(27th of May, 1999)

12:00 AM

This town really has gone to Hell…

Frank Houseworth was there at the station. The police chief sat trying to phone the mayor with little to no success. “Damn! It keeps ringing busy.” The chief said as he looked at his paltry police force before him. “Is this everyone who was willing to show at such short notice?” The chief asked.

“It is…” One officer said.

Chief Bill slammed his hand down on his desk. “What a pathetic joke! Don’t these bastards realize they’re on call 24/7!?” The chief, understandably upset, looked the nearly a dozen officers that stood before him. Sighing, he decided it was time to make a plan of action.

It was then that Frank, who’d been standing arms crossed in the corner, stepped forward. “I have reason to believe many of our officers have skipped town.”

“Skipped town huh?” The chief bit his lip to conceal his anger. “Alright then…” He then looked Frank up and down in surprise. “If that’s the case then I’m shocked to see YOU here Frank.” Him being all too familiar with Frank’s lackadaisical attitude.

“Officer Houseworth you mean… This is my town chief. Don’t think I’m going to turn tail and run at the slightest provocation. I have a duty to these people.” He said, standing firm.

“Provocation huh? Get that one from Webster’s “Officer Houseworth?” The Chief asked mockingly. “Well… I’m not one to look a gift horse in the mouth. The phones been ringing non-stop for the past couple hours and what few officers I already had here are spread incredibly thin. Some of them haven’t been reporting in so… take that as you will. So we’re going to have to divide and conquer.”

The chief went on to explain the plan of attack. The tension amidst the station was palpable. Fluorescent lights droning overhead a host of tired and weary officers. Paperwork scattered about mostly empty cubicles. The lateness of this call was taxing on an already taxed police force. Despite this what officers remained were ready to protect and serve. The majority of squads would be heeding more recent calls. While this is happening the chief would check on the Mayor. Especially since he wasn’t returning the chief’s calls. And lastly there was Frank.

“Kimberly hasn’t been answering the phone!?” Frank started stroking his chin out of concern. “That isn’t like her…” A pit in his stomach was welling up.

“That’s what I thought. A lot of these other slackers sure, but McKnight? So it looks like you’re on your own. Stop by her house on the way to Foster Drive to check on her.” The chief said.

“Foster Drive?”

“Yeah… we sent two squad cars there and not a single one of them has gotten back with us. Old Mable Stillwater’s place.”

“By myself?”

“I don’t like it either, but we’re spread incredibly thin… you understand.”

It was then a chunky older man with a dark complexion revealed himself from around the corner. Having just entered the station a minute or so prior. “I’ll go with him…” The man said. It was Detective Dwayne Drew.

“Detective?!” Frank shouted surprised; not too certain he’d come back.

“Yo.” Drew said with a waving hand.

It was then that it was settled. The chief would take a squad to the Mayor’s house to check on him. If he wasn’t there then they’d head to City Hall. The other squads would follow up on the most recent string of distressing calls. And Drew would head with Frank to Old Mable Stillwater’s. With time of the essence one officer was left to man the desk along with one dispatcher. While the rest were tasked out with the urgent string of calls.

(ELSEWHERE)

A 1991 Dodge Dakota bombed down the road under a starry night. The Northern Lights floating among the sky off in the distance. In the Driver’s seat, the mysterious man in the trench coat. His passenger, Kimberly McKnight. Sitting there, staring at his waist where he’d put her 9mm handgun… His eyes, on the road ahead.

“Where are we going?”

“…” The man didn’t respond.

“Wow, rude. Can you tell me your name at least? If I’m going to be helping you with, whatever it is that I’m “helping” you with?” She said. Though the Jurys still out on that one… she thought.

“My name is Nathaniel. Just call me Nathan though.”

Nathan huh? Is that his real name? She wondered.

It was then that Nathan began to slow down. Kimberly wondering why for a moment. Flashing police lights could be seen coming their direction. Nathan was slowing down as not to get pulled over. “Wearing your seatbelt officer?” Nathan said, his attempt at irony. Kimberly pretended to chuckle as she kept her eyes on the oncoming squad car. Nathan took note of this. Getting oddly serious for a moment.

“Don’t even think about it.” He said. His eyes searing. She gulped nervously before sitting back further in her seat. After that, the police cars passed. Kimberly missing her opportunity. Watching them with sorrow from the rearview mirror as they’d traveled further and further in the opposite direction. Until their light had disappeared completely. Leaving only darkness behind them yet again.

“I’m sorry for all the cloak & dagger.” Nathan told her. “When we get where we’re going you’ll understand.”

“Are you sure about that? And what exactly will I find when get there?”

“Well… let’s just say proof.”

“Proof of what? Your misdeeds no less.”

Nathan chuckled. “You still don’t trust me do you?”

“Hardly.”

Nathan chuckled a bit more before… “Ah!” He yelled. Grabbing his head as it was visibly throbbing. Veins popping. Kimberly was caught off by this. His driving was affected as the truck began swerving back and forth a bit. Kimberly quickly grabbed the wheel as Nathan collected his bearings.

“What the hell was that!? I thought you wanted me dead, but I didn’t figure you’d Bonnie and Clyde us!” She said as he regained control of the wheel.

“Heh-heh. You’re a funny gal aren’t ya?” He retorted. “Sorry about that. It’s a genetic tick. Nothing to be concerned with.” He told her.

“Ooh cryptic.” She said.

“Sorry about that.” He said with a smile. Looking at her with those deep blue eyes of his.

Kimberly huffed, then puffed. “Geez. Stop apologizing so much. Just because you keep saying sorry doesn’t mean I’m going to trust you all of a sudden.”

“…uh… sorry…”

Kimberly groaned followed by a moment of silence between the two. Is that guy really the killer? He seems so… milquetoast… Kimberly thought.

“I’m not the killer you know that right?” Nathan said plainly.

Kimberly shuttered a moment a bit. Can he read my mind!? She then thought.

“And yes… I can read your mind.” He said, a stoic expression plastered all over his face.

“…” Kimberly was floored. She was starting to think this man was more than meets the eye. Her hands started shaking. Thinking of all the times she plotted to escape or pull one over on him in just the last ten minutes… and now he knows!

“And no, I know why you might think that, but really. My dick isn’t THAT big.” He said plain faced followed by another moment of silence.

“What..?” Kimberly responded in confusion before getting incredibly angry. “Asshole!” She yelled as she removed his hat and started hitting Nathan with it. Nathan laughing the whole time as she too began to laugh, at least after some of her anger subsided.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

“Police brutality!” Nathan yelled.

“For Christ sakes.” She said. “You really had me going there for a moment.”

“Well… self-awareness is a powerful thing!”

The two of them joked a bit more as Nathan continued bombing down the road. Finding themselves a mile north of town all of a sudden. Kimberly looked around at the dark emptiness and forested area surrounding them on all sides. Soon the only light left was that of their headlights, and the aurora borealis ahead.

“Nathan. You never told me your last name.”

“…”

“What is it?”

“I… neglect to say.”

“You’re withholding information from a police officer?” Kimberly said as she began to sneer at him. “Maybe your not so innocent after all.”

“It’s not that it’s just…”

“Just what!?”

The truck came to an abrupt stop. Tires screeching along the pavement. “We’re here.” He said under the noise of the engine.

The engine shut off as the sounds of owls hooting and insects chirping took over. Having been previously drowned out by the engine. The two stepped out of his truck when suddenly Kimberly’s heart sunk. She began to falter as she stared down the road, her eyes not having adjusted to the darkness as of yet. A shadow of a large balding man standing there, before it entered the woods to their right. She shuttered before being overcome with a slight headache. Nathan taking note of this. His blue eyes bright like the moon, staring down on her.

“Where we’re headed is right down this path.”

“Down… this way…” She said somewhat frightened.

It was a small, wooded pathway into the woods. The same side of it she’d watched the figure enter into. The hooting of owls became louder, yet harder for her to hear with the increased thumping in her chest. Like her heart was about to burst forth from it. Nathan considered attempting to comfort her but decided against it. After all they weren’t necessarily close. And he knew she didn’t necessarily trust him.

“Here I’ll go first. You just follow.”

Nathan started walking down the path as Kimberly stood by the road. Finally Nathan turned to face her. “Are you coming?” he said as she broke out of her spell. She looked downward toward her feet. Eyes jittering as she did. Willing, and forcing herself to take a step. It’s all in my head… It’s all in my head… It’s all in my head… she thought. Echoing that sentiment over and over just to gain the courage to move her legs. One foot in front of the other.

The two of them making their way through the brush as Kimberly looked over her shoulder constantly. The sounds of the woods engulfing the two on all sides. It was suffocating for her. Finally, she’d had enough. “Excuse me!” She said as she brushed past Nathan, taking the lead. Nathan was shocked by this.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine!” She said as she sped up.

Nathan stopped. “Kimberly.” He said as she turned around. “There’s nothing to worry about. Maybe this…” Nathan stroked his chin. “Maybe coming to you was the wrong idea?”

“The wrong idea!” Kimberly let go of her fear for a moment as she stomped her way back over to Nathan, catching him off guard. “It’s too late now. You wanted my help and now you’re going to get it! Providing I agree, but first I gotta see what it is you were going to show me. So nut up! And keep walking!” She said as she turned around stomped on ahead.

Nathan rubbing the back of his head nervously shook it off. “If you say so officer. I’ll comply!” He said as he walked to catch up with her.

After a couple more minutes of walking they were where Nathan was leading her. Or she was leading him? Kind of ambiguous as she decided to take charge. And where was here? A broken down dilapidated barn. Dust kicked up all around and within.

“This is the place?”

“Yes.” Nathan dug into his coat and pulled out a pair of flashlights. Handing one to Kimberly. “And after you see what’s inside… you should know what we’re dealing with.”

Kimberly took one of the flashlights as she once again took charge. Clicking the light on she stepped into the barn. Chocking up and coughing from further dust the two had kicked up. Rubbing her eyes to clear her vision. She began wandering further in as the air… became hard to swallow. Her eyes watering along the way. Pointing her light all over as Nathan stepped beside her. Pointing toward a horse’s stable.

“Over there?” She questioned.

He shook his head.

She stepped in front of the passageway when suddenly.

A leg!? She thought, having illuminated it partially. She fell to the ground in fear. Dropping the flashlight. She jumped and swerved, attempting to run but Nathan was in the way. He tried to grab her as she screamed out in fear. I knew it! He’s the killer! She thought as she juked him. Finding her way around him and running. But then… NO! Her feet sputtered as she stopped herself from running any further. The dark silhouette of that… that man standing in the doorway.

“NOT HIM!” She screamed a blood curdling scream. “Don’t hit me!” She yelled as she fell to the ground. Curling up into a ball on the floor with her eyes closed. Nathan ran to where she was lying and trembling. He looked through the doorway.

“There’s no one there…” He whispered.

What’s up with this girl? I thought she had the sight but… I guess not. Nathan thought affirmed.

Finally Nathan knelt down beside her and gently poked her on the shoulder. She squinted her eyes as she continued to tremble and writhe in the dirt and hay. Her shaking body kicking up more and more dust.

“I think it’s best you leave.” Nathan told her as she suddenly snapped out of it. Staring up at him, her eyes wide and jaw dropped. “I was wrong to involve you in this.”

“You—letting me go!? But I know your secret… you’re the killer!”

“A killer maybe. But I already told you I’m not the murderer you’re looking for.”

“But… but those bodies!”

“Look at them again.”

“What!?”

“I said. Look. At. Them. Again…”

From her spot on the ground Kimberly looked back towards the stable again. Gathering the strength to check over there once more. She gripped the flashlight tightly as she walked over yet again. Knowing what to expect she illuminated the stable fully. Except she didn’t know what to expect. In fact she wasn’t prepared for what she was about to see at all…

“They’re—human? What… are they?” She stepped back shaking. Turning towards Nathan as he took the lead. “You killed these things?”

“I did.”

Kimberly was in disbelief. “What are you? Wh—what are they!?”

12:45 AM

Frank and Drew parked across the road from Old Mable Stillwater’s house. It was dark inside and there were not one, but two squad cars in her driveway. Doors open and completely vacant. The two got out as Frank grabbed his shotgun from the trunk. A Remington 870. A 12 gauge shotty.

“I like your style.” Drew said as she pulled a sawed off double-barrel shotgun from his coat. “Are you ready?” he asked.

“Is that thing legal?” Frank asked.

“I won’t tell if you don’t!” Drew joked.

“Don’t worry about me.”

“Wise choice young man.”

“Young huh? Tell that to my back.” Frank uttered.

“Kids these days…”

The two managed to stop exchanging banter for just long enough to get ready to enter the home. They noticed that the front door was swinging to and from due to the ever changing winds outside. Both of them finding it odd that the door had been left open in the first place.

“I don’t like this…” Frank said as Drew barged past him and into the house. Weapon at the ready. “D- Detective!” Frank yelled as he chased after him.

The two entered and were immediately stunned by the sight. Blood everywhere! “What the fuck…” Detective Drew whispered.

“You said it… let’s sweep the area!” Frank whispered back.

The two, shotguns at the ready kept close, aiming their weapons and lights in different directions for safeties sake. As they made their way through the modest home they began to find it odd. There were no bodies… Nothing! They laboriously checked behind every curtain, every door, and even cupboard. Finally all that was left was… the backyard. Upon which they’d discover the broken screen door.

“Great there’s nothing here!” Frank roared.

Drew smacked him the back of the head. “Keep your voice down dipshit!” He yelled in a whisper.

“Maybe a bear dragged them off? I mean it’s too gruesome to be our killer right?” Frank asked as he lit up a cigarette on the back porch. Smoking it like they were going out of style.

Drew wasn’t so sure though. Finally he stepped off the back porch and into the yard. He then began examining the dirt before the steps. “So whose house is this again?” Drew asked as he continued inspecting.

“Mrs. Stillwater. A foul old woman but… given the scene I feel kind of bad for her now. What a fucking way to go…” He said, sucking back the cigarette even harder now. “Still though… even with a bear. Where are the other officers? I mean four of them stopped by and now four of them missing. With their squad cars just sitting out front? I mean that still doesn’t add up.”

Drew kept observing as Frank continued rambling on. He sweat as he observed a fingernail trail in the dirt. As he followed it with his eyes. He noticed it going back up towards the porch. Then… even onto the porch with a few red stains along the trail. They moved past Frank’s feet and back into the house. Detective Drew sweating more profusely now.

“Detective?”

“Get the fuck away from the house!” Drew yelled as Frank jumped off the porch in surprise. Backing away as he readied his shotgun. Drew doing the same with his.

“What is it!?”

“We’re leaving. We’ve got to check on Kimmy immediately. Do you know where she lives?” Detective Drew asked with urgency.

“Um… yeah.”

“Let’s go!”

The two rushed off the property, using the side yard to exit. A concerned neighbor asked the officers what was going on as Drew told them to stay inside and lock all the doors and windows. It was then that Drew noticed something odd on this road. Something the two of them had failed to notice on the way in. It was the houses. A lot of them had their doors swung open and broken windows!

“I knew it…”

“Knew what!? What the fuck is happening right now!?” Frank asked.

“Just like Nam… I’ve had a bad feeling since I entered this god damned town!”

The two jumped back in the car and sped around. Driving off for Kimberly’s house. As they began driving a long, lanky finger that was stained in blood peeled back her bloodstained curtain. The wide inflamed eyes of… what seemed to be an old woman stared unblinking into the outside world. Elongated and gangly its body crouched. Drooling and lastly… sobbing. Crying with an echoed moan that could be heard from the road.

“Are you going to tell me what’s going on?”

“We’ve got to check on officer McKnight!”

“Really!? What Old Mable Stillwater?”

“She’s dead. Those officers are dead. Everyone in this town is dropping like flies. And I get the feeling if we’d stayed in that godforsaken house much longer that we’d be dead too!” Drew yelled.

“I… I don’t understand…”

“There was a bloody fingernail trail that led back into the doorway and in through the back door. Whatever killed this Mrs. Stillwater and those other officers was likely still in the house.”

“That’s impossible! We checked that house left and right. There wasn’t anyone in there!” Frank roared as Drew began to laugh nervously.

“Yeah? And where was the trail leading away from the house? Where were the bodies within the house? There wasn’t an iota of proof that anything had left the house or dragged any missing bodies away. Plus… the whole neighborhood was off. Door swung open and broken glass!”

“…” Frank sat back in his seat. Unspoken. He began thinking about everything a little more clearly. Don Dougherty’s “shaking man.” The missing eyes. All the blood in Old Mable Stillwater’s house. And the strange behavior of Molly Mildred. It was all seemingly adding up yet not adding into anything at all. It was all so…

“Weird…” Frank said.

“Yeah… it’s real fucking weird around here!” Drew replied.