It would have been impossible to force a smile that might have deceived even a single person present, but I had attempted not to dampen their spirits as they sought only to brighten the darkness that had become my world.
There had been an enormous turkey and magnificent ham, and everything that anyone might have desired to share on such an occasion. But all that I could do was wonder, dream of my beloved Caitlin and feel guilty for her being alone.
Everything had been prepared earlier that morning and we had all dined shortly after two. As celebrating for the better part of the afternoon, we had all agreed to remain safely within my estate for the evening.
Rich had played the music as always, as being without Maya, he shared my emptiness. Though concealing it quite well from the others, I could see it plain as day within his empty and longing gaze. He had given so much and continued to do so regardless of the odds, a greater or dearer brother I could never have prayed or wished for. I could only hope that all would bode well for everyone involved when the cards were drawn, and the end game was played….
I had excused myself during the course of the evening. Returning to my office, I gazed with deep concern upon the raven. It sat among the long shadows which haunted the office, its red-jeweled eyes flashing in the darkness as it peered back at me. But, no course of alarm did it reveal, nor was there any cause for concern.
“None shall have reason in fearing the darkness on this night—,” It whispered, tilting its head ever so slightly as its crimson eyes flashed in the dim light, “For the evil lingers elsewhere involved with matters of murder, in distant lands….”
“Caitlin!” I had gasped as the raven slowly shook its head. “There are others who fight this vile shadow--,” It fell silent momentarily and moving to its full height, peered down as it said, “Those whom upon this night have already failed—and into darkness fall….”
“If you know of these things—isn’t there anything, something that we might do for them?”
“Pray for their souls--,” It closed its eyes while falling into some darkened dream, “Pray for those who have fought and are now forever lost….”
“Michael—are you lurking around in there?” Rich had appeared in the doorway and looked to the shadows where I stood at my desk. “Yes—I was just checking into something—I’ll be right down,”
He had waved and departed without another word. As slowly turning back toward the raven, I suddenly shuddered with a strange chill. And with heavy lids partially closed, it spoke as though from somewhere out of a dream, “Your love dwells safely within the hallowed walls of a manor upon sanctified ground. Go now, share what joy you might find in companionship. Rest assuredly, as all within these walls and your beloved are safe upon this night. ….”
“For all that you had already done and continue to do—,” I looked thankfully upon the huge black bird, “Is there anything that you might ask of me, some gift in return?”
To this it had just reacted by fully opening its eyes, the red jewels burning with a sudden fire I had never before seen. And it spoke just a few words uttered in a whisper, which were filled with irrevocable suffering, a memory which seemed to cause it great pain, “I would ask for revenge—only this and nothing more….”
I had known without a doubt of whom it spoke, but dared not inquire as to the reasons why. Instead, silently nodding, I had sighed with the knowledge of Caitlin’s safety, and quietly departed the room. Leaving the raven to the long shadows of my office, its secrets and dark dreams….
Rich had played an upbeat Christmas instrumental, a surf selection for which he was quickly becoming notorious. It had lightened spirits and picked up the mood as Pam and Jen served drinks from behind the wet bar.
“How are you holding out, bro?” Scott had moved out of the crowd and to where I stood watching from the adjoining hallway. “In all truth, I have been better--,” Accepting a cup of tea from Tim, I thanked him, and looking to Scott, forced a smile, “But, I have been worse.” It was a lie designed to take the edge from off my nerves and brighten the moment. But it had not fooled dear old Scott. He had put an arm around me, and sipping at his Whiskey on the rocks, said, “She’ll be coming back, bro—you mark my words. Even if I have to go down there and carry her, kicking and screaming, all the way back.”
“I don’t think it would take all that much--,” Rich had appeared from behind Dennis and Danny who entertained Jen and Pam with bad jokes, “But we have something to deal with first.”
“I heard from old Red that you sent Maya down there to stay with her and Eva.” Scott chuckled, slapping Rich’s shoulder and almost knocking him down. It hadn’t been intentional, he just wasn’t aware of his own strength, especially after a few drinks. “That was good thinking on your part, putting the women together. It’ll keep us connected, so we know what’s going on—and we’re keeping them safe at the same time.”
“I miss her terribly--,” Rich had admitted while looking to me, “But then again—pain is easier when suffered with others.” I could only look and nod. His honor was preceded only by his gallantry and self-sacrifice.
Red Cloud had overheard Rich’s remarks as he stood directly behind us, and looked over his shoulder in reply, “Distance makes the heart grow fonder. You will all be together again soon—have faith.”
“So what are we going to do after tonight?” Scott asked while looking between us.
“We have a warehouse and antique store to run and a magazine to keep publishing--,” I sipped at my tea and looked to my friends, “I have a book to finish—and there are still things that need to be done.”
“You’ll have to watch your back-sides even closer from now on--,” Raymond had stepped into the conversation, “I’m off the case now, but there’s a rumor that Detective Simms is heading a task force to bring you guys down.”
“Off the case—how did you manage that?” Rich appeared startled.
“I was demoted for a dispute with my Captain over the way that Simms was handling this situation.” He shrugged, “Apparently, since I’m personally involved with this, the Captain felt that I would be better of handling missing person’s files for a few months from behind a desk.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” Looking to my friend I was surprised as he had laughed, and waving a hand, cheerfully said, “Oh, don’t worry about a thing! I’ve always hated the winter beats. This way I get to sit in a nice warm office drinking coffee from nine to five. Besides, it’ll give me more time to tag along with you.”
“But won’t that compromise your position in the department when Simms figures it all out?” Rich appeared worried, as sipping at his beer, he tapped a finger upon the glass.
“I suppose that we’ll just have to cross that bridge when we get to it?” Raymond took it with a grain of salt, “I’m willing to bet that, if Simms ever got close enough to find any evidence for what you’re doing, he’d fill his shorts and quit the force in the same hour.”
“What makes you so sure of that?” Scott turned and thanked Pam as she brought him another drink.
“Because, most people could never handle the reality of what happens around you boys--,” Raymond sipped at his coffee and Bailey’s, and appearing absolutely serious, said, “In fact—if we do manage to get through this—they’ll likely be suiting us all up with matching hug-me jackets at the local booby-hatch.”
“You have a telephone call--,” Deb came out of the kitchen and poked at Rich’s arm, “It is long distance.”
There had been no question in either of our minds as he politely excused himself and promptly disappeared out of the room.
“Hang in there, partner--,” Raymond had taken immediate notice of my despondent expression, “Things are going to work out—it just might take a little time….” He had winked, the sparkle in his eye revealing a shine from the Bailey’s and a flash of sincere hope.
“Have you tried these butter tarts?” Pam offered a tray to Scott who, smiling, indulged several.
&nb
sp; “Don’t mind if I do--.” I had reached as Carrie pulled the tray from Pam’s hands, and glaring at me, said, “Not you—nice try.”
As she walked away Scott had slipped one of the tarts he had taken into my hand, and winking, said, “Its New Year’s, bro—one won’t hurt.” He leaned close, “But don’t let her find out, because she’ll hurt us both.”
I had secretly eaten the tart in a single bite, and covering my mouth with a hand, casually strolled over to the window, parting the draperies just slightly while peering out into the night. It was cold and clear as the moon cast a pale blue iridescence upon the surrounding snow-covered grounds. The trees were mere shadows and their limbs swayed gently in a bitter but gentle gust. The shadows they cast crept ever so slightly back and forth upon the deeply heaped drifts.
I had looked to where Dennis and Danny had finally managed to clear the driveway and walks, the paths glistening like glass in the moonlight as the gazebo now caught my eye. All thoughts were drifting back to Caitlin, the previous summer and the happy moments spent there. But now it was as cold as my empty heart, a shadow which, like a lost memory, dwelled in absence.
The gates stood tall and dark in the stillness of the frozen night, their spikes glittering and gleaming ever so slightly as the icy iron caught and reflected the moonlight. There was an utter and complete stillness as the wind now ceased, everything seeming to fade into the past as the world now prepared to pass through time and into a new year….
“It’s really something, isn’t it?” Raymond had wandered up behind me and solemnly gazed out, “The way that storm just vanished like nothing had ever happened.”
The music and guests had been loud, but the world seemed to have become still from all around me. I heard each word he had spoken as if uttered painfully slow, watching his lips move as he had said, “Sometimes it almost seems like it was all just been some kind of bad dream….”
“I wish that it had been--,” I peered back out the window and into the night, my attention following the moon, “Then, as the night passed while taking all its horrors along with it—I would awake beside my wife, and none of this would ever have happened….”
“Maybe it might still happen.” He had drawn the draperies closed, placing a gentle hand upon my shoulder. Smiling, he led me away from the window, “We all might just wake up from this dream called life—to realize that everything was going to be just fine in the end….”
Before I could even think or reply, Rich had returned from the kitchen, and peering about the room, hurried toward me. “Michael—I just spoke with Maya and everything is just fine—they’re all safe. It turns out that the place where they’re staying used to be an old church.”
“We couldn’t have asked for much better—it is sacred ground, right?” Raymond had nudged me, hoping for a positive response.
“As long as they’re removed from this situation—and have nothing to do directly with us, they should be safe.” The words had come out of my mouth, but even with Marlowe and the raven’s reassurance I had my doubts.
“Also--,” Rich stared with eyes as wide as saucer’s, and placing both of his hands upon my shoulders, leaned closer, “Caitlin asked me to tell you that she loves you—and that she will wait there forever if need be, and until all of this is over and done….”
I felt my knees become jelly as he supported me and we stared into one another’s eyes, as he said, “Maya will stay with them—and we will go there together when it’s time.”
“It’s going to all work out, bro--,” Scott put a supportive arm around my shoulder, “We’ll put this thing straight—and send the bastard straight back to Hell. You just wait—we’ll all be back together again in no time.”
“Hey, everyone--” Deb shouted over the laughter and music, “It’s the count-down to New Year’s!” And with that she turned up the radio as everyone shared in the count! I had stood between my dear friends and watched as they all called out the last few numbers as we passed out of the old year and into the new.
“Happy New Year: 1975!” Carrie shouted and everyone cheered! There was hugging and kissing and the sounds of crackers going off, laughter and all manner of happiness, as filled with treats and thrilled by the moment, the world seemed a better place.
But though I smiled and hugged all who had passed gleefully within range, my core was still within shadow and doubt as I pondered the coming year….
The room swam from all about me in colorful streamers of silver and blue, as from somewhere outside fireworks erupted into the night and car horns blew. Everyone sang as the radio played Robert Burns famous Scot’s poem from 1788, “Auld Lang Syne.” The words had touched me deeper than ever before, and I could not follow along. As waving and forcing a smile, I could only pretend, before slowly turning and sadly departing the room.
The festivities had ended shortly after one. After having tidied the kitchen and placing everything neatly away, we sorted everything out for the morning. Everyone had assisted, as making the chore into more of a game, everything was neatly sorted and individual pots and pans were packed and placed before the front door.
It had all gone quite quickly, and as everyone was escorted to their rooms, the house was full of guests and everyone was neatly tucked away for the night. There had been space enough with Eva and Norman having been gone. There were several guest bedrooms on the main floor, and two upstairs. In the end and realizing that it was unlikely that I would even sleep, I volunteered my own bedroom to Scott and Carrie and young Patrick.
Rich had been quite willing to remain on the couch before the hearth. It seemed that we had all been drawn to the safety and security of fireplaces as of recent. His only request had been to have the mirror covered while he had sorted his bedding. I had done this immediately and without question, realizing the significance of such things….
Raymond had happily occupied the couch across from Rich, and both had enjoyed a quiet drink and a little light chat before bedding down for the evening.
Having bid everyone a pleasant evening, I had retired to my office and quietly closed the door. Slipping into the chair before the desk, I peered over at the empty seat that Caitlin had occupied so many evenings before bed. I had imagined her sitting there with her legs tucked up and under her gown, looking over at me with those enchanting eyes and that bright and beautiful smile, and the way that she had always tied her fiery long hair into a French braid before bed, and how the few dangling curls seemed to be dancing about her large and brilliant green eyes.
I had always been aware of how dear she had been to me, but never before considered having ever lost her. The thought being unbearable, I had looked away from the chair and directly into the face of the raven. It curiously looked to me in the dim, golden glare of the lamp light, its eyes barely a red spark beneath heavy lids, “As this night passes, so does the resistance that fought and fell into darkness.... It now stalks and takes all those who might stand against it—and then shall come for you and yours….”
“How do we fight against such a thing?” I whispered, fearing to disturb the others or be overheard, “It isn’t a creature of this dimension, but controls the flesh of the dead.”
“There is a weapon--,” The raven leaned closer and gazed deeply into my eyes, “Marlowe sought it long and far ago. But he fell in this world before he could wield it. It possesses the power to open dimensions in time—a great void from where you might cast the darkness from out of this world.”
“Will it finally put an end to this nightmare--,” I found courage in this glimmer of hope, “Finally destroy this blasphemous thing?”
“You cannot destroy what is eternal—only displace it within space and time.” The raven replied, as moving closer and leaning down from its perch, it whispered, “But beware, for wherever you send it there shall be terrible suffering, and death most vile.”
“How do you know this if it has never before been done?”
“You assume too much—and have forgotten even more
--,” The demon faded like a shadow from the desk, and reappeared as the boy in the seat beside me, “For I would not be what I am now—had you not sent it back before…”
My jaw had dropped open as the demon leaned over the desk and stared into my face, its eyes burning pale blue. It pointed an accusing finger into my face, while whispering, “In another dimension, another universe and world in time—you sent this evil into the void and it came to be here. Aeons passed as it waited, while the gates and doors of time opened and closed upon many souls and lifetimes. And it took many forms while murdering all who would oppose it. Until the stars came into alignment, and we all now come together in this place and time….”
“You said that I sent it here from another life and another time--,” Peering into the demons face, I felt a new horror and guilt, “Am I also responsible for what has happened to you?”
“Once we were children and played as friends, long ago and far away--,” It spoke in a solemn tone while being caught within bitter reflection, “We had no memory of distant dimension or lives existing before. And with the coming of the darkness, the people of our world suffered unspeakable horrors in the night. It took me as well—and made me into what I have become…. It is the reason that all humanity fears the darkness and the unseen.”
“And you saved my life from the thing in the hollow….” I remembered the vision, “And through her cruelty the darkness took you…”
The demon had looked to me and fallen silent. The memory having no longer remained his secret, “You were merely the reason and not the cause—three times have you now done this,” The boy slipped silently back into the seat, his features softening, “In a distant lifetime and twice in this one.”
“The portal of shadows--,” I remembered the Duff Glenn and more recently, the demon in the warehouse by the sea, “But how—what happened and brought this weapon to me?”
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