
The crow's head twisted back and forth, its eye never leaving them. Maybe we should just head back. Mary glanced over her shoulder; a tiny groan slipped out. Five oversized crows formed a line to block the road back. Each bird kept one eye on the girls as they hopped forward in unison.
"What the fuck?" Cindy cried out when she followed Mary's line of sight.
Mary squeezed her hand and shushed her. The last thing they needed was to startle these creatures. She glanced at Cindy and tried to smile.
"Honey, we need to get out of the open," she whispered tugging her friend closer. "When I say go, we need to run to the corn. If we're lucky we get there unscathed and these things grow bored and leave."
She didn't want to give voice to what would happen if that many birds got a hold of them out here. Make that pile of roadkill look like a good time. The birds began to issue random cries as they grew closer. Now or never...
"Go."
The two girls sprang towards the corn. Cindy stumbled a moment, but Mary used new found strength to keep her on her feet as they ran towards cover. The crows let out their caws simultaneously, drowning out all sound, as they took to the sky. They blocked out the sun, plunging the girls into shadow.
Tears streamed down Mary's face as they sprinted closer to the corn. Please God...let me be fast enough this time. As they left the road, a cloud of dust rose around them. The birds' cries increased, reflecting their rage and frustration.
A wave of relief washed over Mary; almost there. She glanced back to offer Cindy encouragement but the words froze as the crows swooped down to seize her by the shoulders and lift her from the ground.
Mary tumbled to the ground as Cindy was ripped from her grip, her cries drowning out the crows' excitement. Mary rolled to the edge of the corn, horrified to watch her friend rise into the air but unable to tear her eyes away.
"Help," Cindy cried out before returning to the wordless howls of terror from before. Her legs flailed in the empty space, her body twisting and turning as the crows dragged her higher and higher.
A puff of dust pulled Mary's attention from her friend. The original crow studied her, blood still dripping from its beak. She reached back, her fingers curling around the flashlight sticking up from her back pocket.
"What do you want?" she asked her voice barely above a whisper.
The crow remained quiet while the cries of the others moved farther away. Mary knew she was running out of time. Batter's up, champ. She reared back, suddenly resting on her knees, as the crow sprang towards her.
Mary swung the flashlight, rewarded with a startled caw and a burst of feathers as it crushed into the bird's head. She crawled into the cornfield, struggling to her feet before running in the direction she last saw Cindy and the crows.
© 2021 Naked Cat Press. All Rights Reserved
April 26, 2021
A Hidden Gem...
My mom is visiting from out of town this week. When she comes, I grab a stack of classic movies and we usually watch a few each night. She was supposed to come in February - thankfully she missed it because that was when we had the big ice storm here in Texas. I had grabbed a copy of Horror Express on Blu-Ray from Arrow.
I vaguely remember seeing it when I was a child, but nothing stuck. Now while not a Hammer nor Amicus production, the movie feels like it could easily have been. Helps that both Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing are staring in the movie but the special effects, score, and film production are all top-notch.
One thing I found fascinating about the film was the way it tackled several sub-genres and horror tropes, without ever losing the feel of a fresh and fun film. From IMDB: While traveling on the Trans-Siberian Express, an anthropologist and his rival must contain the threat posed by the former's cargo: a prehistoric ape which is the host for a life-form that is absorbing the minds of the passengers and crew.
While they are described as rivals, the other fun thing about this movie is Lee and Cushing are more aligned than in any other picture. They are working together, and what rivalry there is falls more into professional egos than the life and death adversaries they usually play in these films. I think part of this may be that Cushing was about to step away as his wife had recently passed and he didn't think he could do the picture. Lee convinces him to stay on, and throughout the film, you can almost sense Lee providing a protective barrier around his lifelong friend.
The rest of the cast is fantastic with many international actors & actresses filling out the cast. Since the film was made in Spain, you can see they embraced the European habit of ignoring dialogue and sound, looking to recreate that in the dubbing processes. That said Lee, Cushing, and Telly Savalas all provide their voices for the English dub. Though some of the other actors do not provide the English translation, it doesn't stand out.
They say Savalas ad-libbed many of his lines - if not all. This wouldn't be too outrageous as I pointed out in Europe they dealt with all the speaking lines in post. This is right after he boards the train - it looks like the 2 English actors are upset with the free-wheeling American just making stuff up...
A fun nugget I didn't realize until we began to watch the movie - and then verified with the special features - was that it's based on the story Who goes There? by John W Campbell, Jr. That's right the story that influenced The Thing From Another World which in turn influenced one of the greatest horror science fiction films of all time, The Thing.
So now when I have a Thing marathon, I'll have to add Horror Express. It will be a welcome addition as it follows the story more closely than The Thing From Another World does...
If you want to rewatch Horror Express or catch it for the first time, you are in luck. You can stream with ads on the TUBI app.
I've done a few new quick ad pages for each of the books. I wanted to share them here and remind you that I have them on Amazon and Barnes & Nobles...
Amazon - ,Here
B&N - Here
Amazon - Here
B&N - Here
Amazon - Here
B&N - Here
April 21, 2021
House of the Dark One: Donn, TX - 1969 Part 1
The next installment in the tales of the Donn, TX Motel focuses on 4 travelers in the year 1969. This story is a bit longer than the 1951 tale so it may take a few weeks to share the whole thing. Part one is around 1600 words this week. This is a mature series - you've been warned.
Somewhere in Texas, 1969...
"How is every road in this Godforsaken place under construction?" Frank asked as he followed the detour signs to yet another country road.
"Too bad we left the highway," Jane said, forcing a straight face when he glanced in her direction. She winced when a snicker came from the back seat.
Frank studied the rear view mirror a moment before letting out a big sigh. Damn it...she's not wrong. Frank reached over and patted Jane's knee. She hesitated before grabbing his hand and offering a squeeze. It was taking some time, but she seemed to be coming around to his being home. A year out in the jungle changed him more than he cared to admit.
"I can't help being hungry," he said, forcing a laugh that wasn't really there. "How could I have ever known we'd never get back on I-45?"
"Since you've been home, you're always hungry," a voice came from the back followed by more snickers and giggles.
Frank let loose another sigh but kept quiet. How did I get talked into driving these two bitches to Houston? He glanced back at the rear view mirror, a sneer on his lips. The two girls in the back grew quiet. He stared until they dropped their heads, cutting off their line of sight.
Goddamn right. He bit his bottom lip to keep the words from tumbling out. He survived Charlie for months; it would be a cold day in Hell before he surrendered to a couple of High School seniors. Jane pulled her hand free and smacked his arm hard enough to cause him to wince.
He dropped his vision back to the road, his jaw clenched in silent frustration. You're going to blow it before we even make it to Rice...cool it, Frank.
"Shit...sorry," he mumbled as he gripped the wheel with both hands, his knuckles turning white from the pressure.
They drove on in silence, the tension building. Jane reached to the dashboard to click on the radio. Three pops sounded as she turned the knob. The radio powered up but only static played. Frank's mind wandered to the pops. They were such a familiar sound, but he was struggling to place it. A vision of the jungle flashed through his head.
Frank stopped breathing. The static from the radio morphed into the buzz of the jungle, drowning his senses in a steady hiss. Jane gripped the knob and rolled the dial over the numbers until a blast of music filled the car.
"Frank?" Jane asked concern evident in her voice.
Her hand rested on his shoulder. He wanted to look, to see her touching him, but instead, he continued to stare straight ahead. The static in his head grew in volume drowning out the sounds of the car moving over the uneven country road and the voice of Johnny Cash coming through the speakers. Jane pushed on his arm, looking for any reaction. He barely moved. Take more than that to move this soldier.
An ache filled his chest, the kind of ache he got traipsing around the bush when all he wanted was to be home. To be home with Jane. His face began to darken, and he wondered if there was any reason he wasn't breathing. Screams began to filter through the roar in his head. His vision darkened as helplessness washed over him.
At least my last breath is here, in Texas...
***
Jane waked to the screech of the car horn. She flinched in pain as she struggled to push back from the dashboard. What the hell happened? She blinked back the pain as she tried to figure out if she meant to the car or Frank. She'd seen him freeze once before right when he got back, but she chalked it up to the fireworks at the end of the game. This was different though.
"Frank?" she asked before forcing her eyes to focus through the haze.
His face pressed against the steering wheel, blood ran from a gash on his forehead. Jane gripped his shoulder and pulled him back, grateful for the sudden silence. A moan from the back pulled her attention away from Frank. The girls slumped against each other, arms and legs tangled together. No blood, thankfully.
"Is everyone okay?" she asked her voice thick with pain.
Am I okay?
"I think so."
Jane's eyes squinted as she stared at the girls. Was that Mary? For some reason, she thought if it was her sister everything would be all right. She realized she was holding her breath as Frank had before the crash. It came out in a rush as she reached back to grab Mary's hand.
"What happened?" Mary's best friend, Cindy, asked as her eyes fluttered open.
"I don't know but Frank is hurt," Jane said. She squeezed Mary's hand before letting go, "Are ya sure y'all are okay?"
"Yeah," Cindy replied after a moment. The girls untangled and opened their doors to slip out of the car.
Jane returned her attention to Frank, relieved to see his chest rise and fall in a shallow but steady rhythm. She popped open the glove box and pulled out the first aid kit and a bandanna. This seems like a lot of blood. She wiped away the excess to expose a nasty cut. Fumbling through the kit, she let out a grunt of frustration. Where are they?
"Yes," she exclaimed as she pulled out a package of alcohol wipes.
Frank's eyes shot open as she pressed the first wipe to his forehead, his hand grabbing her wrist and pulling her arm down.
"Damn it, Frank," she cried out, surprise quickly turning to fear as his fingers tightened. "Let go...you're hurting me!"
"Jane? You can't be out in the bush...you're my only anchor to real life," he mumbled through clenched teeth before slumping back.
"We have a problem," Cindy called out.
No shit. Jane stared at Frank a moment longer before sliding out. The car stopped a few feet from the road, the front bent around a thick tree trunk. She hurried around the back to see what the two girls were staring at. Both tires on the driver's side were flat, but it was the jagged hole in the driver's door that held their attention.
"Is that...a bullet hole?" she asked already sure of the answer.
Two flats and they were in the middle of nowhere. She glanced at the girls and forced a smile on her lips as she reached out and pulled them closer.
"Ladies, I need you guys to focus," Jane said, trying to keep her voice as light as possible. Having two frightened eighteen-year-olds will not make this easier. "Frank is hurt, but I think once he's oriented, he'll be fine. We need to find help. A little way back, I think there was a sign for a motel somewhere out here. If we're lucky, it's on this road."
"Yeah," Mary said with a shaky voice as she stared at Frank's unconscious form. "But what if he isn't?"
Jane reached out and pressed her hand against her sister's face, "If he can't move...well someone will need to stay with him while the others go for help."
"No-no-no-no," Cindy began to repeat, her eyes shiny with unshed tears.
"Stop it," Jane snapped as she gripped her sister's friend by the shoulder and began to shake. "We don't have a choice. Y'all aren't children anymore. Now get a hold of yourself."
Mary pushed through her sister's grip and pulled Cindy tight against her. Jane turned from them and opened the driver's door. She noticed a hole in the seat, just under his leg, and let out a gasp. Lucky break there. She reached over Frank, grabbing the kit, so she could try again to clean up the nasty gash on his forehead. He let out a moan as the wipe pressed against the wound, but this time he made no motion to wake up.
Jane finished taping up the bandage and stepped back. She glanced to the sky, guessing there might be a couple of hours left before it grew dark. The last thing she wanted was for them to be separated after nightfall. Sighing, she turned to break the news to them.
Mary held up her hand as she continued to whisper into Cindy's ear. After a moment of silence, she offered a slight nod and Mary pulled away from her friend.
"Okay, we'll go," she said as she stared at Jane. "If something is wrong, he has the best chance with you here. We'll find the motel and bring back help."
Jane offered a sad smile. She couldn't argue as Mary's points were exactly the ones Jane prepared to make. She was in her third year of nursing school, but more importantly, if he woke up confused, like before, she was the only one with any hope of calming him down.
"Hold on," she said as she moved back to her side to grab the flashlight she saw earlier in the glove box. "Take this in case it gets dark."
Mary grabbed it with a nod before reaching out her free hand to Cindy who hesitated a moment before taking it with a sigh. The two began to walk away from the car, their speed increasing as Mary pulled her friend along.
God, please keep them safe. It was the prayer she started using when Frank left for Vietnam. It got him home...she hoped it kept the girls out of harm's way as well.
© 2021 Naked Cat Press. All Rights Reserved
April 19, 2021
Monday: From Beyond
I've written a few posts looking at the different ways Lovecraft has influenced the arts - mainly focusing on movies and video games. I've tagged those posts with this one if you want to go back and look at some of the many choices out there.
I recently watched From Beyond Collector's Edition Blu-ray. Not my first time with the movie, but it was my first time with these special features. If you are a fan of a particular horror movie, horror genre, or horror in general, I'd suggest grabbing copies of all the Blu-Ray Collector's Editions that Scream Factory puts out. The special features are almost always worth the cost, and then you'll get a cleaned-up version of that movie as well.
As I watched the movie, I was impressed with the complete 180 Jeffrey Combs had to do to play the more timid part of Crawford after dominating the Re-Animator movie as Herbert West. I planned on breaking down some film and sharing a few scenes to highlight just how good Jeffrey Combs is in these movies.
Barbara Compton also makes a 180-degree transformation but it's not as earth-shattering as she was mostly there in Re-Animator to be attractive and scream. Although her talents are on full display in From Beyond, as she faces a major transformation in body & mind throughout the entire movie.
Alas, I've been tied up with the next installment of Donn, TX as the 2nd story is growing larger than I first envisioned. So instead, I will hold off on the Jeffrey Combs expose and instead share this impressive animated film based on the From Beyond short story...I love how they designed the character to mirror Jeffrey from the live-action film.
https://youtu.be/mQZyYvb-GD8I'm 3 episodes into Falcon and Winter Soldier on Disney+ and it's a Captain American fan's wet dream. I'm going to wait for the completion but I feel like I could write for days comparing it to the comic material much of it is based on.
Thanks to everyone giving my 2nd novel, The Pope Lick Massacre, so much love. If you haven't checked it out yet and enjoy fast-paced extreme horror, what are you waiting for?
Paperback and Kindle on ,Amazon & Nook on ,Barnes&Noble
Some recent reviews for The Pope Lick Massacre and you can check out Book Nook Retreat's blog to see her thoughts as well. She has a great review site and I recommend it for anyone interested in finding new and interesting horror reads.
April 14, 2021
House of the Dark One : Donn, TX - 1951
If you dipped your toes into Donn, TX last Wednesday, thanks for coming back. If this is your first visit to The Motel in Donn, TX, welcome. Over the next few weeks (months?), the plan is to show you little snapshots of this slice of Texas. In doing so, I hope to work out the kinks, and lay out the mythology of Donn, TX and its residents.
Usually, I keep everything very close to the vest, waiting for the final product to be as close to perfect as I can make it. But these stories are itching to come out. Hopefully, we will enjoy this mad science project together. Find me on Facebook or email me if you have any questions or suggestions. Plus you can always leave a comment if you are so inclined.
So last week I offered around 1000 words of the first story. I've completed it and thought I'd post the whole thing here for new readers and people who want a refresher - that way you don't have to search for part 1. If you want to skip, I've marked the starting point of the new section with ***. Don't forget this is a mature/extreme story - you've been warned.
Somewhere in Texas, 1952...
"Jerry, pull over," Debbie said with a groan.
"Not again," he growled but came to a stop on the side of the road.
She fumbled with the handle as her stomach clenched. Sweat ran down her face, stinging her eyes. Debbie tumbled out as the door swung open. She crawled away from the car, the sand hot to the touch until she made it to the dying grass. Her stomach heaved as her fingers clenched at the ground.
The dry wind blew the stench back towards her forcing her stomach to heave once again. A sense of relief washed over her as nothing else came up. Jerry's hand rested on her shoulder. She patted it, thankful he was with her.
"Okay?"
She nodded; afraid speaking may cause another wave. His hands slipped under her arms, lifting her to her feet and holding on until she offered another nod. He stepped to the passenger door of the car. He returned to her with an open bottle. Debbie grabbed it, filling her mouth with the warm liquid before swishing it around and spitting it out.
"Thanks," she murmured, her stomach settling down.
"Maybe we should stop now," he suggested, pointing to the top of the rise. "I see a motel sign. We could get some sleep and hopefully, you'll feel better."
Debbie bit her bottom lip. She was anxious to get to her mother but the doctor did say she had a few weeks left. She glanced at Jerry and sighed. His worry was plain. Reaching to place her hand on his cheek, she offered him a grateful smile.
"Okay, honey," she said. "Some stationary rest might just do the trick."
He led her to the car and helped her in before hurrying to his side and pulling back on the lonely road.
***
"So do you think it's open?" Jerry asked as they pulled into the parking lot.
The motel was a simple one-story structure. He counted nine doors, but he was pretty sure only six or seven led to actual rooms. Only need one. He tapped the steering wheel, studying for any signs of life.
"Oh God," Debbie mumbled, her left hand coming up to cover her lips as her right gripped the handle.
Jerry sighed as his wife scrambled from the car and began vomiting again. Last time I agree to stop at just any roadside diner. He slid out and started around the car. Debbie held up her arm, waving him off.
"Okay... I'll go check if anyone is here," he called out as he hurried to the first door.
Jerry paused, his hand holding the doorknob. He stared at the sign in the small window to the side. The sign itself was dark black but it was the words that held his attention. Welcome weary traveler. Your journey nears its end. He studied the red letters a moment before shaking his head. God, I wish. They'd only been on the road a day, and he expected after this break, it would be another day before they arrived at Debbie's mother's house. That's when the fun really begins.
Jerry turned the knob and entered.
***
Debbie leaned against the car. The sun beat down on her, but she welcomed the distraction. At some point, she assumed her stomach would simply run out of contents. Hope it's soon. She studied the door Jerry left open, but couldn't make out anything past the frame. Debbie crossed her fingers. Please have clean sheets and running water. A cold shower was just what she needed.
A loud caw grabbed her attention and she glanced around. Three of the largest crows she'd ever seen stood on the arm of a scarecrow across the street. Debbie stood straight, shielding her eyes to see clearer. The crows hopped around the scarecrow, moving from arm to arm, occasionally resting on its head. They turned to stare at her, offering more cries as if calling her over.
The scarecrow stood on a pole that towered a few feet over the cornstalks that filled the field across the way. It wore all black, bits of graying hay sticking out at the collar and waist. A burlap sack covered the place its head would be, shiny black eyes sparkled in the sunlight. Are those onyx?
Debbie shuffled towards the road, pausing long enough to check both ways before continuing to the other side. The crows grew agitated, hopping up and down and crying at her approach. She paused, hesitant to leave the safety of the road. She stood on the shoulder and shielded her eyes once again.
The crows settled down, returning her stare. A chill ran through Debbie causing her to shiver. The largest crow jumped into the air, spread its wings, and floated to the ground. It landed in front of her and clawed at the ground. Dry laughter floated on the wind. Debbie's head snapped up, searching through the corn to find the owner. Her eyes fell on the scarecrow and froze.
Its head was turned, both dark eyes locked on her face. A wicked smile decorated the burlap skin as the laughter grew in volume. A sharp jab of pain tore through her leg, and she looked down with a gasp. Blood glistened on the crow's beak as it moved to peck at her once again. Her foot slammed out, connecting with the bird and sending black feathers into the air.
Debbie spun to run back to the car when an eighteen-wheeler rushed past, its horn blaring a warning. She stumbled back, losing her balance and tumbling to the hard-packed soil. Blinking against the dying sunlight, Debbie struggled to raise her hands as a shadow passed above her. The laughter began anew as the crow landed on her chest with a caw. A sob slipped from her lips as her blood dripped from the beast's beak.
***
Jerry stood in the lobby. There was a counter splitting the room in half, on his side there was a coffee table and two dusty chairs upholstered in a flowery pattern he vaguely remembered his Grandmother having years ago. A few issues of Life sat on the table, and he made a note to see if the owner was okay with him taking them back to the room. Debbie may need some rest, but I'm wide awake.
The counter was bare except for a dull metal bell. Next to a curtain of dark fabric, a cubbyhole box decorated the back wall with eight open spots; though only six were numbered. Glancing around, Jerry hoped the actual rooms' upkeep was better than the lobby but he doubted it. Beggars can't be choosers.
Stepping closer, he popped his hand down on the button happy to find it at least worked. He waited a moment before striking the bell again. He glanced back to the door. I hope Debbie is okay.
"Help ya?" a voice called out.
With a start, Jerry returned his attention back to the counter. He placed his hand on his chest as he forced a smile on his lips, "Wowzers, you really gave me a scare. I need a room...just for a night."
The man was beyond old. The only word that Jerry could make fit was ancient. How is this guy still up and about? The motel manager seemed to be bending in on himself, but Jerry thought he might have been extremely tall when he stood straight. Whenever that might have been. His skin was paper-thin and stained an off-yellow color, and there was no evidence of muscles or fat on his body.
The man reached down and after a moment heaved an oversized book on the counter with a bang. He opened it to the center and began to flip the pages until he arrived at the first blank one. Spinning the book, he produced a pen and held it out for Jerry.
"A night is going to cost you ten dollars," he said in a raspy whisper.
"Ten dollars?" Jerry asked, the pen stopping in mid-stroke.
"Y'all are more than welcome to continue on but there ain't another place out here for quite a while. Dinner is included if it helps."
Jerry released the breath he held in an exaggerated sigh. I guess dinner does help. He finished filling out the book and reached into his back pocket to pull out his wallet. He counted out ten dollars and laid it on the counter next to the book. The old man offered a toothless smile, and Jerry began to wonder just what passed for dinner in these parts.
He opened his mouth to ask when Debbie's cries sounded from outside. He turned to rush out when the old man called out, "Room 3...door's unlocked."
Jerry nodded his thanks and hurried out to the parking lot. He spun around, searching for Debbie when he realized she wasn't by the car. He froze when his eyes hit the scarecrow across the road. The two outsized crows sitting on his left arm glanced at Jerry before returning their attention to the ground. A chill rushed through him, forcing the Texas heat from his body.
The scarecrow's head was angled as if it studied the ground with wide black eyes which sparkled in a way that made Jerry think of excitement. His stomach clenched when he noticed the large grin stitched on the burlap face.
"Debbie?!" he called out as he started to run across the road.
A wordless cry answered him before the crows began to imitate it with their caws. He skidded to a stop as he left the road and found Debbie on her back; her bloody arms between her face and a third crow attempting to peck her eyes out. Between failed attempts, it cried in frustration and tried again.
Jerry rushed forward, kicking out and striking the bird with the point of his shoe.
"Get!" he cried waving his arms to scare them away.
The two on the scarecrow sat unimpressed as they waited for the third to land on the opposite arm. It let loose a violent cry of displeasure before pecking its beak against the scarecrow's open mouth. Jerry bent over and picked Debbie up, pulling her tight to his chest. He glared at the scarecrow before turning to carry his wife to the motel.
"You really suck at your job pal," he called over his shoulder.
His only answer was the cries of the crows. Bastards are laughing at us. He shook his head, turning to look once more at the group once he was safely on the other side of the road. Another chill washed over him as the scarecrow locked eyes with him as it now stared straight ahead.
***
The door swung open and Jerry carried Debbie to the closest twin bed to set her down. He gently took her arms and held them straight, inspecting the damage the bird's beak had inflicted. Her skin was torn and slashed in a number of spots but nothing appeared too deep. He moved to her leg and let out a hiss as he studied the wound there.
Debbie's sobs shook her body as Jerry finished his inspection. She kept her head down as if afraid to make eye contact. He slipped his finger under her chin and raised her head. Jerry kissed her on the forehead and stepped back.
"I'm going to see if that old man has a first-aid kit. Sit tight."
She offered a slight nod before lying back onto the bed. He slipped out, closing the door behind him. Rushing back to the front desk, he glanced to the corn. The scarecrow watched him with dead, black eyes. What did you expect...it'd be gone?
Jerry spat in its direction and shook his head. Trip is messing with my head. He gripped the knob and pushed the door open, hurrying to the counter to ring the bell. After the third attempt grew quiet, the man appeared from behind the curtain.
"Help ya?"
"I need a first aid kit...maybe some booze?" Jerry asked as he stared at the old man. After a moment of silence, he added, "Some damn crows attacked my wife...over by that fucking scarecrow."
The old man grew still. His eyes locked onto Jerry's face and a smile crept upon his lips before he whispered, "Did it taste her blood?"
"Excuse me?" Jerry asked his voice growing hot as he reached over and grabbed the man by his collar. "What the hell does that even mean? Yes, a bird cut my wife and I need your help...now."
"Oh well if it was just the bird..." the old man trailed off as he turned to shuffle back through the curtain.
Jerry stood there a moment his hands balled into tight fists. He glanced to the parking lot noting the creeping shadows as the sun began to set. I don't have time for this. He hopped onto the counter and slipped down the other side. Pushing back the curtain he rushed forward slamming into a wall.
Jerry stumbled back, his head striking the counter as he fell to the carpeted floor. Darkness overtook him as his final thought faded. Where did that come from?
***
Jerry's eyes opened to darkness. A single beam of light shined upon the number three on the cubbyhole. He groaned as he sat up, his hand cupping the back of his head. It came away damp and he wondered if it was as bad as it felt. Struggling to stand, he used the counter to pull himself to his feet.
Stars flashed before him as Jerry struggled to stay upright. Clenching his eyes closed, he took a few deep breaths. His eyes reopened as he exhaled the last one. Debbie. He struggled to slide over the counter and get to the front door. He paused as he stared out across the parking lot.
Even with the moonlight, the property was mostly shadows. How long was I out? He hoped Debbie fell asleep but worry began to grow in the pit of his stomach. Stepping out he paused as a loud caw sounded from across the street. Laughter floated on the breeze and his blood froze. Was the old man out here?
Jerry stumbled towards room three, his legs wobbling and refusing to move any faster than a shuffle. The laughter built in volume until it drowned out everything. Jerry slammed his hands over his ears, hoping to block out the raspy uneven flow of glee.
Soft light shined around the door and he called out Debbie's name. He tried again, wondering if he was speaking louder than the laughter. He took a deep breath to really belt it out when the door swung open. The laughter died suddenly as an eerie calm washed over Jerry. His hands slipped down to his side as he stepped closer to the room. The only competing sounds were the crunch of gravel under his steps and the pounding of his heart.
As Jerry filled in the doorway, he paused unable to process the scene in room three. His eyes slammed shut as a low moan of anguish slipped past his lips. He tumbled down, no longer able to find the strength to stand as images flashed through his head. Debbie's clothes littered the floor while Debbie herself lay on the bed; her legs spread open as if seductively enticing him to slip between them. Her mouth was frozen open in a wordless howl of torment as her flayed skin now hung haphazardly over the two lamps in the room. The hot white light muted by the bloody tissue setting the mood as she did on their wedding night.
"It's the little details that make nights like this so special," a raspy dry voice whispered from behind as rough fingers gripped Jerry's hair and pulled his head back. Razor-sharp pain bloomed across Jerry's throat as the laughter began anew.
***
Jerry's eyes fluttered open as a ding sounded. He shook his head hoping to remove the cobwebs that left him so groggy and confused. His skin began to tingle as the bell sounded again. Ding. He stood now, his arms outstretched as he stumbled through the dark towards the sound. Ding.
Light seared away the darkness leaving Jerry's vision blurred. With each blink more came into focus. A man stood on the other side of a counter. No, not a counter...the counter. Jerry glanced around, taking in the cubbyhole boxes and the curtain before refocusing on the man.
"Yes, hello...I need a room for the night," he said in a clipped fast-paced tone.
Jerry stared at him a moment before reaching under the counter. The oversized book felt natural in his hands and he hesitated, relishing the weight, before placing the book on the counter. He opened it to the middle and began to flip until he found the first blank page. Spinning the book for the man, he produced a pen and offered a smile.
"You're in luck we just had a room open up."
© 2021 Naked Cat Press. All Rights Reserved
