The Broken IV: Vengeance

by A. L. Frances

  Alannah knows exactly what’s happening in their home, but she doesn’t want to scare Lisa, so she tries to play dumb. “Well, yes, that’s a little strange. But I mean has anything changed in the household? Any dynamics, arguments or anything like that?”

  “Nothing at all. Myself, William and the boys have always lived a very healthy and happy lifestyle. I mean, there is this one thing…”

  “What is it?”

  “The only thing I’ve noticed is a difference at night. I don’t know why, but we’re all suffering terrible nightmares together. And the boys have been calling out a lot.”

  “Sorry, you said all of you have been suffering from nightmares?”

  “Yeah.” Lisa pauses. “I’m sorry, you must think I’m mad. Why am I telling you all this, I’ve only just met you. Sorry, let’s talk about you. So how did you and Brennan meet?”

  “Lisa, listen, please calm down, I’m not here to judge anybody. All of my life I have helped people gain clarity and feel better by handing everything over to our Lord. It’s natural for me to want to help you. I can see the pain in your eyes. Please, don’t be concerned, I think I can really help you all if you’ll just let me.”

  Pausing for a moment, Lisa looks to the ground. “Okay,” she says. “They keep calling out for someone. I can’t quite make out what the name is, but as soon as I go to wake them up, they seem almost as though they’ve been – now I know this is going to sound strange but please, just hear me out before you call me crazy.”

  “Lisa, you’re in a safe space.”

  “They appear possessed. Like really possessed. I’ve been hit so many times. The other night, Ashley grabbed me by the throat when I woke him. It didn’t seem like he was going to let go and his strength was unbelievable. If it wasn’t for my husband hearing me scream before he gripped me, it doesn’t even bear thinking about what might have happened.”

  “Is that how you’ve got that gash on your face?”

  Lisa sobs. “I don’t know. I had this nightmare that Ashley made his way into our room and attacked me while I lay in bed. It was like it never happened in my reality. I jumped up and there was no one in the room, so I went to the bathroom and splashed my face with some water because I was sweating and there it was. This huge disgusting gash on my face. I screamed and ran to William, and he said that his head was hurting because he’d had a nightmare, too. We went and checked on the boys together and they were sleeping.”

  “Have either you or your husband tried speaking to the boys?”

  “Yes. They won’t speak to us. It’s like they suddenly decided to despise us overnight. This morning was horrific. They refused to open a single gift. They just kept saying this wasn’t their home anymore and they wanted to go and live with their real family.”

  Tears start to fall down Lisa’s face. Quickly wiping them away, she clears her throat. Alannah grabs the box of tissues and passes them to Lisa.

  Wiping her face and blowing her nose, Lisa says, “Thank you. I just don’t know what to do.”

  “Would you mind if I went and spoke to them? I am a religious sister, after all, and I have plenty of experience dealing with disobedient children. As you can imagine, orphaned children aren’t always easy to care for.”

  “Baby, look what William’s got,” Brennan shouts as he rushes into the kitchen waving what appears to be a baseball card in his hand. “It’s a PSA grade ten nineteen-fifty-two Topps Mickey Mantle. Do you even understand how much this is worth? And this clown just has it sitting in a box in his cabinet at home.”

  Nodding her head in the direction of Lisa, Alannah mouths, “She’s upset.”

  “Oh shit, sorry. I didn’t realise you two were having a moment.”

  “Sorry, Brennan,” Lisa says, mid blowing her nose. “It’s just been a tough morning with the boys, that’s all.”

  “I was just saying I should go and have a chat with them. You know since I worked with disobedient troubled children for years at the convent.”

  “Yeah. You should let Alannah go speak with them. She’s really compassionate and kids really like her. I’m sure she’ll help you out.”

  “What you losers talking about?” William says as he enters the kitchen, throwing back the remainder of his bottle of beer.

  “The boys,” Lisa replies.

  “Oh, those little shits. I’ve started calling them the terrible twosome, haven’t I Lisa?” William laughs.

  “It’s not funny, William. We’re in a mess. Alannah’s going to have a word with them.”

  Huffing, William says, “Good luck to ya.”

  Standing up and placing the box of tissues back on the island, Lisa says, “It can’t get much worse than it already is, so there’s not an awful lot to lose. Come, I’ll show you to their room.”

  Looking worried, Brennan says, “Maybe I should go with you.”

  “No, I’ll be okay on my own,” Alannah replies.

  “Baby, let me go. You don’t know what you’ll be met with.”

  Alannah reaches into her blouse and pulls out the rosary beads she’s wearing. Kissing Brennan on the cheek, she says, “I’ve got the protection of our Lord, I’ll be okay.”

  “I love you. Shout me if there’s any problems and I’ll come running.”

  “I will. Love you, too.” Alannah then follows Lisa out of the kitchen.

  Walking out into the front entrance, Alannah stares up at the endless wooden spiral staircase. Hanging perfectly central is the largest crystal chandelier Alannah has ever seen in her life. Expensive items for a family with exquisite taste and a limitless about of money.

  “The boys are inside the toy room on the top floor. Apologies, it’s quite a walk.”

  “Oh, don’t apologise. It’s fine.”

  As they travel up the stairs, Alannah notices all the hooks on the wall are empty and the pictures are piled up on the floor. “Redecorating?” she asks.

  “Huh…”

  “The pictures on the floor.”

  “Oh, no. I think we might have had a mini earthquake last night because when we woke up the floor was covered in glass and all the frames had smashed to pieces.”

  “Oh… that’s a shame.”

  “Just one of the many things to add to the list.”

  Feeling a little out of breath, Alannah’s relieved to finally be at the top of the second staircase. She notices a significant difference in energy. This floor isn’t as bright as the rest of the house. Seeing the dark oak wooden door with colourful letters that spell out Ashley and Kane’s Toy Room upon it, Alannah reaches for her cross. Kissing it, she makes the sign of the cross.

  Tapping on the door, Lisa says, “Boys, it’s mommy and her friend, Alannah. She wanted to come and say hello to you.”

  Silence meets them both.

  “Boys, it’s mommy. Can you open the door for me, please?”

  Alannah takes charge. “Watch out,” she says to Lisa as she grabs the doorknob.

  She twists it and pushes the door open to be met by a bizarre scene. Scanning the room, she sees the walls are covered in upside-down crosses. And it’s very clear that the boys have drawn these as they go no further than their height. Standing at the door, Lisa breaks down crying.

  Ashley and Kane are stood facing the wall. They haven’t so much as flinched since Alannah’s entrance into the room. Toys are spread out across the floor in a strangely organised fashion. Alannah slowly steps towards them, her cross in her hand. Now within touching distance of the boys, she can hear them chanting in a language unknown to her under their breath.

  “Ashley, Kane, I’ve got a present for you both downstairs. Why don’t you come and join us? It might be fun.”

  The pair don’t acknowledge Alannah. Instead, they continue with their chanting. Realising it is going to take an almighty power to bring the boys back around, Alannah sta
rts praying. “Dear Lord, please relieve both Ashley and Kane from any evil that may have manipulated its way into their purity.”

  As she prays, the boys chant louder.

  “Remove any evil that may have invited itself within them. Return them back to their rightful owners. They are children of God. Lord, hand them back over to Lisa and William who love them dearly and deserve their love and loyalty. Bless and protect these boys with all that you have.”

  Chanting louder and louder, Ashley turns his head to face Alannah. Black veins are popping through his skin and his complexion is pale.

  Remaining strong and showing no fear to the demon within him, Alannah continues, “Ashley, I know you can hear me, I denounce the evil within you. Rid yourself of the malevolent spirit that has intruded its way into your body. Come back to us, Ashley. It is not your time. Come back to us. By the power vested within me, I forbid you, demon, from taking him. Lord, save this boy.”

  As Alannah finishes, Ashley collapses to the floor.

  “Lisa, quickly come get him.”

  As Lisa rushes into the room, Alannah turns her attention to Kane, who is now looking at her and snarling. Continuing with his chanting, Kane takes a step closer to Alannah. Looking down at his brother on the floor being cradled by his mother, Kane launches toward Lisa, his teeth bared.

  Alannah places the cross on Kane’s head and shouts, “Lord, you have saved Ashley, now it is time to rid Kane of the same vile entity that has invaded his body. He is your child. He is a child of God, not a child of evil.”

  Wailing, Kane tries to resist.

  “Come back to us, Kane. Lord bring him back. Be gone, evil spirit. Rid yourself of this innocent boy! Be gone. By the power vested within me, I forbid you, demon, from taking this child. Lord save him.”

  With the final word spoken, much like his brother, Kane goes limp and falls. Alannah catches Kane and cradles him.

  Out of breath, Alannah looks to Lisa and says, “Are you okay?”

  “I think so.” Lisa sobs, shaking from head to toe.

  Hearing footsteps, Alannah looks to the door just as William and Brennan burst their way into the room.

  “What’s happened?” William shouts frantically.

  “It’s okay. It’s going to be okay,” Alannah says as she strokes Kane’s soaking wet hair.

  “Baby, what happened?”

  “Brennan, you should have seen them. It was horrible. I’ve managed to rid them of her for now but I think she’s that strong it won’t be long before she’s back. We’ve got to act fast.”

  “What’s going on?” Lisa cries.

  “Look, we can’t tell you what’s happening right now, but my advice to you, which is going to sound harsh, is that you need to restrict the boys before nightfall. You might even need to sedate them and put them somewhere secure and safe where they can’t get out, like a panic room. Do you have one?”

  “We have a tornado cellar in the basement.”

  “Perfect. It is imperative that you lock the boys in there as soon as you can.”

  “Wait, can’t we stay with them?” William queries.

  “No. It is you they’re after. If you stay with them, the transition might take place and that will be the end for you both. It’s as simple and serious as that.”

  “William, what’s happening?” Lisa whimpers through her tears.

  “I don’t know, but we’ll sort it,” he replies. “Please, don’t worry, our boys will be okay.”

  “I’m so sorry, we’re going to have to leave,” Alannah says. “We’ve got to try and stop this from happening to every child. Please, promise me you’ll sedate them and put them safely in the secure hiding place?”

  “We promise,” William says.

  “Brennan, come on. We have to go.”

  Grabbing Brennan by the arm, William says, “I don’t know what you guys are up to, but please, be careful, man.”

  “I will.”

  Feeling faint, Alannah can’t believe what has just happened. Her mind and body have gone into overload right now. Turning, she holds Brennan and says, “I was so scared.”

  “It’s okay, baby. I got you,” he replies as he carries her out of the house.

  Chapter Thirty

  “Midnight.”

  Matthew lies on the floral bedsheet with his arms tucked behind his head, deep in thought. He rotates his swollen ankles, imagining how blissful his life will be after the demise of the evil that has been taunting him for so long. He smiles as a vision unfolds in his mind. Being chased along the beach by Eve and his granddaughter, Matthew reaches down and splashes water in their direction. Embracing his imagination, Matthew chuckles. A playful family sharing laughter, love and smiles is all he’s ever wanted, and now he’s closer than ever to getting it back.

  A sudden bang jolts him back to reality. Matthew winces as the door flings open and Alannah and Brennan burst into the room.

  “Are you okay?” Matthew asks, jumping up. “Here, sit down.”

  “Sit down, baby,” Brennan says as he places Alannah onto the bed. “Can we get her some water, please?”

  “Sure,” Phil says as he grabs a bottle of water out of the fridge and passes it to Alannah. Without speaking, she gulps it back.

  “What happened?” Matthew asks.

  Wiping the excess water from round her mouth, Alannah clears her throat before she says, “It was horrible.” Tears fall down her face. “The boys were already possessed.”

  “What!” Matthew shouts.

  “Yes. I had to denounce the evil and bring them back. It was terrifying. Those poor babies just looked horrific. And the parents, good Lord, the mother had been slashed by one of the boys. It’s so lucky I was there with my blessed rosary beads because I don’t think those two would have made it through the rest of the day.”

  “Wait, what… how… I mean…” Matthew’s unable to find the words. “What the actual…”

  “I know,” Brennan says. “I only made it upstairs after she’d already rid them of the spirit. I was with William in the living area, and we heard a lot of shouting and screaming, so we ran upstairs, but by the time we’d arrived, she’d already saved the boys.”

  “Oh my goodness, Alannah, that is so brave of you.”

  “Thank you.” She sniffles.

  “You did amazing, baby. I’m so proud of you.” Brennan says as he kisses her on the head.

  “Where are they now?” Phil asks.

  “I told them they needed to put the boys somewhere safe, and potentially sedate, and restrain them, as I wasn’t certain that the possession wouldn’t resurface.”

  “Shit,” Phil says.

  “Gents, we have to stop her. I’ve looked evil in the eye and it’s scary. We’re going to have to act fast,” Alannah says.

  “Well, Hermon’s made another break though, thanks to the Smashing of the Clay Pots. Tell her, Hermon.”

  Pushing the glasses back up the bridge of his nose, Hermon says, “I’m sorry for what you have just been through, Alannah. I have researched this entity for many years now, so I am aware of its capabilities and powers, and I can imagine just how horrifying this encounter would have been for you. However, I am happy you have made it out unharmed.”

  “Thank you, Hermon. That means a lot.”

  Retrieving the book from the top of the small cabinet, Hermon flicks the pages before making his selection. “Here it is. Okay, so this entry states the following: A time of chaos. Not a time of peace. A time to build. Not a time to release. Busy up high creating and not observing, this is when she will be seen. As the transition of time takes place, from one day to the next, get ready, as her eyes will not meet.”

  “I mean, I’m not being funny, but what does that mean in English?” Phil says with a dumbfounded look on his face.

  “I believe this is basically sta
ting that there will only be one available time slot in which she will be vulnerable. And I think it’s going to be at midnight. What other time ticks from one day to the next?”

  “Good spot, Hermon,” Matthew says as he claps his hands together. “Right, what time is it now?”

  “It’s half past four.”

  “So, we’ve got… around seven and a half hours before kick-off. That’s plenty of time.”

  “Matthew,” Hermon says in a less than enthusiastic way.

  “Yes, Hermon.”

  “Well, the time’s just the easy bit. I think she’s going to be up within the clouds. And I’m not sure how we’re going to get up there.”

  “Fuck!” Matthew shouts. “Erm, what if we try and hire a helicopter?”

  “On Christmas day. Is that a joke?” Phil laughs.

  “Okay, what if we steal a helicopter?”

  “Steal a helicopter? Now you are having a laugh. And I suppose you’re going to propel into the sky like some action movie star!” Phil sets off belly laughing.

  “Mate, stop laughing. This is serious.”

  Putting up his hand up, Brennan says, “I took flying lessons a while ago. I might be a bit rusty, but I should be able to fly a helicopter.”

  “I didn’t know you had flying lessons,” Alannah says smiling.

  “Yes! Thank you, Brennan,” Matthew says. “That’s settled, then. We’ll steal a helicopter from somewhere, and Brennan will fly me up.” Clapping his hands together once more, Matthew shouts, “Right, what’s the next challenge?”

  Addressing the room, Hermon says, “We honestly have one shot at this, everybody. Precision and timing are going to mean everything. If we miss this window, we’re screwed, basically.”

  “How long do I have to get to her and stab her heart?”

  “Interesting you should ask, because I was wondering the same thing, so I carried on reading and found an interesting sentence.” Scanning the page, Hermon continues, “Ah, here it is… so this bit reads: A single strike for every number of the fallen angel shall suffice.”