OLD MAN MALONE RETURNS

by Marianne Spitzer

  “Okay, good night.” Kellie explained Claudia’s advice. No one was completely sure they believed it all but decided to stay.

  “But I’m sleeping with the pouch of seeds attached to my nightgown, with lights burning, and my door open,” Andrea said. “I’ve had enough of him.”

  The other girls agreed. Each slept with their doors open and a light on.

  ########

  The hotel met all their expectations. It was too cold to use the outdoor pool, but they enjoyed the indoor pool every evening. Delicious dinners in the four star restaurant delighted all, and decadent room service breakfasts of cinnamon bun French toast slathered in butter accompanied with bacon and sausage was becoming a morning routine. For the first time in weeks they felt safe. The old man did not reappear, and they began to enjoy their lives again. Drew went to the kennel every evening and ran around with Rufus. Kellie was ready to stay for a month or more, if needed.

  “It helps work off the French toast,” Drew laughed each time he left for the kennel.

  Taylor, Hunter, and Drew had to work each morning, and Andrea would leave to see Cole. Kellie took full advantage of long soaking baths and the hotels amenities. She had no fear staying alone in the hotel.

  Andrea arrived home one afternoon and had a long talk with Kellie about Cole.

  “The doctors are fairly confident he’ll regain full use of his arm.”

  “I’m so happy, I was worried he might lose some of it, and I know how much Cole loves to enjoy boyish things. I’ve seen him climbing our trees and he’s the only one who has slid down one of the bannisters.” Kellie smiled at the memory.

  “When he’s released from the hospital, he has the option of going into rehab or coming home providing he has help. I have a favor to ask.”

  “Anything.”

  “Could we live with you? He would never be alone, have excellent meals, an elevator if he’s tired. Much more than what we have in our tiny apartment. The rehab center would want to see him every day and they have a shuttle service to take him and bring him home. He’d be in good hands traveling. I was afraid of jostling his arm the wrong way while driving him.”

  “Yes, that goes without saying. Also, if they think he needs any type of home aide to help him, I’d be happy to pay for it.”

  Andrea hugged Kellie. “You have been so kind to us already.”

  “We love you and consider you family. You have to start believing that.”

  “I do,” tears formed in Andrea’s eyes.

  The figure in black was no longer strong enough to watch them from their mirrors. He could hear them if he tried hard. He laughed at their plans. He had plans of his own.

  Chapter Twenty-two

  The mansion was dark and quiet. The only sounds were the heat blowing from the registers to keep the house warm. No one paid attention to the empty house at the end of the street. The neighbors assumed the young people who lived there were vacationing.

  The figure in black loved the quiet since he needed to rest. The last thing he wanted were neighbors snooping around. Everything would be ideal in the house, too if his hated offspring would stay away. Her fluttering around was quiet, but he knew she was up to something. What was she doing? His anger grew. He knew she moved around the quiet home at all hours. Oh, how he hated that child, he wished she had never been born. He became angry with himself for allowing love to enter his life. He did love his wife, but she died and left him with that child. He groaned in pain and misery.

  His hatred for his daughter Alexis emanated from the room, but the love she felt for Kellie was stronger than any pain her father could cause her. She moved slowly from room to room embedding power from the white light encircling her into everything she touched, even the very air the young people would breathe when they came home. She had no way to warn them that the figure in black harassing them had enough strength left in him to wage one more battle for their beings. She wished she had enough strength to remove her father forever, but he was too strong. All she could do was provide Kellie and her friends every chance to fight his evil. He had kept her from raising her child, he had someone take her life, and now he had killed her grandchild. She swore she would end his evil reign forever.

  ########

  Kellie called Austern to let him know they would be home in two days. Promising to have the house ready, he also advised her that the house was secure. The security system and outdoor security lights were operating properly. Everything at home was exactly as it should be. The figure in black laughed.

  ########

  Kellie and Andrea visited Cole. He had had another small surgery that afternoon and was slightly groggy, but at least it was the last one he would need. Cole would be able to go home in less than a week. The doctors needed to be sure his arm was healed well enough to begin physical therapy.

  When Drew and Hunter arrived, Cole was beginning to make sense. He could smile without breaking out into laughter. Andrea said, “I’m not sure what they gave him for pain, but it’s making him more goofy than usual.”

  “Hey guys, how are ya? I’m feeling great,” Cole said as soon as he realized Drew and Hunter were there.

  “We’re doing great buddy, I’m glad to see you feeling better,” Drew said.

  “Yup, nothing can hold me down, not even a crazy ghost.”

  Andrea giggled, “Every time they give him a medication that makes him feel giddy he tells whoever will listen that he fought a ghost and won.”

  Kellie asked, “What do they say?”

  “Not much. They usually pat his hand and tell him they’re glad he won.”

  Everyone broke out into laughter including Cole who didn’t understand what he was laughing about. Cole looked around the room at his happy friends and laughed more. He was a bit delirious.

  Andrea explained to Cole that when he was released from the hospital, they were going to stay at the mansion. He wouldn’t be alone. “You’ll have company when the rest of us are at work or Kellie’s at school,” she smiled at her husband.

  He waved his good hand in the air. “Drew, Hunter, this will be like college again. We’re going to have a lot of fun, but we all have wives which make it better. We don’t have to look for girls, and a sleepover will be a sure thing every time.”

  Andrea’s face turned blood red as Drew doubled over in laughter. Hunter couldn’t hold in his amusement, “You know he’s right. That’s an angle on marriage I never realized.”

  Taylor glared at him. “You think it’s funny? Tonight you sleep on the couch.” Then she winked at him.

  A nurse brought Cole a tray with a cup of chicken broth and a bowl of green gelatin. Glancing at the tray and then the nurse, he smiled, “I’m so tired of green gelatin.”

  “I know, Cole, but after we know you can keep this down, we’ll bring you more food. We did after your last surgery didn’t we?”

  “Yes, but I really want a beer and pizza from the Pizza Pub.”

  “I’m sure you do. Once you’re released and the doctor says it’s okay, I’m sure your friends will take you. However, for now you get green gelatin.” She winked at him and left the room.

  Cole ate his gelatin and drank the broth with some coaxing from Andrea. She whispered something in his ear that made him smile and eat a little faster.

  The friends told Cole they were going to leave and give him some quiet time with Andrea. She told them she would take a taxi back to the hotel.

  Everyone said their goodnights, and Cole snuggled with his wife.

  ########

  Drew put in a DVD, and they ordered room service. Tomorrow night would be their last night at the hotel. They intended to eat at the five star restaurant. Steak and lobster were Drew’s favorite and he couldn’t wait.

  Tonight he was happy with a burger, fries, and an order of onion rings. He laughingly told Kellie, “Don’t look at me that way. These are my veggies for the night.”

  She shook her head. “When we get home, I’m going to see that Mrs. De
cker makes you broccoli and carrots every night for a month.”

  “Oh no, not that.” He threw his hands over his head. “Save me.”

  Laughter filled their hotel suite as they enjoyed dinner and the movie. Feeling safe and comfortable as they relaxed after the movie, they discussed what they might face at home.

  Kellie voiced her concerns. “I know Claudia has told us the old man is too weak to bother us here any longer or cause us a lot of problems when we get home. We have our seeds, but what if somehow he’s stronger. What do we do if he attacks us?”

  As if on cue, Kellie’s cell rang. Claudia was on the other end. Kellie listened and said goodnight.

  “I was right, he does have the strength to fight us, but Claudia feels something’s holding him back. He’s waiting for one large battle where he hopes to kill one of you for your strength and then kill the rest. She drove past the house today and said she could feel the evil, but also more good than ever before. She thinks my mother may be doing her best to surround the house in white light for protection. However, his evil is strong, and we must be careful.”

  “Hasn’t she told us that before?” asked Drew.

  “Yes, but she said to remember how evil he truly is. She keeps mentioning a battle, a final battle. If we win he’s gone forever. If we lose, I don’t know, but I have made a decision. If he’s there attacking us over and over as he has in the past then Claudia’s wrong. There won’t be any final battle to send him to hell. I’ll contact Randy and have him tear down the house. All I want is my mother’s portrait. It’s the one thing I know he can’t possess.”

  “Kellie, are you sure you would want to do that?” Drew sounded concerned.

  “Yes, I have enough money to build another mansion, if I wanted one. I’ll cover the ground with whatever Claudia says will keep his spirit at bay and fence the area with as high a fence as the city will allow. I’ll go have a talk with my buddy the mayor and have some danger signs put up. No one will ever set foot on the land again, if I have to hire a twenty-four hour security team.”

  She sat and crossed her arms. “I’m dead serious about this.”

  “I can see that, but it seems a bit radical to me.”

  “I own my parents’ home. We’ll move back if need be. Things are going to work out fine.”

  Drew rolled his eyes at her suggestions. He walked into the bedroom mumbling to himself, “The old man is driving her crazy. Tear down the house. It’s worth a fortune. I’m getting tired of this.”

  ########

  Everyone was happy the weekend was coming. They were a little sad to be leaving their lovely hotel in the morning, but they knew they couldn’t stay forever. Kellie had made reservations for all of them to have dinner in the roof top restaurant. Cole insisted Andrea go along.

  The restaurant was opulent. White tablecloths and fine china and crystal graced each table. The overhead lights were dimmed and candles at each table provided ambiance. The windows overlooked the town. A trio played instrumentals in a corner of the restaurant near a small dance floor. It was pure romance, and Andrea missed Cole terribly.

  “When Cole is better, I’m bringing him here. He’ll like it better than the Pizza Pub.” Everyone smiled in agreement.

  A dessert tray was rolled to the table after their meal and each was able to choose their favorite. The meal was perfection and all had forgotten their troubles except for Andrea who thought about Cole all the time. After dinner everyone went back to the suite. They enjoyed some light conversation, and went to bed knowing they needed to be up early for checkout.

  ########

  It was snowing lightly when the five friends woke Saturday morning. They enjoyed breakfast in their suite, and packed to head home. Each put on brave faces and acted excited about going home. Fear crept into their hearts after what they had been through at the hands of the figure in black. The ride home was quiet. Kellie parked the SUV in the front of the house and the guys carried in their suitcases placing them in the foyer. The house was cold, and Hunter started a fire in the parlor fireplace. He also started a fire in the library fireplace, but after a few minutes it went out. Trying three more times, he gave up.

  Hunter walked into the parlor and said, “I’m glad the fire is roaring in here. I’ve tried three times, but the fire in the library won’t stay lit.”

  “Maybe we have a roof leak and some of the wood got wet during the snowfall. Let’s check it out,” Drew said.

  Drew and Hunter checked the wood. It wasn’t wet. They were befuddled as to why it wouldn’t stay lit. A weird moan seemed to emanate from the air around them and the walls rattled.

  “Damn,” muttered Drew, “He knows we’re back. Kellie was serious. Our bags are packed. She’ll take them back to the hotel, and have this place torn down.” The walls rattled again. “I guess he heard me.”

  The girls rushed into the library as the fire in the fireplace burst into flame. It roared with a vengeance and colors of green, blue, and purple could be seen in the flames along with yellow and red. Rufus pressed against Kellie’s side and growled.

  “That’s not normal,” Hunter said.

  Andrea screamed. The figure in black stood right before them. His deathly grin couldn’t cover the decaying skin on his face. The odor in the room was offensive and black soot floated in the air.

  “Hurry! Form a semi-circle and hold hands,” said Kellie.

  “This is stupid. I feel like I’m in kindergarten,” Drew complained.

  “It’s what Claudia said to do.”

  Hunter threw his seeds at the figure in black, the figure ducked and laughed.

  “That worked well. Does Claudia have any more bright ideas? We should run.”

  Andrea broke free from the group and ran toward the archway which would lead to the foyer and front door. She bounced off the air as if she hit a sheet of plastic. Hunter discovered the same effect was happening at the doorway leading to the back of the house. In panic, Taylor threw a heavy brass candlestick at the large window in the library. It also bounced back.

  The figure in black doubled over in laughter. “You can’t get out.” His eerie voice made their skin crawl.

  He reached out to grab Andrea. His hand went right through her. She stepped back nearly tripping over her own feet. Andrea trembled as he reached for her again.

  “What the hell?” shouted the old man.

  The old man spun in anger. The soot from his body fell onto the floor all around him. He turned and leaped at Hunter and Drew, but he couldn’t connect. Landing on the floor behind them, Taylor was standing near his feet too terrified to move. He grabbed for her leg, but the same thing occurred. He couldn’t touch them.

  He stood and looked directly at Kellie. “This is your mother’s fault. Can’t you see what she has done? It’s everywhere. She has filled this entire house with her spun light. She thinks it will protect all of you. Perhaps most of you, but you are of my blood. I am connected to you.” He grabbed Kellie by the wrist. Pain shot through it. She screamed and fell to the floor.

  The old man laughed. “I knew I would have you. You are not as strong as the others.”

  “What did you burn into my wrist?”

  “You belong to me. I will consume your spirit. I will brand your body.” He reached for her again. “You will become mine.” His laughter filled the mansion.

  “No you won’t, Father.” A lilting voice floated from behind them. “You will never hurt them again.”

  “Mother?” Kellie asked. “I knew you would be here to help me.” Light surrounded Kellie.

  The figure in black laughed. “I have become stronger child of mine. You cannot save her now.”

  A streak of white light surrounded the old man. He fought the light, but fell to the floor each time he tried to stand. He screamed and screamed. The light brightened nearly blinding Kellie and her friends. They watched as the light wrapped around the figure in black. Both quickly sunk into the floor and disappeared.

  “He’s gon
e,” said Andrea.

  “But my mother is, too. I wish I could have said thank you to her. Where did she go?” Tears ran down her cheeks. “I hope he didn’t drag her to hell with him.”

  White light swirled up from the floor. Alexis stood in front of Kellie and smiled. “You no longer have to fear my child. He is where he belongs, and he will never be able to return. Your love for one another weakened him, and my love for you was his demise.”

  Kellie whispered, “I love you.”

  “I love you, too.” Alexis kissed her on the cheek and was gone. Kellie touched her cheek. Her mother’s kiss felt like butterfly wings.

  Kellie ran to her mother’s portrait. It was there, but the somber look had changed. A slight smile could be seen on her face. The painting had changed. Kellie knew she was happy now.

  Kellie leaned against Drew and said, “It’s over, it’s finally over, but I wish I had more time with my mother. She left so quickly.”

  “Your mother went into the light. She was always good and stayed here to guard you. You were loved from the day she knew she was pregnant. She told you she loves you. It’s her time to rest in peace now.”

  “You’re right.”

  “How’s your wrist?”

  “Look! The burn is gone. It looks more like a scar. It’s an ‘M’ with a smaller ‘M’ trailing off the end. It resembles a lightning bolt.” Kellie stared at her wrist.

  “If it’s fading, we need a picture,” Drew said. He pulled out his cell and snapped two pictures of Kellie’s wrist. “If it disappears, we’ll have proof.”

  “Looks sort of like a logo,” Hunter offered.

  “My grandfather’s spirit branded me with a logo? It’s not a family logo or I’d have seen it in the papers I’ve gone through. It’s also not part of the family crest. This is insane. He’s haunting me.”

  “There has to be a reason he placed it there. It’s possibly his last act of trying to own you.” Drew looked at it again. “It’s an odd logo.”

  “Wonderful, he’s finally gone and leaves me with another mystery? I’m not his property. How can he brand me with a logo?” Kellie rubbed her wrist. It no longer hurt.