Down the Rabbit Hole

by R L Delaney

  Down the Rabbit Hole

  A Justin Ames Mystery

  R L Delaney

  Publisher’s Note: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Locales and public names are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or to businesses, companies, events, institutions, or locales is completely coincidental.

  © 2020 PureRead Ltd

  PureRead.com

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Other Books in this series…

  Chapter One

  "The dark One is coming. Save your children for they will be the first ones to go. The dark One is coming."

  The words spoken by that strange warning prophet with his greasy long hair and the flowing, stained robe around his skinny body, were ominous and caused Harrison to shiver. At first, when the detective had crashed into the man, he had not known what or who had stopped him in his flight. As he tumbled onto the ground and a strange body landed on top of him, he let out a hoarse scream and swung his fists around in a desperate effort to protect himself. "Get away from me, you foul monsters. Get away from me."

  But then, as he tore the hood of his Shadow Walker outfit off, and stared into the terror-stricken face of the strange prophet, he realized he was not being attacked by the Shadow Walkers at all, but had crashed into that funny skinny man with the warning sign on the broomstick.

  Harrison extended his hand to help the man up, but the man recoiled, and while pointing a trembling finger at the detective, he cried, "The dark One is coming. Get away from me. The dark one is coming."

  "Don't be afraid," Harrison said in a soothing voice while lifting his hands in a harmless manner. "I am a good man. I am no Shadow Walker." But the strange prophet kept hissing that he needed to get away from him and that the world needed to watch out for the coming of the dark one. Harrison realized that it was no wonder the man acted so stunned. After all, he was still dressed in that horrible outfit of the Shadow Walkers with those weird symbols written all over his belly. To anybody watching he was clearly one of the bad guys.

  After having yelled one more time that Harrison shouldn't touch him, the prophet jumped up, and began to run as fast as he could while still crying out his warning message. "The Evil One is coming… Repent before it's too late, for his cronies are now in the street."

  Harrison stared at him for some time until the man disappeared around a corner. His blood-curdling warning still echoed through the streets, and Harrison shook his head. What madness had befallen Dewsbury?

  But, what was he to do now?

  At least, crashing into the prophet had helped him to slow down. The panic he had felt when he had made the daring escape out of Sternfoot's place had subsided, and his thoughts were no longer jumbled. It was clear what he needed to do. He needed to get to the police station and talk to Devonshire. The whole force needed to concentrate on Sternfoot and his ilk. But first he needed to get rid of his monkey suit. He couldn't very well go around dressed up like a Shadow Walker. Nobody would take him seriously.

  When he looked around he noticed he was close to Peterson's BMW garage. That meant he was only two blocks away from his home. That was fortunate.

  As he began to walk in the direction of his house, he noticed a gaping hole in the row of his front teeth that had not been there before. Clearly, crashing into the prophet had knocked out one of his teeth and he groaned. Even with a full set of teeth he had not been able to make much of an impression on the ladies, and now he looked even less desirable. It was the fault of the Shadow Walkers. All of it was their fault. Harrison gritted the teeth he still had. He would make these evil people pay for all of it. If they wanted war, they would get it. He was determined to stop them, with or without a full set of teeth.

  When the old, clunky Ford F150 entered Dewsbury the daylight had already begun to fade as the sun was fast sinking behind the distant Wintervale Mountains. The sky was painted in flashing hues of crimson, pink and yellow, and it would not be long before the small town would be shrouded in darkness.

  Justin did not mind, for his heart was light. He felt like a new man. After having been anointed with the Elixir of Heaven at the monastery of the Guardians of the Sacred Tome, it seemed the grass was greener, the sky more blue and even the night had lost its former gloom. His short stay at the monastery had been nothing short of a miracle. At least, that was the word he used to describe their stay there, although Amy had cautioned him not to utter such big words too lightly.

  Miracle or no miracle, their visit had been outstanding. Every time he thought back to that moment, that electrifying moment, when he and Amy had knelt down before the altar in that cave-like basement deep down in the belly of the mountain, warm feelings of joy coursed through his body. Not that he truly understood what had happened, but being there had been an experience he would never forget. Words could not aptly describe what he had felt the moment the aging fingers of Abbot Hofniel were laid on his forehead. When the Elixir had been applied, he knew he would never be the same again. And then, when he heard the gentle words of the Abbot, whispering a prayer over him and Amy, it was as if he was being catapulted into the very presence of the King of Heaven.

  There, at the feet of such incredible, yet invisible power, everything seemed to fall into place. Somehow it all made sense, and nothing he ever experienced before came even close to the joy he felt in his heart at that moment.

  It had not been like this the day when he, as the quarterback for the Dewsbury High Tigers, had scored the winning point in the finals against the Bakerville Pirates. And neither had it been like this on the day when he won first place in the high school writing competition with his story about a silly old man lost at sea, was published in the Dewsbury Clarion. Sure, those had been moments of glory, but it was not even close to the enraptured joy of what he had experienced at the monastery. The peace he felt, and the profound sense of belonging was unparalleled. It had awakened a deep hunger in Justin's heart to know more. What could be better than to serve and live for the King of Heaven, who had anointed Amy and him with such a wondrous substance as the Elixir?

  No, there was no other word to describe it. A miracle was the only right word. And what was more, he was now on a mission to help destroy the wicked Shadow Walkers, together with the girl of his dreams, Amy Stenson.

  "We'll still be on time." Brother Perpetiël knocked on the window of the truck cab and motioned for Justin and Amy, sitting again in the back of the pickup truck, to get ready. His words were barely audible above the roar of the motor, but his message was clear and it shook Justin out of his reverie. Their journey back from the monastery had been swift this time and without complications. This time Father Gálvez had skilfully steered his car down the mountain, avoiding the treacherous potholes and they had now reached the outskirts of Dewsbury.

  Justin stuck up his thumb to let Brother Perpetiël know they had gotten the message. The monk smiled and turned around again. Brother Josebius sat next to him, squeezed in between him and Father Gálvez. He seemed to be sleeping as his head was bobbing gently back and forth to the rhythm of the motor. Abbot Hofniel had suggested Josebius come along as an extra counsellor.

  As they entered Dewsbury, Justin couldn't deny he was getting more and more nervous. Soon, they would make their first move against the Shadow Walkers. Actually, it was not much of a move, and he himself wouldn't be making it. Amy would.

  She would g
o to Sternfoot's infamous meeting. Justin had practically memorized the words.

  Walk with us. Pray with us. Grow with us, and enjoy newness of life.

  Uncover the hidden mysteries, and make them work for you.

  All serious students are welcome.

  Benefits are enormous

  Join the Walkers

  It's free.

  Every Monday evening at 7:00 pm

  in the chemistry lab under competent leadership.

  Richard Sternfoot

  And that was today. Amy wouldn't do anything at that meeting except for listening, looking and learning. Brother Perpetiël felt it was important they would have a clear picture of what the Shadow Walkers were up to and how far they were with their evil plans.

  At first Justin had objected to Amy going. He did not want Amy to be in any danger, but deep in his heart he was curious and wanted to see for himself what was going on.

  Brother Perpetiël ook his head. "Sorry, Justin. You can't go. Sternfoot knows you are working with your uncle, Detective Harrison. He knows you are not on their side, but I have the feeling he is not yet aware of Amy's loyalties." He let out a chuckle and said, "I would go there myself, but I am not sure if Sternfoot is going to be very pleased to see me. He knows about the Guardians of the Sacred Tome."

  Amy's face had flushed when she heard it. Brother Perpetiël had seen it. His face had taken on a very serious expression as he had placed his arm on Amy's shoulder and said, "Don't worry, Amy. Because of the Elixir you will be perfectly safe. You don't even have to do anything, but we need to know what the Shadow Walkers are planning. You will be our little spy."

  Justin had frowned. "But what if they…"

  "There's nothing the Shadow Walkers can do, Justin. There's a light within you, and the darkness cannot possibly squelch it."

  "I'll go," Amy replied. Her voice sounded steady and decisive.

  Brother Perpetiël had given her a gentle smile. "The King of Heaven doesn't make any mistakes. Both you and Justin will carry the torch."

  Thus it was decided they would drive up to Dewsbury High and Amy would pretend she was interested in Sternfoot's wonders.

  "Are you nervous?" Justin asked, as he peered into Amy's eyes.

  She smiled and shook her head. "Not really… I mean, how could I, after all that has happened to us?" She peered into Justin's eyes. "But you are. I can tell."

  Justin nodded. "I am worried about you."

  She had placed her head against his shoulder. "Sitting in a truck and waiting around is probably harder than actually seeing what is going on."

  She was right, but there was nothing Justin could do about it.

  The priest steered his Ford through the narrow streets of Dewsbury and they were now almost at the grounds of Dewsbury High. They sped by Pete's Bar and Grill… and there was the Lynford Holmes' stationary shop. That meant Dewsbury High would be just around the corner.

  Father Galves stopped the truck on a dark corner under a big oak tree and Brother Perpetiël knocked on the little window of the cab. "Amy… it's time for action."

  From his position in the back of the pickup truck, Justin could just see Dewsbury High. Most of the school was dark, except for a light that shone from two windows on the second floor.

  That was the chemistry lab where Sternfoot was holding his meeting.

  When Harrison climbed the steps of the police station of the small town of Dewsbury he heaved a sigh of relief. Ever since his escape from Sternfoot's basement he had been on edge and basically expected danger to jump at him from any dark corner. Even in his own house his heart had been pounding as he felt an oppressive dark atmosphere hanging over his place. He tried to tell himself, it was just plain, old fear and did his best to push it aside but did not succeed. Fear has the strange ability to hook itself in its victim’s mind like a leech and suck out the courage of its host, and Harrison was a clear victim. But now, being in the safety of the police station, all would be well. Here he would be safe. He would tell Captain Devonshire everything he knew. The aging policeman would believe him, however strange it all would sound, and then, together with the other policemen, they would plan their next move. They had to stop Sternfoot and his ilk in whatever way possible… They had to raid the chemistry teacher's house, arrest all those involved… and maybe even close down the high school for a while until they could figure out what was the best course of action. But it was clear something needed to be done, and it needed to be done fast.

  Harrison grabbed the door handle and opened the door to the police station. A strange sour and penetrating chemical smell entered his nostrils. The detective froze. That was the same scent he knew so well from Sternfoot's basement.

  His fears returned.

  Poppy Alberts was at her desk. She was holding a cup of coffee in one hand while she was studying some reports. She looked up as she heard Harrison enter.

  "Detective Harrison?" she cried out. "Where have you been? I've been looking all over for you. I thought you had left the planet."

  Harrison couldn't help but smile at her sincere outburst of concern, but did not answer her.

  "You are just in time," Poppy continued. "The Captain has a breakthrough in the case."

  Harrison raised his brows. "What do you mean?"

  Poppy shrugged. "Don't know, but he told me the case is practically solved."

  Harrison cast her a sour smile. "Solved? I guess I had better talk to him then." He stepped towards the door, but just before knocking he turned and asked Poppy about the disturbing chemical scent that was hanging in the office. "You smell that, Poppy? What is it?"

  Poppy gave him a blank stare. Then she lifted her nose in the air and sniffed. "Strange… it's true. I had not noticed it before. Maybe the Captain is cleaning his desk. It smells like a strong detergent."

  Concern flashed over Harrison's face. "Is it coming from the Captain's office?"

  Poppy nodded. "Guess so…" She took a sip of her coffee and stared at Harrison intently. "But, tell me… where were you, Detective? The Captain was very upset he couldn't reach you."

  "Never mind, Poppy. I was busy," Harrison said, not feeling the need to explain all he had just been through to the secretary. Poppy was a sweetheart, but right now he had more pressing matters on his mind.

  As he stood before the door he hesitated for a moment to gather enough courage, bit his lower lip, and then let his knuckles come down on the mahogany wood.

  "Come in." Captain Devonshire's voice was harsh and cold. Devonshire was generally a good natured man so the stiffness in his voice surprised Harrison.

  He swung the door open, stepped inside… and froze.

  Captain Devonshire was sitting behind his desk, a scowl on his face and his hands folded. But there, in front of the Captain's desk sat Richard Sternfoot. And it was about to get worse, for out of the corner of his eye, he noticed someone else. Principal Rigby was sitting in the comfortable chair that Devonshire had placed in the corner of his office and used when he wanted to take a nap. The principal had clearly not recovered from Harrison's forceful attack as he was clutching a pair of crutches, but as he saw Harrison a victorious smile appeared. Harrison did not even attempt to hide the horror he felt rising up. Sternfoot didn't look up, but Captain Devonshire's eyes were flashing. It was clear Harrison was in for a stern rebuke.

  The Captain put down a report he was studying. "Finally coming back to the nest, Harrison?"

  Now there was a reaction from Sternfoot. Harrison heard the chemistry teacher let out a muffled chuckle, and he did not know whether to run or stay. His heart began to pound again, and small drops of sweat formed on his forehead.

  "Nervous, Detective?" Sternfoot turned around to face Harrison and wrinkled his nose.

  Harrison kept holding on to the doorpost and cast a helpless glance at Poppy at the desk behind him. Clearly the girl wasn't going to be of any help. She did not know a thing and didn't seem to notice his dismay as she was again engrossed in some report.
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  "Close the door," Devonshire bellowed.

  Harrison did as he was told. It somehow appeared that Devonshire had been caught in the sickening web of the Shadow Walkers and was no longer an ally. The chemical scent in the office was strong. What had they called it? Desastrotrax. A sense of panic welled up but Harrison forced it back. He needed to stay focused and find a way out of here… as soon as possible.

  "What's that smell?" Harrison asked lamely, knowing he would not get a satisfactory answer.

  "What smell?" The Captain roared. "We are not here to discuss smells and scents. We are here to discuss a serious abuse of police power."

  "I don't know what you are talking about?" Harrison answered, without paying any real attention to Devonshire's words. He narrowed his eyes and looked around while trying to detect the source of the smell. If he could see which of the two crooks was unleashing the chemical, maybe he could snatch it away, open the window, and still save Captain Devonshire from the damaging effects of that stuff on his brain.

  Don't do it, Harrison… These fellows are much more powerful than you are.

  "I’ll tell you what I am talking about." The Captain's voice was loud and booming. "I am talking about your disorderly behavior. Who gave you permission to break into the house of my good friend Richard Sternfoot? You had no reason to go there."

  Friend? Sternfoot was no good friend of Devonshire, and never had been. What was Devonshire talking about?

  But the Captain roared on. He was so mad, he almost stumbled over his words. "What's worse…" he shook his head in disgust, "…you became violent and almost killed the Principal of our well-respected High School with a karate kick. The good man was only asking you to leave the premises, but now he can't even walk."