The Forbidden Script

by Richard Brockwell

  “Keep looking. We can’t leave here empty handed.”

  Jason was in one of the bedrooms, looking through the closet when he noticed something protruding through the sheets on the upper shelve. He reached for it and pulled out a book with a black leather cover. The first page reads, “Diary of Sarah Masters.”

  He moves over to the bed and sits down, quite sure he found something of importance. Jason continues reading the next few pages, mostly about day to day things, what the day was like and where she went. The next page gets interesting, dating back a few months ago.

  Jason reads out what Sarah wrote. “I started a class about spiritual phenomena and how to meditate and relax your mind. I found it to be very pleasant, but what excited me the most were the parts about spirits and the supernatural.”

  He continues reading. “Met new friends. We all have the same interests and get along great. I’m looking forward to the next session.”

  Jason then hears Danny calling and slips the diary into his back pocket as he heads over to where Danny is.

  “Did you find anything?” Asked Danny.

  “I sure did. Sarah’s diary. Found it hidden in her closet. Let’s get out of here before some nosy neighbor starts asking questions. We don’t have a search warrant remember,” said Jason, on his way out the door.

  “Let’s go over to the forensic lab. I want Kate to check out the diary. It has some weird writing in it, and she seems to know more about this paranormal stuff than we do,” said Jason.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Sally and Jackie managed to get to school just in time before the next class began. Both girls were excited about comparing notes and studies with a neighboring university and couldn’t wait to get going.

  “I heard the anthropology class is one of the best in the country. They always seem to gather more info than any other class. I hope our notes are not too far behind compared to theirs,” said Sally.

  Both girls listened to their lecturer Mr. Morgan discussing the trip, and at what time they will leave. They will be spending a couple of days which meant an overnight stay. Sally wasn’t prepared for the trip and still has to tell her father she won’t be coming home tonight. She decided to leave school a bit earlier than usual to collect fresh clothing for the night. It was around 3 p.m. when she called Jason from home.

  “Dad, it’s me Sally!” Jason answered the phone sensing something was up.

  “Hi Sally, your home early, is everything alright?” He asked her.

  “Yes, I’m fine dad. Just to let you know the trip to Miami University includes an overnight stay. We will be coming back tomorrow night.”

  Jason was not pleased with such short notice but trusted Sally as she has always been honest with him.

  “Well, okay then, I wish I knew beforehand, so I could come to say goodbye.”

  “It’s only for one night dad. You won’t even realize I’m gone,” Sally said with a giggle.

  “You take care, and call me if you need anything.”

  “Okay dad, I will, don’t worry. Bye for now, I have to go.”

  Jason said bye with a worried tone in his voice.

  The girls hurried back to school after collecting what they needed for the overnight stay. They waited with the other students in the assembly hall until everyone was present. At around 4:30 p.m. Mr. Morgan arrived, announcing all was okay for them to board the awaiting coach and begin the journey to the university.

  Things were getting interesting back at the lab. Kate was downloading some computer software to try and decrypt the language found in Sarah’s diary. The writing seemed to be an ancient text she has never seen before.

  Jason and Danny went to get coffee, and came back to find Kate still trying to figure out what the writing in the journal is.

  “Any luck with the diary?” Asked Jason.

  “It’s still searching for a code to unlock the language,” she replied.

  “It must be very old. I hope we manage to understand it?” Said Danny as he scratched his head.

  Jason went over to Kate handing her a cup of coffee.

  “Why don’t you have a break until it finishes decoding? Danny and I will head over to this tattoo place he spotted earlier this morning. Call us when you’re ready, and we will come back later,” he said.

  “I think it’s going to take a while anyhow. Okay then, I will call you when it’s ready,” said Kate.

  A class of fifteen students, mostly girls about the same age as Sally and Jackie boarded the coach to Miami University. The coach being air-conditioned was a comfort in the hot weather and kept the class chatting during the two-hour journey. Around 5:30 p.m. they finally arrived at their destination. Sally and Jackie stayed together and followed the other students up the steps leading to their prepared rooms for an overnight stay. Sally was excited, stopping to admire the trophies and pictures while on the way to their room. She was amazed at the large scale of the university and how well organized the place is. What impressed her the most were photographs of ancient Indian sites. The pictures were taken in the late 1800s. The showcase stretching half the length of the corridor was filled with old photographs and drawings. Sally and Jackie could not believe how updated the anthropology classes are.

  “These pictures are amazing, and the information written about each picture gets you thinking that someone went back in time to interview them,” said Sally.

  Jackie agreed. “How I wish I can get transferred here,” she said.

  The girls entered the room they would be sharing together.

  “This is awesome. The room is huge compared to the other universities; we visited before. Wouldn’t it be great if we were staying a whole week, and not just a night,” Sally said.

  “We better start unpacking. Don’t forget we have to meet Mr. Morgan in the assembly hall in half an hour.”

  The girls headed to the hall after they freshened up, where they met with the other students and their lecturer Mr. Morgan. The hallways and corridors were all marked with directions, just like street signs.

  “Well, you can’t get lost in this place,” Jackie said.

  Mr. Morgan was the first to arrive. He had notes and a schedule ready for his class as they entered the large assembly hall. The ceiling was covered with pictures that the art class had painted throughout the many years. The rows of seats were upholstered in purple velvet and the floor of polished oak. In front of them was a massive stage with huge red curtains. The whole class stood mesmerized at the size of the great hall.

  Mr. Morgan’s voice sounded over the microphone.

  “Have a seat class, and let me introduce you to the Dean of Miami University, Mr. Fredrick Haynes.”

  The Dean stepped forward. “Welcome class, I hope you found your accommodation satisfactory, and wish you the best of luck in your studies here. You will have some free time today to look around, and get settled in. At 8:00pm, dinner will be served in the school’s dining hall. Thank you for your visit and enjoy your evening.”

  Mr. Haynes stepped off the large stage and went about his usual business. Everyone stood up to leave, but Mr. Morgan waved them to be seated again.

  “For tomorrow morning we will meet precisely at 8:00am in the anthropology lecturing hall after breakfast, so don’t be late and remember we are guests here and want to make a good impression during this stay. Thank you. That will be all.”

  Everybody was eager to leave the hall and begin exploring this incredible place.

  Jason parked his car a block away from the tattoo shop, and walked the rest of the way. Danny entered first. The door chime notified the owner of their presence. A skinny man with a shaved head and tattooed body emerged from the back area with a mug of coffee in his hands.

  “How may I help you gentlemen?” he asked.

  Jason turned around and reached into his jacket pocket. He opened a picture containing the pentagram just like the two deceased girls have.

  “My partner and I would like to ask you a few question
s if you don’t mind,” said Jason.

  He showed the picture to the weird looking guy.

  “Yeah, sure. No problem,” he said.

  Jason continued. “Has anyone over the past year or so came and asked for a tattoo like this?”

  He looked carefully at the picture, saying, “why yes, I think it was about three or four months ago. A couple of kids insisted on having one just like it. I suggested something better, but they refused. They made it clear on having only that particular symbol.”

  Danny spoke, “did they mention their names, or why it had to be that particular tattoo?”

  “Mmm nope, I don’t recall their names. They were very quiet, as if they were high on smoke or something, like they were in a trance of some sort.”

  Jason looked over at Danny.

  “They must have smoked some weed on their way here,” Danny said.

  “Has anyone else insisted on having that tattoo before the two girls?” Asked Jason.

  “I believe maybe three or four other girls, and one boy, but it was some time ago, over two years I think,” said the tattooist.

  “What’s so special about the tattoo?” asked Danny.

  “It’s supposed to ward off evil, supernatural beings, to keep you safe,” he said.

  “Oh my god, not more crap!” Said Danny.

  “Well, thanks for the information. Be sure to give us a call if anyone else comes asking for that tattoo,” said Jason, as he gave the guy a business card.

  The agents left the shop and drove back to the forensic lab.

  “Hey Jason, do you believe in any of this bullshit, you know spirits and paranormal garbage?” Asked Danny.

  Jason gave him a weird look.

  “Hell no! Never seen a ghost yet, and don’t intend to either. Sally says spirits do exist, but if you don’t believe in them, you most likely will never see one.”

  Suddenly Jason’s cell phone rang. It was Kate calling from the lab.

  “Jason here. How are things going with the decoding?” He asked.

  “I just managed to translate the last piece of writing. When can you get here? You’re not gonna believe this!” Said Kate.

  “We’re on our way right now.”

  Jason shifted gears, put his foot down on the pedal with tires screeching behind them.

  Night was approaching, and the weather began to cool down. Sally and Jackie were in their room preparing to get ready for dinner. Both girls brought a change of clothes and dressed after taking a refreshing shower. Sally wore a soft silky dress with the hem just above her knees. She slid into a pair of comfortable sandals and arranged her makeup in front of the mirror. She had her mother’s fair looks but had her father’s green eyes. As for Jackie, she preferred plain jeans and a Bon Jovi T-shirt combined with a pair of sneakers. She dabbed on some eye shadow and listened to some rock music while waiting for Sally to blow dry her blond hair.

  There was a knock on the door, and Sally went to see who it was.

  “Be right there!” She shouted out.

  Sally then opened the heavy oak door.

  “Hi there, I’m Travis. Just to let you know dinner will be ready in ten minutes.”

  Sally was lost for words. Her eyes remained fixed on this gorgeous looking guy with dark shoulder length hair, and having the brightest blue eyes she had ever seen.

  “Okay, thanks.”

  Sally closed the door without introducing herself.

  Jackie said to Sally, “well that was polite, you practically shut the door in his face.”

  Sally fumbled for words, “did you see him? Where did he come from?”

  Jackie began to laugh, “hey! We came here to study, not meet the love of our life.”

  They left the room and went down to dinner. The dining hall, like the rest of the place, was huge. The never ending rows of tables were all in a perfect line. Teachers and students of mixed nationality were eating and chatting away. There were all sorts of meals prepared in a buffet. Sally and Jackie stopped, awestruck at what they saw before them.

  Jackie shook her friend.

  “Sally! Your cell is ringing.”

  “Sally, it’s dad, are you okay? I was waiting for you to call.”

  “Hi dad, yes, I’m fine. I must have lost track of time, sorry. Dad this place is amazing, one surprise after another. We just arrived at the dining hall. You should see the food they have. This is a banquet, not dinner.”

  Jason smiled to himself. He was happy for his daughter, and glad she was enjoying herself and also relieved she was alright.

  “I’m happy for you. Now don’t go wandering off alone. Stay with Jackie at all times. Oh, and don’t forget this Sunday,” said Jason.

  “Okay dad, don’t worry about me, I haven’t forgotten about mum.”

  Jason and Sally made it a fact they went to visit Anne’s grave once a month.

  Famished, they headed over to the buffet table. The last meal they ate was at breakfast time. Jackie helped herself to every kind of food she could fit on her plate. Sally was more careful. She chose the food she knew would agree with her, not wanting to make a scene by throwing up on herself. They looked for somewhere to sit, but the place was packed.

  Sally said, “my god! Is it like this every night? Or were a lot of guests invited here today?”

  Jackie thought she saw someone waving to them from one of the tables further down the hall.

  She said, “look Sally, that guy is waving to us. I think there are a few empty seats at his table!”

  Sally recognized who the guy was.

  “That’s the guy who knocked on our door! Jackie, pretend we didn’t see him,” she said, looking the other way.

  Jackie frowned. “Are you kidding? My arms are aching, and this plate is getting heavy.”

  “Well, you shouldn’t have filled it so much then!”

  “There isn’t anywhere else to sit. I’m going to sit down. You coming or not?”

  Sally gave up, and followed her friend. They reached the table where Travis was preparing their seats. Sally straddled behind Jackie, not wanting Travis to see her blushing.

  “Hi girls! Hope you don’t mind me waving out to you. I have two empty seats here, and I noticed you were looking for somewhere to sit.”

  Jackie was the first to sit down. She sat opposite Travis, making sure Sally sat next to him. Sally knew what her friend was up to and gave her a scolding look.

  “So what do you think of the school?” Asked Travis.

  “This place is fabulous, there is so much to see, and the food is yummy,” said Jackie as she took a bite out of a huge roasted potato.

  “Oh! By the way, we haven’t been properly introduced, since my friend here didn’t give us a chance.”

  Sally could kill her right now.

  Travis turned to Sally. “Hi, my name is Travis Malone, and you are…?”

  He held out his hand for Sally to shake.

  “Sally Mallock, and my ex-friend here is Jackie Parker,” she said.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  The door burst open to Kate’s lab. Jason and Danny entered, anxious to see what she found out. Kate was busy searching on her computer, going through old newspaper clips. She called to Jason and Danny, beckoning them to see what she discovered.

  “The writing is in an ancient Indian text. I have no idea how Sarah managed to read or write this language!” She said.

  Danny interrupted.

  “What does it mean then?”

  “It seems to be a confession of some sort,” she answered.

  Kate slowly reads out the few lines.

  “He has taken their souls and will keep on doing so. He gets stronger from each one and must be stopped”.

  She put down the diary.

  “It seems this has been going on for some time,” said Kate.

  “Okay.. okay, but why write in an ancient text?” Said Jason.

  Kate answered, “to hide her confession from anyone reading her diary.”

  “Wel
l, whatever it means, she must have felt safer writing it down, hoping one day someone would understand it,” replied Jason.

  “Is there anything else written in there?” Asked Danny.

  “I found nothing significant, just her daily routine which seems normal to me,” answered Kate.

  Jason reached for the diary. “I will go through it again. Maybe we missed something. Shall we call it a day? I’m beat and still have my report to write.”

  The agents thanked Kate and left.

  Dinner was almost over, and most of the students had left the hall. Travis and the two girls continued chatting.

  “So how about I take both of you on a private tour around this magnificent place before we call it a night?” Offered Travis.

  Sally and Jackie looked at each other and said, “thanks that would be great. Is it okay though to be prowling around this time of night? We don’t want you to get in any trouble with the Dean.”

  Travis said, “the Deans a great guy, and it won’t be the first time.”

  They all got up from the table.

  “I need to use the restroom before we go,” said Sally.

  “It’s the first door on the left. I’ll wait here for you,” he said.

  They headed for the toilets, and when they were out of earshot.

  Sally said, “you think it’s alright for us to be wandering off with this guy? We just met him.”

  Jackie replied, “We’re at a school, and there are students everywhere. He seems to be a nice guy, and my god, he’s so gorgeous,” she said, giving Sally a nudge.

  “Okay, but we stay together. Don’t you dare leave me alone with him,” said Sally.

  They went back to the table where Travis was waiting.

  He stood up, saying, “let the tour begin!”

  Jason decided to give Kate a call at the lab after he finished his paperwork, to see if she was still working.