Second Chances

by Aaron Brinker

  Chaun’s eyes opened to realize he was staring at his ceiling in a cold sweat. He threw the covers off and ran out of his room and down the stairs. He had not realized that he was in his boxer briefs and that they were soaked. He reached the bottom of the stairs and came into view of Dave, Michelle, and Denise who had moved to the kitchen and were drinking coffee. He rushed into the kitchen. Denise ran to him worried. She felt his forehead to check if he was feverish. “Chaun, what’s wrong? Are you okay?”

  He was pallid. His voice and breath were shaky. “Yes. Our problem just got worse. I know who’s been haunting us.” He paused, realizing the air seemed thick and heavy. “It’s Kat.”

  Dave’s voice was stern. “Do you know for sure?”

  Chaun nodded, and his voice lowered. “I think she just spoke to me in my dream.”

  Michelle then noticed bruising around Chaun’s throat. She ran over to him for a closer inspection. “Chaun, what happened to your throat?”

  Chaun ran to the entryway and looked at his reflection in the mirror. He slowly walked back to the doorway to the kitchen. “Well, that’s all the evidence I need. Kat is the one haunting us.”

  Dave repeated his former question while looking into Chaun’s eyes. “Are you sure?” Dave said in almost a whisper.

  “Yeah. Mom, can you pour me a cup of coffee.” Before getting his coffee, Michelle brought a quilt in from the living room and placed it on his shoulders. Chaun sat down and began telling everyone what had happened in his dream. By the time he finished everyone was staring at him with their mouths open. Chaun looked at Denise. “I’m sorry I brought this on you.”

  She placed her hand on top of his. “It’s okay. You didn’t know that Kat had been tormenting you all this time. We will get through this.”

  Dave said, “I will call Alex first thing in the morning and let him know.” Dave and Chaun made eye contact. “Are you still willing to help with the investigation? Even with knowing it’s Kat?”

  Chaun nodded. “I still stand behind what I said. If it helps get this entire shit storm calmed down, I’m willing to do whatever it takes. She tried to control my life while living. I sure as hell won’t let her control it from the grave.”

  27

  The next morning Dave sat in his office. He had woke, made his coffee, and now stared at the steaming cup sitting on his desk. Chaun’s news to the family the night before had raised Dave’s disappointment in himself. The signs were there. He just had not put all the clues together. The three items left on the entertainment center, the entity alerting Michelle and him that something had been wrong the night Sam quit breathing, the entity’s anger toward Chaun, and it’s hatred of Denise. It all made sense.

  The number for Alex’s dealership lingered on the computer screen. It was nine o’clock in the morning. Alex should be in his office by now. Dave picked up the phone and dialed the number. The phone rang on the other end. A lady with a soft voice answered, “Brinn’s used cars. How may I direct your call?”

  “Good morning ma’am. Is Alex available?”

  The woman’s voice grew less automated and more personable. “Yes, he is. May I ask who is calling?”

  “David Hutchins.”

  “Just one moment Mr. Hutchins.”

  “Thank you.”

  A minute later, Alex picked up the phone. His voice sounded worried. He knew Dave would not contact him at work unless it were urgent. “Good morning Dave. Is everything all right?”

  Dave said in a calm voice. “Yes,” He paused for a moment. “but we’ve found something out that may be helpful for your investigation.”

  “I’m all ears, Mr. Hutchins.” By Dave’s pause on the other end, Alex could tell that something was troubling Dave.

  Knowing that what he was going to say would change the course of the investigation, Dave’s voice was almost a whisper. “Chaun’s wife, Katrina, is the one that’s been haunting the family all this time. I told Chaun there may be a big possibility that you are going to want him to help with the investigation.”

  Alex nodded. “We may. Have most of the activity been directed towards him?”

  Dave tapped his fingers on his desk. “Yes, most of the time when Katrina possesses Sam she tells Chaun that he will suffer. When Denise was physically attacked the other night, it was while Chaun was making out with her.”

  “Hmm…did this news help with understanding the items that had been moved?”

  “Yes, it did. I also have video footage of the three items being moved.” Dave said with a sheepish tone. “Sorry, I didn’t mention it earlier. I was really tired and stressed the last time we spoke.”

  “We will check it out tomorrow night when we arrive. If anything else changes feel free to give me a call.”

  “I will.” His voice became more upbeat. “If you and the team are open to the idea, Michelle and I were thinking of cooking your team a dinner before you get started on the investigation.”

  Alex’s smile could be heard in his voice. “That is very generous of you. My team and I will be glad to join your family for dinner. Actually, it may help in gathering information for the investigation. Have a good day Mr. Hutchins. I will see you tomorrow.”

  “Same to you Alex and thanks again.”

  Alex dipped his head. “You’re very welcome. Goodbye.”

  Dave hung up the phone and sipped his coffee.

  *

  Dinner had almost finished cooking by the time Alex and the team pulled into the driveway. Dave stepped out onto the front porch as the van came to a stop when parallel with the porch steps. After getting out of the vehicle, a man walked around the van from the driver’s side. He looked to be in his mid-thirties. The passenger emerged from the vehicle, and appeared to be around the same age as the driver. Her hair was short and red. A third person, who appeared to be in his mid-twenties, stepped from the back of the van. The driver stepped up onto the porch. “David Hutchins?”

  Dave dipped his head and smiled. “That I am. You must be Alex.” Dave offered his hand to Alex.

  Alex shook Dave’s hand and mirrored his smile. “Nice to meet you.” He motioned for the woman that was with him. “This is my wife, Sara.” Sara shook Dave’s hand. “And the other member of our team that was able to show up today is Gene.” Gene dipped his head, and Dave returned a nod.

  Dave said, “It’s a pleasure to meet all of you. Dinner has just finished cooking. Thank you again for coming.”

  Alex’s tone was soft and understanding. “You are very welcome Mr. Hutchins.”

  Dave led the group into the house and made the introductions. Chaun and Denise were setting the places at the dining room table. Michelle was placing all the dishes containing dinner on the table. Sara said, “Michelle, dinner smells amazing. You guys didn’t have to cook dinner for us.”

  Michelle smiled, then looked at Sara. Michelle said, “Thank you. You guys are our guests for the evening. Granted, you’re here to help us, but you are guests none the less. We treat everyone invited through those doors as family.”

  Sara was awestruck. She was not used to such generosity and openness. Her jaw dropped. “That’s very nice of you.” Everyone sat down at the table. Dave and Chaun at either end with Denise and Michelle at their side. Sam’s high chair was set between Michelle and Denise. The team sat on the opposite side of the table from Sam, Denise, and Michelle.

  The family had prepared a lot of food for the evening. There were steaks, a few pork chops, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, and fruit salad. After their plates were fixed and everyone began to eat, Alex asked, “Have any other occurrences happened since we spoke on the phone yesterday?”

  Dave shook his head, “No, it has been quiet.”

  Alex nodded. His voice sounded almost relieved. “Well, at least that is some good news.” He ate another bite of his steak. “How bad was the attack on Denise and Chaun the other night?” Since everyone had sat down at the table, Alex had been staring right at the cuts across the right side of Chau
n’s face. He motioned at Chaun’s face with his fork. “Are those cuts from the other night?”

  Chaun slowly nodded. “Unfortunately they are. Denise’s injuries were bad enough she needed seven stitches. After we are done eating, I’ll show you the walls in my room and the jersey Denise was wearing.”

  Alex paused mid bite. He looked back at Chaun with a furrowed brow. “Was it that bad?”

  Chaun nodded and looked at Alex with a non-threatening intensity. “The jersey is still stained. We could not get the blood out, and there are two massive holes in two of my walls upstairs.” Alex finished his bite of food.

  Sara froze. Her mouth hung open. She exclaimed, “Wow! As far as the possession goes how can you tell if it’s her or the person, she is possessing?”

  Dave answered, “The irises of the person she possesses turn dark black. When she leaves the person, the black looks as if it turns into smoke and disappears into the pupils.”

  Sara took another bite of her food. She was still awestruck and mentally trying to process everything. “That’s interesting. Is there anything else we need to look for to know if it is…” Sara looked at Dave for the answer of a name.

  “Katrina.”

  “Thank you. …Katrina or the person?”

  “When the eyes are black the voice is high pitched, raspy, and hesitant.” Dave looked at Gene. He was quiet and a little pallid. Dave’s brow raised slightly. “Are you okay Gene?”

  Gene nodded. His tone portrayed skepticism. “I think so, just a little nervous.”

  Alex then spoke, “It’s his first investigation. He is still unsure whether or not the paranormal exists. He has decided to help us to gain an opinion on the issue.”

  Dave smiled and looked at Gene. “Well, if Katrina is active tonight, you will definitely have an opinion. I didn’t believe in the paranormal myself until things started happening around here. You’ll do fine. Don’t worry too much. I don’t think Kat will harm anyone tonight.”

  Gene nodded his head. He seemed to relax a little, and the color started returning to his face. He shook his head. “Everything you have been saying sounds so farfetched.”

  Dave took another bite of food and settled back in his chair. “I can see where it could appear that way. We’ve all been telling the truth.”

  Gene shook his head and raised his hands, palms out. “I meant no offense.”

  Dave smiled and shook his head. “None was taken. Like I said, I didn’t believe in the paranormal before all these events took place. I’ve seen things I can’t explain. I’ve footage of something moving a camera from this table to that entertainment center on the other side of the room. I have seen items moved to that same entertainment center and stacked.”

  Alex’s brow lifted with the pending question. “Have you figured out what message the items signified?”

  Dave nodded, his look grew solemn. He raised his head and spoke. “Once I found out who was haunting the family it became a little clearer. The DVD stood for Katrina seeking payback for something that had made her feel wronged, the picture of the heart with broken glass stood for her heart being broken, and the clock, I can only assume, meant that she would be seeking revenge in her time.”

  Alex nodded as he took another bite. “That sounds like a logical line of thought." He looked around to Dave, Michelle, and Chaun. "What kind of person was Katrina when she was alive?”

  Dave answered. “To everyone else, she was really sweet. To Chaun she was controlling and verbally abusive. She had to be the center of attention at all times and constantly had to have her way.”

  Alex’s tone softened with his hesitance. “So she was extremely narcissistic?”

  “Very. The longer she and Chaun were together the more we noticed that her being sweet to everyone was a façade. She was very conniving and manipulative.”

  Alex paused and looked down at his plate. “I see. Well if those personality traits make an appearance tonight, it should be an interesting investigation.” The group finished dinner, and the family began cleaning up and washing dishes as the group began to bring their equipment in from the van.

  28

  Once all the equipment was moved into the house, Alex spoke with Dave. “Would you be able to walk us through the house and show us all the locations where all the activity has happened?”

  Dave stepped to Alex’s side. He placed his hand on Alex’s shoulder. “I sure can.” Standing at the foot of the staircase in the entryway, Dave pointed towards the living room. “You guys already know about the activity in the dining room and living room. After I show you around, I will show you the video footage.”

  Alex smiled ear to ear. “That would be awesome.”

  Starting up the steps, Dave said, “The most intense activity we’ve experienced was in the nursery and Chaun’s room. We left the message on the wall. We figured the team would be interested in seeing it.” As the group reached the top of the staircase, Dave walked through the door in front of the group. “This is Samantha’s room.” He motioned towards the wall to his left. “There’s the message Katrina left for Chaun.”

  Alex, Sara, and Gene were all awestruck and speechless. In all the years Alex had been investigating the paranormal, he had never seen anything this extreme. Each of the letters was at least 18 to 24 inches long. “When you said there was writing on the wall, I pictured something smaller than this.”

  Dave nodded. His voice almost a whisper. “We noticed it in the dark.”

  Alex walked to the wall for a closer look. “I can believe it.”

  “Have you ever seen anything like this before?”

  He shook his head. “Not as far as written messages go. Are you guys okay with us setting up cameras in here?”

  Dave nodded then rubbed his mouth and chin with his hand. His behavior told Alex that the writing was not the only activity the family had experienced in the room. “That would probably be wise. The night this was written on the wall, we entered the room to find Sam sitting on the rail of her crib with her feet placed between the slats. She climbed down and stood in the crib. Most of the time, Sam is the one that Katrina chooses to possess.”

  Alex, Sara, and Gene traded glances between themselves. Alex then said, “Setting some equipment up in here would seem wise then wouldn’t it?”

  Dave just nodded. “If you all are ready, I’ll show you Chaun’s room.” Alex nodded in response. Dave led the team out of the nursery. Once through the door, Dave turned left and escorted the team through the first doorway to their left. As soon as they entered, the team noticed the damage left by Denise’s body. They walked over and inspected the wall across from Chaun’s bed. Sara was the first to face the opposite wall. She faced Chaun’s bed, and quickly covered her mouth with her hand. Alex turned and noticed that Sara was crying.

  He placed his hand on her shoulder. His tone was full of worry. “What’s wrong?” He followed her gaze to find the cause of her tears. His eyes locked on and followed trails of blood on the wall above Chaun’s bed. They stopped, right before they reached the ceiling, at the hole made by Denise’s head. His jaw dropped. “Holy shit! When you said she was lifted into the air, I thought you meant for a split second.”

  Dave shook his head. “No, she was dangling in mid-air above Chaun, while he was lying on the bed, for a few seconds. After that was when her head was slammed into the wall above the bed.” He walked to the closet door and showed the team the jersey Denise was wearing during the attack. The front of the jersey looked as if it had been tie-dyed with blood. “This is what she had on at the time.”

  Alex looked at Dave in disbelief. “She didn’t look like she had even been injured.”

  “It didn’t cut deep, but even a small cut to the head will bleed profusely.”

  Alex nodded. “Good point.”

  Dave closed the closet door, then turned and looked at the group. He raised his hands then let them fall back at his sides. “That’s about all the locations. There was some activity on the back patio
, but that was when all of us were present. If you guys are ready, I can show you the video footage now.”

  Alex nodded. “That would be great. Thank you.”

  Dave escorted the team back down to the first floor. When he reached the bottom of the staircase, he turned left into the study. He walked over to his computer and brought up the two videos he had captured from the dining room and living room. “This is the first of the two. It shows all but one of the entries into the dining room. No one enters the room, and Denise never left the couch.”

  The team was amazed at the footage. Gene was still skeptical at the footage. “How do we know that someone wasn’t standing behind the camera the entire time, or came in through the entrance not shown?” Alex looked at him for a second, and then focused his attention back on the screen.

  Alex then spoke, “There is a reason why that is not a person moving the camera. A person could not lift a camera off the table and walk it across the room without jostling it at least the slightest bit. As far as the unseen entrance, no one can be seen leaving the room.”

  Dave looked at Gene. He closed out of the first video. “That’s why I filmed the second night, just in case anyone had any doubts.” Dave double clicked on the icon to access the footage of the three items being moved. “This was filmed the next night. I strapped the camera down to the dining room table so it would not be moved. This is what I captured.”

  Alex and Sara watched excitedly as they saw the items being moved to the entertainment center from different areas of the room. Gene continued to watch, mentally questioning how the family was able to manipulate the footage. Gene usually was skeptical and tried to find reasoning in anything new that he could not explain. A lot of people do not believe in the paranormal. Gene was one of those people.