Curse of Remorse

by Waggoner, Robert C.

  When she sat the cups down her bony arthritic hands still had some strength as she handled the pot of coffee without much trouble. Peter’s take on the kitchen is about what one would expect of a large old farm house. Wooden cupboards, a narrow counter ran around under the yellow painted cupboards to the old double sink with a new fawcett sticking out like a sore thumb to an otherwise antique kitchen with old black pots and pans hanging next to the old wood stove.

  Sophia sat down and with a deep breath said, “Welcome to my home gentlemen. I so rarely receive any company anymore as most of my family and friends have long since passed on. However, this is a special treat and I’ve been waiting many years to pass on a story or two to concerned folks like you.”

  “This very nice coffee Mrs. Framer and we certainly appreciate your hospitality,” said Peter.

  Even though her voice was a bit raspy it didn’t have that broken tone of some old folks. She said, “I know why you are here and make yourselves comfortable and I’ll give you some back ground about myself and family. After that let’s move to the living room and take some easy chairs for a much longer story to follow.”

  “My family originally came from Germany. Salem was already beginning to emerge and most of the folks were fishermen. We were one of the first families to make farming our lively hood. The Naslind family was here about the same time as we broke ground. We had and still retain about one hundred and sixty acres. At the time a nice creek ran between our property and the Naslind property. We had a few squabbles over water, but for the most part we got along fairly well.”

  “My great grandfather had eleven kids and my grandfather had the same amount. My father was a bit more conservative and there were only five of us kids. I am the only surviving off spring of my father. My husband, God rests his soul, died way too early and we were blessed with two children. I’ve out lived my two children and my grandchildren are scattered across the land from St. Louis to the west coast. I made a will, but am still in a quandary about who to leave this place too. Anyway, I was born and raised right here and as I have still a remarkable memory, can recollect many a story from back when we first arrived. I see you have finished your coffee and now shall we move to a more comfortable spot?”

  A small rocking chair sat fairly close to the wood stove and that was obvious her place to spend her time. A stand up lamp sat behind her and a small table containing a very well read bible and a few old magazines. A pair of reading glasses rested on top of the bible and on the floor a basket of knitting was well within reach. Peter and James T sat on an old, but still fairly firm couch; however a distinct old couch smell rose when they sat down on the thick cushions. Green was the color of choice of the furniture and the wall of a lighter green with light tan colored curtains held back by loops of frayed cord. As earlier mentioned one wall was covered with books and shelves and when Peter was making his way to the sofa, passed by and glanced at a few titles or authors. He noticed a variation of subjects ranging from agriculture to history to well recognized authors of great literature. She must be well read he thought.

  “Before we begin, is there any particular questions or subject matter you wish to hear first,” she asked.

  “If you would please Mrs. Framer, as you are well aware of the calamity of your town and its kids, direct your stories to that arena,” Peter responded.

  “As you can see I am an avid reader of the bible and in both the Old Testament and New Testament refers to witchcraft, sorcery and necromancy. I’m speaking mainly about the King James Version, but other versions are quite similar. And you are well aware of the proximity of Remorse to Salem and its notorious witchcraft history. I have my family’s diary which is written in German, but all of us kids were taught our native language as well as English. Even though there was misdeeds done and mostly it was a general panic and some innocent folks were wrongfully killed, there are no doubt witches and sorcery exists in more forms than one.”

  “The most important one involves the black couple and the young girl. I’ll not go into the story as by now you have heard more than one version, but suffice to say, some black magic was performed at or near an Indian village at the end of the trials. From what I can interpret from our family diary is the black couple finally left the security of the Indians and were last seen standing on the seaside looking east. A concerned missionary is said to have talked with them and the message is that they performed some requested spell or curse and the Indian medicine man was trained in the art of witchcraft.”

  “One thing I believe is important is the relationship of our neighbor the Naslind clan had with the Indians. It was noted that most of us traded with the Indians and had a good relationship with them, but the Naslind history is a bit more clouded in some mystery that relates to witchcraft. My grandfather had a fairly good relationship with the Naslind head of family. I can’t remember his name but he told my grandfather that there would be hell to pay down the road for the abuse of one member of his family that was caught up in the trials in Salem. That is all that is mentioned about that subject except that he found having a good relationship with the Indians benefited him. In what ways is not clear, but I know he helped the Indians during hard times and they would respond in kind when they could. One more thing, it was rumored that one of his children married into the tribe and was never seen again. We must remember that during those times, communication and record keeping left a lot to be desired. Missionaries came and went as well as pastors and priests. Written records left with most of them.”

  It came at that time the tall dark handy man came in with a pitcher of water and four glasses. He sat the glasses down and filled each one up expertly and handed his employer the much needed nourishment for her dry throat. Peter and James T barely touched their water glass, but Sam downed his like he was on a desert and had just discovered an oasis.

  Peter asked Mrs. Framer about the current Ralph Naslind and their relationship. He went on to tell her of their meeting yesterday and most of the results of what they had discovered about him. Sam thought it was a bit revealing to be giving so many details, but then again, this were a do or die situation.

  Mrs. Framer, after due thought said, “When he was a boy Ralph was a loner and spent a lot of time by himself wandering around the area. His father taught him how to hunt and how to read sign. I also understand he’s an expert on the nomenclature of the plants and animals in Massachusetts. Also word has it that he had a special relationship with certain members of the Indian tribe, but as time went on, I lost all contact with him and his family. There were some rumors that due to some tax problems they lost some of their original land and that all that is left is the land and the house it sits on. I am well aware that the word bitterness is too nice a word for what he feels happened in the past. The question you want to ask, if I am not being too presumptuous is, do I think he is capable of putting a curse on the town of Remorse? I think it goes without saying the answer, don’t you?” At that point she was looking directly at Peter and held his gaze until he broke it off.

  Peter then said, “We can’t thank you enough Mrs. Framer and we need to digest what you have told us this morning. There is no doubt in my mind that the pieces of the puzzle are quickly falling into place. However, what to do about it and how to do something to thwart the curse is another matter. Let me ask you this, do you have an idea how to deal with this curse or case of black magic?”

  Sophia’s eyes were closed and deep in thought which brought out her deep lines of age. With her eyes closed she really looked her years of service to the farm. However, when opened her eyes they sparkled like diamonds and then she said, “Collectively we might have a run at it. As you said we know or will know the location and with the power of the Almighty along with knowledge of how it was performed, we stand a good chance of reversing the curse.”

  Peter noticed King the dog moved closer to his master and she reached out to grab his choke collar. It was time to go and King slowly moved forward to help his master s
tand up. Sophia stood erect and nodded to her visitors that it was time for a rest and that she would be available at anytime to render her help.

  The cold hit them hard as they walked out the front door and down the sidewalk to Sam’s SUV. The inside of the car was just as cold as the outside and all three men were blowing foggy air while Sam cranked the car to life. Peter noticed the clock said a little after ten am and he was very surprised so much time had slipped by. By the time they arrived back in town the heater was finally replacing the cold with heat. Peter suggested they take a break and he wanted to mull over what the nice old lady had told them this morning.

  * * *

  Not so far from Sophia’s house, Ralph Naslind, dressed in a full blown white snow suit watched Sam’s police car exit the farm of Sophia Framer. Sticking its head out from the neck part of the snow suit, a black cat watched the police car move slowly back to town. Ralph said to the cat, “Like Sherlock Holmes said, ‘the games afoot’ let’s go back and get warm. Mother is waiting for us with some hot cider drink.”

  * * *

  At school where now a special teacher had arrived and was conducting class for the stricken kids, a meeting of sorts was taking place as they all sat in a circle with the teacher among them. She was the consummate professional: age thirty five, married, two kids, advanced degrees in special education, nicely dressed and pleasant to talk and look at. Belinda Hatter lived in Boston and was now staying with the mayor at her house. The press and witch fanatics had taken all the available space in town and the surrounding area to boot.

  Now she asked a question of the group, “Do you think you can live with this handicap for the rest of your lives if need be?”

  Brain the de-facto spokes person and leader said first, “Well I for one am not depressed or feel handicapped at this time. I feel bad I am a burden sometimes to others and especially my family, but there is so much to learn from this that right now I am enjoying the experience.”

  Ann was next and she voiced the same opinion and all the rest of them echoed the same kind of response. Ann did add, “I would like to return and be able to see my face in a mirror but my mother says that is just vanity.” That brought on a round of laughter including their teacher. Belinda realized she was working with some special kids here and by now she had heard the story and of the special dreams the kids were having. As far as a curse upon them, well she always tried to keep an open mind. But for now she kept to herself any speculation and tried to do her job.

  * * *

  Not so far away Candice and her two compatriots sat at the café drinking coffee and eating some homemade apple pie. Candice really needed to talk to Peter and James T again. Jim her boss was hounding her for a progress report as the readers were taking a keen interest in the story from Remorse. While eating the pie, but not tasting it, she thought about how to gently approach Peter for an update. Maybe the best approach is a direct one and she stood up and told the guys she would go to the Police Station and see if she could find a story for tomorrow’s edition.

  The ubiquitous cold hit her as the bells jangled closing the door of the café and walking down to City Hall. She longed for the warmth of her office back in New York and as she hadn’t brought enough clothes, or warm clothes, wondered if she could order some on line. While she was mulling the clothes issue over, head down as the cold wind was making her eyes water, a familiar hello calling out her name broke her thoughts. Coming down the street was Ed the Nose with a big smile on his ruddy cheeks. His bulbous nose leading the way like Rudolph on the point of Santa sleigh as he stopped to chat with Candice. Ed thought to throw out some bait to catch her attention and then he said, “My sources tell me that there is currently a real live witch operating here in Remorse. I have it on good faith that this person would like to have us visit him. What do you say to that Candice?”

  “Name the time and place Ed and I’ll be there with bells on. Now is not the time to discuss this as I am freezing my you know what off. I’ll call you after lunch and or meet you in your office around two pm?”

  “I’ll be waiting for your call and let’s be prepared to go visit this person along with your crew. I’ll try and set it up for later this evening.” Candice took off and didn’t spend much time thinking about it as her gut told her it was Peter who had the story.

  She walked into City Hall and stomped her feet to get rid of both the snow and put some feeling back into them. Sam was talking to one of men and then turned towards Candice with a can I help you look on his face. The policeman took off and Sam smiled at her. Candice said, “Hi Sam. Do you suppose there is any chance of speaking to Peter and James T?”

  “I am not sure about that. They are both here but are in their room taking a break. Let me go see if they are taking any visitors right now.” Sam left to go knock on the door of Peter’s room. In no time at all he was back and said to Candice, “Peter said give him ten minutes and he would be happy to talk to you.”

  Candice thanked him and sat down in a hard plastic chair to wait. Sam returned to his office and if he could be seen he was shuffling papers around trying to look busy.

  Peter was saying to James T when Sam left, “How much should we tell her James T?”

  “Why hold anything back,” he quickly replied to the question. “Let’s put the heat on Ralph and see what happens. Right now the afflicted kids are doing just fine and time is on our side. Sooner or later he will make a mistake and then we will know more. It’s his wife that I worry about. There is something very mysterious about her. Let’s go see him again when the time is right.”

  “I am in complete agreement with you,” said Peter as he stood up to go see Candice. Peter wanted to meet her outside the room so he could leave when he felt it was time to end the meeting.

  Upon seeing Peter Candice rose off her chair and stuck out her hand. Peter took her hand in both of his and his warm hands made her feel good. Her hands were cold as usual and even though she wore gloves with sheep lining, they still wouldn’t warm up in the cold of a New England winter.

  Sam gave up his office for them and decided on an early lunch with a friend. Few new about his friend and that were the way he liked it. It this case he would park his police car a block or two away and then walk to her house. This relationship had been going on for years and what the two love birds thought was a secret; there was not a person in town didn’t know what was going on between the two of them.

  Peter waited for Candice to open the conversation. He wasn’t about to cut her much slack as it was her job to ask the questions. Peter watched her shed her down parka, get her notebook out and pen, then she looked up and felt embarrassed that it had taken so long for her to get ready and he obviously was enjoying her red cheeks. She said, “Thanks for seeing me. I had a brief conversation with the local paper owner and he has a meeting scheduled with someone who knows a lot about what is going on around here. I wonder if you can shed any light on what he might be talking about and or who is he talking about?”

  Peter gave it some thought and decided to tell her about the two people they visited. Candice was writing furiously trying to keep up with account of Ralph Naslind, his black cat and the mysterious old woman he said was his wife. Then he switched to Mrs. Framer and told her that story ending with a caution about visiting Ralph as he told her he could be dangerous.

  “How do you mean dangerous,” she asked in a voice that said she heard him clearly and was taking the warning seriously.

  “I think he is behind the curse and is toying with us. Or better yet, the two of them, his wife and him together. We can find no record of him being married and he certainly has the education and brain power to be a viable suspect.”

  “I have no idea how to be careful, but maybe I should let him know we are very interested in his knowledge and would put him in print if that is what he is looking for.”

  Peter said, “I would be careful of what you drink or eat.”

  “Thanks,” she said. “Can I quote you on wha
t you told me today?”

  “Please use the ‘reliable source’ when writing the story. By now it wouldn’t be hard for readers to put two and two together, but let’s keep the story without names.”

  “Can I take the two of you to lunch?”

  Peter smiled and said, “That would be nice and I’ll run get James T as the lunch hour approaches and it’s been a long time since breakfast.”

  * * *

  Ralph was sitting in his chair stroking his black cat and thinking what or how much he should enlighten the two reporters coming today. It was not like they could accuse him without some proof and where would you find any proof to substantiate the claim he was responsible for the calamity in Remorse. He smiled and thought it was time to send another message out there to let them know that there was more to this than just some kids with stuck eyelids. As he was thinking about what he just thought, the old woman came into the living room and sat down looking at her son. A few seconds of silence and then he said to her, “Yes, we need to stir them up a bit and what do you have in mind?”

  When sending him an unspoken message, she used her hands to form a few gestures. Her black eyes and pursed lips with a face lined like a shriveled apple, spoke volumes to her son. He replied, “So you think that our long time neighbor needs a taste of our spirit?” She gave a brief nod and smiled revealing a toothless mouth except for two yellow eye teeth. “I think the dogs she raises should have a taste of the nastiness you brew so nicely.”