“Um, is there a problem, officer?” I asked. I was a little impatient with him, but after all, I had somewhere to be. He still said nothing, just looked at me still with that same stupid look on his face. “Is there something I did wrong? I really need to get home to my wife, you see she’s…” he cut me off.
“Do you really think I’m going to allow that, Jon?” his voice was menacingly familiar.
“How do you know my name? I didn’t give it to you.”
“I know lots of things,” he said before pulling off his sunglasses and helmet to reveal his face. It was Charlie.
“OH SHIT!” I shifted to drive and slammed the accelerator to the floor and as I began to spin and take off, he grabbed the door in the open window.
“Stop the car, Jon! We have been through this before! You know you cannot win!”
I didn’t say anything. I rolled up the window, and as the glass approached each finger, it slipped and he eventually fell. I watched behind my review mirror. He rolled and then faded into the dust storm I had created in my wake. I fell back to a normal speed and continued into San Francisco. Our apartment was near the border of the metropolis, and I was finally in familiar territory. I could find my wife and have her come with me. I was in my own body now, and I had little fear for Charlie. As far as I knew, he could only deal with souls and such. Now that I was mortal, I had no fear of death. I chuckled at the thought that my fear of death vanished with the reimbursement of my life.
I continued in on the freeway towards San Francisco. We used to live in an apartment near downtown, and I was hoping that she still lived there. The city was huge, and I would not have the luck to find her before Charlie found some way to drag me back to the forsaken hole in the ground that I was beginning to become rather acquainted with, but for now, I couldn’t think of Hell. I could only think of Shannon. Every person I saw on the street was her. They all had her face, her hair, her body, everything.
I approached the building and I parked on the street. I was never any good at parallel parking, so it took me a little while. I justified my time wasting by thinking, ‘I’ve gone this long without seeing her, what’s another few minutes.’
I finally managed to pull in and I bounded from the car and up to the building. I skipped the elevator this time and went straight to the stairs. I couldn’t waste any more time. I was jittery with excitement and anticipation. To think that my wife, the woman I had been longing for, for such a long time was just a few steps away, it drove me mad. At this point I was running. I tripped a few times, but it didn’t even slow me down, and then finally, I was there: the door to the sixth floor. I slammed it open to reveal an empty and uninspired hallway. I walked to the door covered in sweat. It felt like I was creeping to the door, but I knew I wasn’t. I had to be leaping through the hallway like a maniac. I approached the door to the apartment. I reached my hand up, balled it into a fist, and started pounding on the door to the point I could almost hear the wood cracking. A few moments went by and I heard a sweet young woman’s voice shout, “Coming!”
I was waiting what seemed like an eternity. I couldn’t wait to see the face of my long lost Shannon, and I imagined that she would be happy to see me. Then it dawned on me. She put me in the ground. Her tear soaked eyes watched as I was lowered into oblivion. Her hope was lost. What would she think when she saw me. What would I tell her? ‘Okay, Jon. You have to think fast, faster than ever before.’ I thought. ‘What are you going to tell Shannon when she asks the obvious question? “Why aren’t you dead?”’ I was drawing a blank. I couldn’t think of a single thing to say. All this time I had spent thinking only of her, and I never thought of what I would say when I saw her again. It never crossed my mind. The entire time I was in Hell, even though I was working and doing despicable things in her name, I never thought of what to say.
I could hear the door start to jiggle as she undid the lock. It cracked and the door CREEKED open. It wasn’t her. It was a young Asian woman.
“Can I help you, sir?” the woman asked.
“Yes,” I responded, “where is the woman that used to live here?”
“What? Oh, the woman that used to live here. She moved, I guess her husband committed suicide so she left. I remember her telling me that she couldn’t bear living in the place of her husband’s death. I don’t mind it though. He probably couldn’t handle the simple stress of everyday life, so he took the easy way out. I felt bad for her. I saw her every day for the week before I moved in, she was so sad. I saw her cry every time I saw her. At the end, she wasn’t even staying in the apartment anymore. She was living out of a hotel.”
“Shut the hell up!” I couldn’t take the verbal abuse anymore. Yeah she was right, I did take the coward’s way out, but I didn’t need to hear about it. The though alone is enough to drive a man to, well suicide.
“Well, if that’s how you’re going to be then goodbye!”
I shoved my foot into the door as she was shutting it. “Wait. Ouch! I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to blow up like that. My father committed suicide and I hate to hear about tragedies like that. Will you please help me?”
“Since you said “Sorry”, I think she moved to Redwood City. Do you know where that is?”
“About 30 minutes south, right?”
“That’s right.”
“Do you know where? Or anything else at all?”
“Yeah! I can’t remember the exact street name, but I know you have to take the Whipple St. exit. I had to contact her again because I found some pictures that she had left. Actually, I found some more; could you take them for me?”
“I would be happy to.” She reached to what I assumed was a table next to the door and handed me a few photos. They were of her a few years before we met.
“Say! Can I ask why you need her anyway?”
“I’m her husband.”
“Oh, I didn’t know she remarried.”
“She didn’t”
And on that, her eyes grew wide and she slammed the door. It didn’t bother me, what could she possibly do about it. For all she knew I was a nut, and that’s probably what she will convince herself of. I was on a mission, and I didn’t have time to tell her any tall tales, or time to think of one.
I took the elevator this time. I was disappointed that I wasn’t able to find her. I didn’t see the need to rush back to the car that would hopefully take me to the location that my Shannon may or may not be.
When I got outside the building, there were three police cars parked with their lights on, and they were all looking around the car I had stolen. I played it cool, turned and started walking in the opposite direction.
“Hey! Stop!” a voice came from behind me. I turned and it was one of the cops.
“Yes, sir?” I had to get away. If they found out that I was indeed the one that stole the car, I would immediately go to jail. I couldn’t afford to spend what possibly limited time I had on Earth rotting in a cell. I had to get to Shannon.
“Do you know the owner of that car?” he continued now pointing at the vehicle.
“No, sir. I was just visiting a friend.”
“Does this friend live in the building?”
“Yes, sir.”
“And does this friend have a name?”
I hesitated. I didn’t catch the name of the Asian girl I was speaking with, and I sure didn’t see any of the names on the plates. I took a chance. “Shannon Cowley. Is there a problem, sir?”
“As a matter-of-fact there is; someone stole this car approximately an hour ago. They were reported to be armed and dangerous.”
“Oh my! I better get home then. I don’t want to be caught out here with some lunatic out and about.”
“I suggest you do. Say, what’s your name, son?”
“My name?”
“Yes.”
“What difference does it make what my name is?”
“It’s just a name, son. Do you have something to hide?”
“No. My name is Jonathon Cowle
y.”
“Are you a relation to Shannon?”
“Actually, she’s my wife.”
“But I thought you said that you were visiting a friend of yours.”
“I did, but, I meant my wife.”
“So did you visit your friend, or did you visit your wife.”
I could see what he was doing. He was trying to get me to twist my words around and incriminate myself, but I wasn‘t going to let it work on me. As far as I was concerned, I was justified in stealing that car. And no law would apply to me. I was above the laws of Earth. “I told you, I was visiting Shannon Cowley, and yes she is my wife.”
“So you don’t live with your wife?”
“No, sir.”
“Why not?”
“We split up. She is moving, actually.”
“Is she then? Why did you split up, any abuse?”
“Absolutely not!” I was a little outraged at his suggestion that I would ever lay a hand on my wife. She was the world to me.
“Ya know, most of the time anger is nothing more than a disguise of guilt.”
“Well, not in this case. I’ve never laid a hand on anyone in my life.” ‘Okay, so you beat up that kid in Hell,’ I thought, ‘but that technically wasn’t in your “life”.’
“All right, sir. Move along. Make sure you keep an eye on the news so you can stay posted about the man on the loose. His description and profile should be available in about an hour or so. They’re interviewing the witnesses right now.”
“Thank, sir!” I was nervous now. In a short time, my face would be all over the greater San Francisco area, and I would be a fugitive. I decided that I needed to get another set of wheels and quick. I only had a short time before I would be hunted, and I still had to search for Shannon. I had to find her before the police found me.
I headed for the nearest parking garage. I knew that, even though it would probably be locked, no one ever responds to car alarms. I could just break a window, and hope that there was a spare set of keys. I didn’t want to have to scare someone into their car again. And besides, in the city, you never know who has a bigger knife.
I found one. It was a few stories tall. I went into the first floor. There were people everywhere, so I wasn’t even going to attempt it. With the manhunt just a few minutes away, I couldn’t risk being spotted by anyone. If there happened to be a Good Samaritan running around, I didn’t want them reporting my actions to the authorities.
I headed for the elevator and went to the top floor: floor number four. Just as I suspected it was void of people. I went to the nearest car. It was a white compact car. I busted out the window with my elbow, reached for the visor, and sure enough, there was a spare set of keys. ‘People are too trusting,’ I thought.
I jumped in the car and pushed the alarm button to quite the machine. I started it, wiped the door of glass fragments, put it into gear, and drove into the building. I exited without a problem and set off for Redwood City. I decided to take the freeway. The clock said it was four, so I had to take my chances with the traffic, but in my mind it was worth it. Shannon was just a few miles and a few minutes away from me. I could feel her soul pulling on mine, like it was longing for me as I was longing for it.
I started on my journey, careful not to speed and careful not to break any other laws. There were rarely cops on the freeway, but if one of them pulled me over, they would probably recognize me.
I approached the Whipple exit and I noticed I was running out of gas. I pulled over to the gas station on the corner. I searched the glove box and as luck would have it, there was 10 dollars sitting there. It wasn’t much, but it was enough.
I went in to pay, and I brought the picture of Shannon. The Asian girl said she was living in this area, and I was hoping that the attendant would’ve seen her at some point.
“Can I help you, sir?” the man behind the counter asked. He was medium height and build. He had a dark complexion, probably of Hispanic origin.
“Two things: $10 on pump one, then, have you seen this woman?” I asked him, holding out the picture.
He took it from me and studied it for a moment. “I think I have. I think her name is Shannon or something like that. She lives just up the street there.”
“Do you know which house it is?”
“Actually, I do; 1342. One night she was in here buying a soda and there were a bunch of men standing outside the door. I was just getting off my shift, so I offered to walk her home. She kept rambling on about different things. She’s kind of bonkers. What you need with her?”
“She’s my wife. I’ve been trying to find her for a while now. Thank you.”
“Sorry about that whole “bonkers” thing. I didn’t know.”
“I know.” With that, I left the building, I pumped my gas, and I was on my way. All the numbers were blurring as I drove by. My eyes were focused on the house in the distance, the one that read “1342”. I couldn’t wait to get there. All the numbers were “WIZZING” by; one by one I gained ground to Shannon’s new home.
I parked on the street. I didn’t want to get her attention by pulling into the driveway. I still had to think of what to say to her. ‘Okay, Jon. She thinks you’re dead. How do you explain the whole suicide, burial, and still being here thing. I could say that I faked my own death, but then again, she was in the room with me when I did it. She felt the blood splatter on her face, and I don’t think anyone in Hollywood could make something as real as that. Come on, Jon! You can do this. You were a business manager. You can think of something. Your job was to talk to people and get what you wanted out of them. Okay, so what do I want out of Shannon? I don’t know. I just want her, but I know she won’t be able to accept me. I hope she doesn’t freak out when she sees me. I can’t imagine her reacting any other way, though. All right, I’ll just knock on the door. When she answers, I’ll just tell her about what happened.’ I made my decision, and I was going to go through with it. I had already been through so much and it was only feeding my desire to see her again, to be with her again.
I stepped out of the car and walked toward the white ranch style house. It was white with black shutters and had a big bay window on the front next to the door. The door was a basic wood color, nothing special. I started shaking as I came closer to the door. I was so anxious to see her smiling face again and my nerves were getting the best of me, but I carried onward. The door was representing my salvation. Nothing would stop me. I approached, reached my fist to the door, and knocked three times.
I heard some rustling, and a jiggle at the doorknob. I was freaking out. I couldn’t believe that after all the hardships I had faced and all the pain I had endured, everything was coming to an end. I was going to be reunited to my wife, and I didn’t have to get here through servitude to some demon. I was shaking unbearably and sweating through my clothes. I was as nervous as the first time I had laid eyes upon her.
The door cracked open and slowly pulled into the house. It was dark inside and I couldn’t see her at first. I could see her hand reach to grab the door. It was slender and soft, her nails were painted a light blue color, and I could feel her heart pulling for me. The door finally swung open and there she was with a smile on her face for me and everything. All my dreams were coming true.
“Shannon! I’ve missed you so much!” I screamed as I lunged forward to grab her and hold her, but as I did, I fell through her like she was a hologram. I fell to the floor with a “THUD” and as I did, the dim lights went out and I heard a very evil and very familiar laugh; Charlie.
“Did you really think I would let this happen, Jon?” Charlie said.
“Where is my wife!? Where is Shannon!?” I cried out.
“She is safe. She is living her life amongst the other mortals where she belongs and you do not.”
“I belong by her side!”
“You belong in Hell. You are a sinner. Do not think Asmodeus will go lightly on you just because you are his favored son. He will tear you down to the core and
when he is done, he will release you to my custody. I can tell you that I am a far less forgiving master than he.”
“You can’t have me!” I bolted for the door and as I reached for it, it slammed shut. “Let me go!”
“Never!” he chuckled.
I ran for the back door. As I approached it sealed into the wall and disappeared. “STOP THIS!” The doors weren’t there anymore, but I had come too far to be stopped like this. I wouldn’t let Charlie get in my way. If he wouldn’t let me exit the building through traditional means, then I would have to get creative. I ran for the front door.
“You’ve already tried that, Jon. Stop wasting time and just accept your fate.”
I was sprinting full speed and just as I was about to run into the door, I changed direction and jumped through the window. “CRASH”
“NO! GET BACK HERE, JON!” Charlie screamed.
I ran for the car and jumped in, slammed the accelerator, and took off. I didn’t know where to go. Either Shannon wasn’t home, or Charlie was shielding her from me. Either way, I couldn’t go back there. I felt defeated. I had traveled such a long and perilous way, for nothing. I started crying.
“Please, God! Please!” I cried out squeezing my eyes shut. “Please let me see my Shannon again!” As I said that, I suddenly felt different. Almost uplifted and scavenged from my turmoil. I opened my eyes, and there, across the street from me, was Shannon. There was something different then when I saw her at her home. I knew it was her. It wasn’t just false hope this time. It was one of those moments where you think about someone and then they call. It was her; I knew it was her standing there. She had dyed her hair black, but it was her nonetheless. My car came to a halt as I was mesmerized by her beauty. She was sitting on a bench waiting for the bus looking down at a book. She didn’t notice me. So I honked my horn. Just as she looked up “ZOOBLAM!” my car was hit by a semi. I found myself once again, hovering over my body. I ran to her side.
“Jon…?” she whispered.
I was ecstatic. She saw me! I tired yelling out to her, but no words came. I was dead again. I had finally reached my destination, and I was denied it yet again.
Hellbound: Chronicles Page 11