Necromantia: Vol. 1-3 (Three Book Set)

by Matthew Buza

  Nestled high in the gnarled branches of a naked oak tree was a dark figure. The shape caught Isaac's eye. He paused on the street corner allowing the waves of pedestrians to break around him. He stared impatiently, trying to explain what he was seeing. He looked down, scanning the sidewalk to see if anyone else had joined him in the observation. He was alone.

  Isaac reached out and tapped a man's shoulder. “Hey man, I have a question.”

  “Sorry, I don't have any change.”

  “I'm not asking for money.”

  “I'm in a hurry.”

  “Do you see that thing in the tree over there?” Isaac pointed to the tree line.

  The man turned his head. “Sorry, I don't see anything.”

  “Doesn't that look like a person there?”

  “Hey man, you might want to lay off of the…” He brought his thumb and forefinger to his lips.

  “Never mind, sorry to bother you.”

  People bustled along ignorant. Their feet scraped and shuffled along the cracked concrete. Isaac stood like a large rock as the river of pedestrians parted around him.

  He watched the shape in the tree as it began to move. The arms and legs shifted and grasped at the tree. He leaned his head forward trying to focus on the tree's edge when he saw it begin to twist. The shape revealed its head half hidden behind a large branch.

  It was unmistakable to Isaac. The dark figure, like a child, was now looking in Isaac's direction. Even in the failing light, Isaac could see the eyes were a maroon hue. They seemed to be illuminated against the peeled bark. He wondered if this creature, this aberration, this thing, was looking at him.

  A cold sensation swept across his body as if the temperature had suddenly dropped. A large raindrop struck him in the nose and went cascading down his lips as his chin shuddered against the cold. Another struck his face. He ran his sleeve over his skin removing the loose water.

  There was something unnatural about this figure. The lines and edges seemed too sharp. Isaac could feel a nervous energy building. His throat tightened and a soft thud of his heartbeat could be felt through his jaw. Isaac felt like someone was crouched and hiding outside a window watching him. Down his neck and back, he could feel the hairs moving and shifting sending their distorted waves up his spine. There was a prickling sensation that started in his shoulder and slowly crawled down his arm, wrapping itself around his large bicep. Isaac instinctively reached to brush his shirt sleeve. He swiped across his arm and met the frail hand that was clasped down on him. He spun quickly, shocked at feeling this rough touch.

  He struggled to suppress the urge to yell. The voice was raspy and different to what he remembered. “Do you like my friend up there?”

  It was Zinn from the Tennison cell. The stench of urine filled Isaac's nose and transported him back to the previous night. He could still feel the liquid dripping down his neck and back. The memories flooded back and consumed him. Her greasy hair was draped down along the side of her cheeks and fell across the white patient gown. Dirt stains covered her legs as if she had been crawling through mud to get to the street corner. He stumbled back in shock and began to fall. He reached out with his hands grasping for anything. His feet shuffled and caught the edge of a sidewalk crack. There was nothing he could do as he fell back into the street. His mouth felt filled as if fingers were being stuffed slowly down his throat. He struggled to breathe as he slowly fell. Zinn continued to stare with her arm up and hand reaching out to his face.

  From Isaac's side, he heard someone scream as pedestrians watched him fall into the street. The deafening roar of a commuter bus blotted out all sound as it bore down on Isaac. The driver smashed the pedal and the brakes pulled on the wheels, lurching the bus forward. Isaac's face winced as his outstretched hands lifted to protect his head from the impact. The wheels popped and skidded along the asphalt stopping the bus inches from Isaac's face. The bus clumsily fell back on the rear tires and rested. The engine continued to idle, spitting out white smoke that mixed with the misting rain.

  Isaac's eyes shot back to the crowd of people standing on the street corner. Through the crowd of panicked eyes, he looked back for Zinn's face. She was gone and in her place was a stranger's face. The old woman stared back in shock as Isaac stared into her eyes expecting Zinn to return any moment. There was nothing. He could feel the heat from the front of the bus and the smell of oil and gas. His jeans were wet as his feet rested in a steady torrent of water flowing through the open storm drain. An arm reached down and wrapped around Isaac's bicep and helped to pull him up.

  The man spoke into Isaac's ear. “Kid, are you alright? What the hell were you doing?”

  Isaac stammered, “I…I don't know what happened. Just felt someone touch my shoulder and I…I lost my balance.”

  “Fuck kid, that could have been bad.” The man looked back at the bus.

  The bus driver exited and approached Isaac. “Are you OK?”

  “I'm fine, I'm fine. Thanks for stopping, I…I really appreciate that.”

  “Well, thank the city work crew. I just smashed a peddle.”

  “Well, regardless, thanks.”

  Isaac brushed off the back of his pants and stepped up to the sidewalk. The old woman he swore had been Zinn stared at Isaac. He leaned in. “Did you touch my arm?”

  She blinked. “I'm sorry?”

  “I said, did you touch my arm? I felt a hand on my arm.”

  “No, I didn't touch you. Are you trying to say something, young man?”

  “No…I just thought someone touched my arm.”

  “I didn't do anything. Don't blame me for your mistake.” She walked around Isaac muttering to herself. She crossed the street in front of the stopped cars and disappeared into the flow of pedestrians. The bus hissed as the driver cleared through the intersection. People streamed by Isaac as he slowly regained his composure. The terror was receding and he could feel the embarrassment building. He turned back to the tree line. He still expected to see the figure staring down from the tree. There was nothing. Just twists and knots of tree branches eagerly waiting for the first days of spring. Isaac quickly scanned the streets and sidewalks for any explanation. He found nothing. After taking a deep breath, he blended into the pedestrians and continued down the street towards the pizza place to meet James.

  Eats

  Ahead of Isaac were three young women walking shoulder to shoulder down the sidewalk. Their umbrellas fought to keep the rain off their hair as the mist swirled over the nylon sheets. Their school bags swung and danced against the curves of their hips. Isaac kept a comfortable distance behind them, periodically stealing glances as they strolled and swayed. His mind needed a break from the earlier event and this lovely view was just what he needed.

  Along the sidewalk, storefronts released their tempting aromas to the host of students and faculty. Noodle shops and coffee houses provided color to the city block. Students gathered in corners talking and laughing over lattes and heavily sugared drinks. Waves of heat blasted across Isaac's body as he passed street kitchens. Gas burners and metal woks played by chefs would clang in rhythm as lines of students waited eagerly for their takeout.

  Isaac paused at a side street waiting for the light to change. He lifted his head and took a drag of the musty air. He could smell the pizza from a block away. Isaac never missed an opportunity to praise the good name of Don Carlos' Pizza. He reached the tall windows of the pizzeria and slid by the throng of waiting patrons. His large frame parted the sea of people, much to their displeasure. James was in the back corner and waved Isaac down. The table was steaming with a quarter-eaten pepperoni pie.

  James carefully wiped his chin of grease. “I had to start without you, man. I had some sorority girls staring me down for the table.”

  “You should have invited them.”

  “I would have, but I knew you would kill me if I let them eat any of this.”

  Isaac garbled his words as he shoved a piece of pizza into his mouth. “Living the Hippocr
atic Oath, I see.”

  James sat back and sipped on his beer. “Always. No harm to you, bud. Did you clear that shit up with Foley?”

  “Yeah, I think so.”

  “Honestly, you don't need to worry about that quiz. You need to study with me. I cracked that sucker across the face, 95%. Just come over the next time and I'll help set you straight. I guarantee a B at the least.”

  “We'll see.” Isaac was quiet as nursed his beer. His face sagged and showed the strain he was feeling. His hand covered his face as he squeezed and rubbed his eyes.

  James put his beer down on the table. “Your face says it's more than just the quiz, amigo.”

  Isaac sat back and sighed. “I just had a close call on the walk over and I'm still a little shaken up.”

  James leaned in. “What the fuck happened?”

  “I fell into the street and nearly got creamed by a commuter bus.”

  James's eyebrows lifted in amazement. “Holy shit, how the hell did that happen?”

  “I was at a light and I thought I saw something. Then I felt a hand on my arm and this old woman startled me. I fell back into the street.”

  “The fuck? Some old lady pushing you around?”

  “She just surprised me is all.”

  “Did the wafting smell of mothballs knock you on your ass?”

  “No man, it's complicated.”

  “Please, in all seriousness, what did she do?”

  “It's not so much what she did but who she was and what she said.”

  “OK, you've got my attention. Go on.”

  “Well, I…I turned and it was the face of that psycho from last week.”

  James blurted out, “The crazy bitch that pissed on you?” A number of heads turned to look at James and Isaac.

  Isaac whispered to James, “What the fuck, man? I don't need everyone in this joint knowing about that shit. Listen, I swear, man, I swear it was that woman. She spoke to me. The same voice, I swear it was the same voice. I heard it and saw her face and I stumbled back. When I got back up, it wasn't the woman. It was someone else. I don't know what is going on. I think that shit from last week is still on my mind.”

  James nodded in agreement. “I know, man. I understand. Getting peed on is not everyone's cup of tea.”

  “It's not just what she did. I couldn't give a shit about what she did to me. Hell, she could have been some monkey throwing shit all over the place. I think what is bothering me was how I was knocked out. I just don't think it was her. At least, that's not what I remember.”

  “Man.” James drew out the word and shook his head. “We're not going there again, are we? There was nobody in that cell but you and her. You must have hit your head or she might have knocked you out. You're not so tough. You might be a big guy, but that bitch is crazy. Some inspired shit. You saw what she did to me, right?”

  “I saw it.” Isaac reached for another piece of pizza. “The whole thing is fucked. I just didn't like it one bit. In fact, I don't know if I want to continue there. If some crazy bitch can do that, what about the other patients? There are big dudes in that place. What do you think is going to happen if some three-hundred and fifty pound guy is all hopped up on meds and starts tearing ass through his room.”

  “I think we would just get more guys. I agree, two people are not enough. We need at least four or five next time.”

  “I know, but I just don't like it. That's one of the reasons I was talking to Foley. I was asking for both of us. Maybe we can get another position.”

  “What, somewhere else in Tennison?”

  “No, like a normal internship. Like everyone else. Clinical stuff, not glorified bouncers.”

  “Did he have something available?”

  “No, he told me to speak with the people at Tennison to see if they can place us somewhere else.”

  James pulled back on his beer. “I kind of like Tennison. You know, dealing with the psychos. It makes me feel better when I leave. You know, like we know the worst. It can't get any worse than that. Honestly, I don't know if I would be good doing paperwork and changing bed pans. I might just keel over.”

  “Yeah, well I don't like dealing with the worst. I'm going to ask if there's another position.”

  “Alright man, I guess I'll stay.”

  “I don't want to feel like I am abandoning you but I just need that change. I'm having a hard enough time getting through classes let alone getting my ass physically kicked at work. Maybe they'll have something for both of us or maybe I can work part time at Tennison. I just want to work in something more Doctor-ish. I feel like a prison guard.”

  “What did Foley say about switching?”

  “He said that Tennison was preparing us for ER life downtown. That it was the best place to train to manage the crazy we'll see in our residency.”

  “Well, at least we have that going for us.”

  Isaac leaned in and plowed through another piece of pizza. The roar of the pizzeria was deafening. The room was filled with first and second-year students, sororities and fraternities, and a number of faculty. Isaac and James sat in the corner finishing their meal and stared out the window at the rain.

  Opportunity

  Even the administrative offices at the Tennison center used cinder block and gray paint for the walls. The attempt at wall decor didn't shake the overwhelming feeling of being in a prison. Isaac sat in a red cloth chair staring across the entryway as Director Rowe's secretary typed away on carbon paper. The sound of her fingers blasting away on the keys overlaid the never ending monotonous sound of the building's HVAC system. On the far wall hung an old dusty image of a moustached man from the turn of the century. The bottom of the image read a small plaque, Dr. Louis Tennison.

  Without breaking stride on the typewriter and never looking up, the secretary, for the first time in nearly a half hour, acknowledged Isaac's existence. “I think it will be just another minute.”

  The woman's voice shook Isaac out of his trance. “Thank you,” he responded.

  He had been practicing his speech for hours, focusing on tone and pacing. Isaac's lips danced as he silently mouthed his points to the empty chair across from him. His head bobbed slowly as he tapped on the armrests in a rhythmic pattern.

  Isaac's mind was flooded with images of that evening. He could see Zinn again from the viewing window in the cell. He could still see her swaying against the wall before they rushed the room. He heard those steps rushing up behind him before everything went black. Saw her standing above him as he woke. There were answers somewhere in that cell but he didn't care to find them. He just wanted relief and he wanted out. He had an opportunity and it was sitting quietly on the other side of the office door. He knew if his story was clear and his reasoning sound, he would get a new internship.

  From the open doorway Isaac heard the approaching click of wingtips on the cold floor. Director Rowe emerged from his office and stood alongside his secretary. His hand held a short stack of papers. “I'll need these notes copied and filed away for the meeting next week.”

  “Yes, sir.” For the first time, the secretary lifted her head from the typewriter. She motioned to Isaac in the chair. “Sir, you have a member of staff here to speak with you.”

  Rowe turned to face Isaac. “Is this the internship guy?”

  “Yes sir, he has been here for fifteen minutes now.” Isaac knew it was more like 30, but he kept that to himself.

  “Fine.” Rowe turned and walked to Isaac. He was a tall man, but average compared to Isaac. He wore a tailored suit and his pants snapped at the ankle as he walked. Isaac could see a large cross bouncing under his shirt. Isaac stumbled briefly as he lifted himself out of the chair. “What's your name?”

  “Isaac, sir. Thank you for tak…”

  Rowe cut in mid-sentence. “I've only got a few minutes so follow me into my office.”

  He turned and Isaac chased behind him. They entered Rowe's office and it was as Isaac expected, covered in papers and short on pleasantries
.

  “Why don't you move that box and take a seat.”

  Rowe rounded the desk and fell into his chair.

  “Thank you, sir, for seeing me.”

  “No issues, no issues. Now, Isaac, what can I help you with?”

  “Thank you, I spoke with my professor about my internship here at Tennison and he let me know my options. While I have been here, there have been some incidents I have been involved in that have caused me some concern.”

  “Yeah, you're the piss guy, right?” Isaac blushed and looked down to the floor. “Sorry, kid. It's just that, well, you're that guy, right?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Well, I'm sorry for the incident you were involved in. From time to time, things like this happen here. We don't work with the most stable of people. You understand that, right?” Isaac nodded. “To be honest, it sounded like a bad incident, but it is not the worst thing I've heard happening to an intern or staff. In some respects, it could have been worse since you were knocked out. You're a big guy. I'm a little surprised that little lady got the best of you.”

  Isaac was struggling to process the director's comments. “I am not sure if she actually knocked me out. I'm still wondering about that. I think something might have fallen on my head and knocked me out.”

  Rowe smiled at Isaac's obvious excuse. “Regardless, you are fine now, right?”

  “Well, not really. I wanted to speak with you about the possibility of, maybe, shifting out of Tennison and into another internship. My professor told me that all I need is your approval, and to have something lined up to transfer into.”

  “I see. Working the night shift and this incident is getting to you. We see this all the time. You are not the first person to get a little burned out and want to switch. I hope one or two nights isn't causing this. Normally the people who check out have been here for a few years. I wouldn't give up if I were you.”