DAY 7
Willow’s Book of Record
The plan is in motion and soon the town will shut down. I have given Bethiah the order to dispense with the drugged drink. Soon the town will begin to show the signs of withdrawal. People will be hollowed eyed. They will stop going to work and many of the stores and businesses will struggle to stay open without workers. I have ensured Dr. Peabrain can’t treat one pathetic person going through withdrawal. Venius and Clovis intercepted the “antidote” medication they were going to use for the victims’ symptoms. My snitch has revealed their master plan to me, which I have now crushed. Within a few days there will be madness and hallucinating, the crazed will roam, and there will be bloodshed in the streets while our sweet citizens withdraw from my special drug. I have Venius protecting Bethiah and have Clovis comforting as many deranged women druggies as he can.
These people are so pathetic.
They deserve to die.
DAY 8
The Barrington Estate
Mid-morning Dr. Peabody called the Barrington Estate and spoke to John. “No clinic is going to happen. Sheriff lost the shipment of meds.”
“What! How?”
“Witness says the delivery truck got ambushed by two men, but he couldn’t provide a very good description of them. Just said they were, and I quote, ‘really large.’ He claims he doesn’t remember what they looked like. The bum smelled like beer.”
“What about the truck driver?”
“Well, he couldn’t talk on account of he’s dead.”
“So, if Holt wasn’t there, why are you blaming him?” John asked curiously.
“Gotta blame somebody,” the Doc said abruptly before he hung up.
Word had gotten out about the headquarters formed at the Barrington Estate. A safe route was set up through the woods from South Road for people to use without being accosted by Willow’s ruthless gang members. They arrived in families—some of them because a child or a spouse was swept up in the madness of anarchy in the town, others because they wanted to help get control of their town back. The “supernatural” element of the town’s problem was kept top secret.
Eric Sweet’s wife Anna, and their son James, were just one of many examples of family members wanting things to go back to normal. “My husband can be a jackass on his good days, but he’s the man who gives out free candy and ice cream to the poor kids in town, and I want him back!”
Cindy and Noah Baker were also active participants. “Hormones are ruling my son Reg…who comes home to eat and sleep the day away. We need that school reopened, and pronto!”
The gang of do-gooders was pitifully few. Many of the residents that weren’t caught up in the frenzy stayed home. The citizens discreetly patrolled the streets in groups during the day, ensuring people could move about the teeming streets and fairgrounds freely and safely. They were armed with mace and rope and told to run if things got out of hand, but there was no need. Commerce was booming, and there wasn’t much action on the part of the “Willow Gang” (as they were called) during the day. They owned the night, and the good citizen patrollers of Barrington left the evening shifts to the Sheriff and his deputy, who were properly armed. Many laughed at the Willow Gang’s name, unaware of the mystical part of its makeup. That secret was tightly held within the town council families to contain any possible spread of panic over the witch they had executed all those hundreds of years ago.
“We also don’t want people to think their leaders are insane,” John Barrington said wryly. “They get enough of that at the country level.”
The Barrington Bugle was no help at all. It published for both sides of the conflict. Some of the stories were so outlandish that now people read the paper for a good laugh as well as information.
“Poor Xander,” Luke could be heard saying sympathetically early one morning as he read the paper. “People think he’s a quack but he’s right on the mark—and getting a bit personal!” Luke exclaimed.
THE BARRINGTON BUGLE – THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10
Town Teen Sadie Kellar—Leader Of Gang Terrorizing Barrington—A True Story Of Witchcraft And Possession
By X. Agerate
A high ranking source in Barrington’s government has confirmed that Sadie Kellar is indeed possessed with the spirit of her executed ancestor, Willow Kellar, the witch burned in Barrington over four hundred years ago…
Barrington And Kellar Rematch—Will The Town Survive The Turmoil?
By X. Agerate
It’s a well known fact that Luke Barrington and Sadie Kellar were sucking face for a while. Adolescent infatuation has turned bad as the two face off on different sides of rival gangs. Their love obviously wasn’t strong enough to keep them together…
“Their love? Sucking face? What’s Xander writing, a bad romance novel?!” Luke fumed, crumpling the paper in his hands.
His father coughed. “Well, he’s being secretly contacted and given information.”
Luke was shocked. “We’re leaking our own information?”
“That’s exactly what we’re doing, and making it outlandish too. Who’s going to believe Xander? The more he writes the truth, the less people believe it.”
“So…we’re using his reputation as a, well, loser, to get people off track.”
His father had the grace to look ashamed. “Unfortunately, it’s something we have to do.”
“Is Heimler in on it?”
“No.”
“Wow, so why is Heimler publishing his work?”
“When has Heimler ever worried about what he’s publishing? He hasn’t sold so many papers since—never. Right now there are people who won’t go out and mingle, but they’ll sneak out to get a newspaper.”
Luke laughed. “You’ve got that right.”
John looked at his son. “Did you notice any of the other contributors? Patrick O’Callaghan is missing now, so who else is writing?” he asked quietly before he walked out.
Barrington Mayor Slanders Gang Who Are ‘Just Trying To Have Some Fun’
By H. Farmer
“What’s wrong with making a little noise and doing some moonlight dancing?” partygoers ask. It’s always the system trying to repress us…
“Slander?” Luke mused, and then saw the byline. “By Hannah Farmer!” he yelped and searched frantically through the paper for more of her work.
Barrington Mayor Imposes Martial Law And Suppresses People’s Rights
By H. Farmer
Barrington’s Mayor, John Barrington, posted his list of decrees effectively instituting martial law in the town. What right does he have to suppress our freedoms and treat us like children…
“What? Safety suggestions are martial laws and decrees now?” Luke was growing more furious by the minute.
Feeling Ill? That’s Because Information On A Contagion Spreading Through Town Is Being Suppressed By The Town’s Leaders!
By H. Farmer
This is a special alert! The town council has been suppressing information about something CONTAMINATED in the town causing many citizens of Barrington to become ill. Do you have the shakes? Are you hallucinating and vomiting? If so, then you’ve probably contracted the deadly virus…
Special Report: Doc Peabody In On Spread Of Contagion To Cash In On Sick
By H. Farmer
If you’re sick, don’t bother to see Dr. Peabody. He has no intention of treating you. When we went to interview him, he turned us out of his office and refused to answer any of our questions, especially the main one, why he won’t help us…
Where Are The Drugs? Medications Suspiciously Low In Barrington Pharmacy!
By H. Farmer
David Croft, the town’s pharmacist, is not able to explain the low volumes of stock at his pharmacy counter, and is making weak excuses: “Shipments just aren’t coming in,” he says. Well, this reporter says he’s lying. He’s working with Dr. Peabody in a racketeering scheme to raise prices and make a killing as the sick people in town get desperate. Are we goin
g to take this…
Townsfolk Denied Exit From Barrington!
By H. Farmer
In a shocking display of police brutality, Sheriff Holt stopped partygoers from leaving town a few nights ago…
Luke was heartbroken and outraged at Hannah’s betrayal of everyone who had raised her and supported her since she was a little girl. He knew she was being compelled and that Danner had her wrapped around his finger, but even before that she had chosen her side when she published her first anonymous letter. Of course the demon would choose her to do his bidding. The kernel of hate inside her was the prime element for Danner to manipulate and corrupt, allowing her to vent her anger against her “enemies.” She’d attracted him with her vicious letters and meanness towards Sadie, and now she was stuck.
He still didn’t understand how it all tied in. If the townsfolk had acted with a 1590s mentality, they would have lynched Sadie. How would that have fit into Danner and Willow’s plan?
Such manipulation! Hannah’s articles were carefully written and would effectively feed on the town’s uncertainty and terror. With her writing, and Beth’s mind-altering potion, they had created the illusion of a powerful conspiracy. People didn’t realize why they were ill, and once they read her article, they would react.
The reaction came sooner than expected.
Doc Peabody and his wife arrived mid-afternoon with overnight bags. “Got some space for us, Claire? It’s not safe at home and the office has been trashed,” he said simply, dropping his bags on the floor.
“Absolutely,” Claire Barrington said smoothly. Nothing ruffled his mother, Luke thought with admiration. “You can join Father MacGunne in the east wing. I’ll prepare your rooms.”
“Thank you Claire,” Mrs. Peabody said quietly, fear lacing her words as she followed Claire up the stairs. “Your hospitality is legendary…”
Their voices faded as they left the central hall. Doc Peabody grinned, but it was more like baring his teeth. “To think I brought Hannah Farmer into this world. Where’s her damn father?”
Luke thought fast. “She must be one of the druggies,” he said quickly. “She’s a hot chocolate addict…so, er, when Beth started her stall…she was a regular customer.”
“Boy, you’re a terrible liar. I know what addicts look like, and she doesn’t look like an addict to me.” The Doc shrugged. “Cover for your friend. That’s what good friends do. John!” The Doc yelled as he spotted his friend. “I need some coffee!” The main salon had been transformed into a war room/headquarters. Coffee and snacks were always available.
“Follow me, Doc,” John said and the two men left.
DAY 11
Farmer’s Groceries & Goods—The Rx Counter
It started with a shoving match in front of the pharmacy counter at the back of the grocery store.
“You’re hiding the drugs. I know it! The paper says so,” a woman screeched at David Croft. “Look at me! I’m sick! I’m shaking all over. I can’t keep any food down. I can’t care for my family. I need something to help me!” Her eyes were dilated and she was shaking uncontrollably. Her hair was wild and unkempt.
David Croft looked at her helplessly. “I don’t know what’s wrong with you, and you don’t have a prescription—”
“Forget the damn prescription! Doc Peabody has left, the damn coward! Left us to suffer this damn virus!”
“Virus?” he said aloud with a look of utter confusion on his face.
There was muttering behind her as a group of people waiting for their turn, and suffering the same symptoms, began to get riled.
“It’s not a virus—” he began, but he never finished.
“Of course you’d say that!” the lady yelled, her patience snapping. She tried to push her way through the counter to access the wall of cabinets housing the prescription medications. The mob behind her pushed as well.
“Madam!” he exclaimed, to no avail.
Well, that’s my cue to leave, David thought, looking at the crazed people who were trying to push themselves through and were now crushing the lady he had been dealing with. One of them was drooling.
“Try not to poison yourselves,” he said with a shout as he exited via the back door. Thank God the pharmacy’s at the back, he thought with relief as he checked the alley. It was clear, so he raced through and headed home. Idiots, he thought to himself.
The woman was badly hurt after she was crushed and then trampled by the people trying to get to the medications. After the melee was cleared by a roaring Bill Farmer, the citizen’s patrol discreetly came in and brought her home to her family.
“We just didn’t know what to do anymore,” her husband said sadly, tucking the unconscious figure of his wife in their bed. “Without the Doc…”
“Do the best you can,” Clara Innes said, being one of the party who had rescued the woman.
“And pray,” Father MacGunne added in parting.
DAY 12
The Barrington Estate
Crazy twitching people wandered through the streets day and night mingling with the fairgoers and party animals, none of whom seemed to notice. There wasn’t any point to their roaming, but mindless activity seemed necessary for their recovery.
“They’re like zombies,” Father MacGunne noted worriedly. They were all conferring in the Barrington’s salon.
“Why are they doing that Doc?” the Sheriff asked curiously, watching a roving band head past the church.
“Weak minds on drugs—they probably think it’s fun—maybe they’re looking to score some more junk—more ‘n likely they’re just stupid.”
Father MacGunne looked at the Doc with his mouth open. “That’s it? That’s your professional opinion?”
“I got nothing,” he shrugged, taking a sip of his coffee and folding The Bugle he was reading. “I’ve never seen this before, and I have no way of examining one with my office closed. We never identified the unknown component to that drink, the hallucinogen, so like I said—I’ve got nothing.” But watching the stupid zombies stumbling around had given him an idea. He called Xander.
THE BARRINGTON BUGLE – SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13
Special Report
A Message To All Barringtoners From Dr. Lance Peabody
A phone conversation with Dr. Peabody as transcribed by X. Agerate
My dear patients and fellow citizens, I HAVE ISOLATED THE CAUSE OF THE VIRUS. It is an airborne strain of areius idiotus aneoleus that has come from the north. I have contracted it, along with my wife, which is why we had to close our offices…along with the fact that you trashed them. There is no chemical cure for this virus, so using prescription drugs won’t help you now. Only natural remedies will have any effect, combined with lots of rest. I’m writing the whole town a prescription and publishing a doctor’s decree:
If you have contracted the Barrington Virus, you must stay in bed for the next two weeks. Call the number below and leave the names of the sick patients and your home address with the phone service. Within a day of leaving a message, the vitamins necessary for a speedy recovery will be delivered to your door.
During your recovery you may experience headache, hallucinations, vomiting, stomach cramps, extreme sweating, diarrhea, a spastic colon, numbness in your hands and/or feet, tremors and/or twitching, temporary blindness, hair loss, dry mouth, ringing in your ears, bleeding gums, stupidity, rudeness, or loose teeth among other symptoms. If you have some or all of these symptoms, stay in bed. If you only have one or two, your case is mild, and you are very lucky, but you should still rest.
The Bugle will publish the clinic’s opening hours once the missus and I have recovered ourselves and are back in business.
Good luck to you all, and may God have mercy on our souls.
Letters to the Editor
Dear Ed:
I’d like to address Hannah Farmer’s article “Townsfolk Denied Exit” and her perspective on police brutality. Let’s be clear—enthusiastic alcohol filled party people have been disturbing
farmhouses in outlying areas by ringing doorbells and running like idiots, peeing on the sides of people’s homes, and undressing “to be free” then passing out and becoming “naked-human-snoring-still life on lawn” sculptures. That is NOT art, and no family wants to see a naked man on their lawn in the morning.
The police “brutality” was my deputy and I shooting marshmallows from our ’mallow guns to get these artists to disperse before they headed out to try and “make someone’s night.” I hardly think their “giggling” constitutes police brutality.
-Marshmallow Shooter at the Police Station
DAY 13
The Barrington Estate
The Sheriff laughed when he read Xander’s article. “Really, Doc. Bleeding gums? Hair loss? Stupidity?”
The Doc shrugged as he drank his coffee in the Barrington’s salon. “At least they’ll feel better if they only have the vomiting and the tremors and not all the symptoms.”
Dean was impressed. “You’re a genius! The streets are clear of hollow-eyed zombies. Just normal people enjoying the festival. I can’t believe there are parts of this town that are still normal.”
“Ain’t nothing normal about that fair,” the Doc grumbled.
Phone calls flooded into the hotline.
“Let’s hope people don’t call each other and compare vitamins,” Dean said. “This house is getting cod liver oil. Yuck.”
Nathalie laughed. “I’m giving these people orange-flavoured Vitamin C. They’re delicious! We have them at home.”
Teams of good guys biked the “remedies” all over town. It was nice to be out. The teens were tired of being trapped indoors and were restless.
“I didn’t realize how much I enjoyed my freedom until I didn’t have it anymore,” Dean grumbled.
They spent their days at the Barrington Estate with their little brothers and sisters while their parents worked. With school out, babysitters were in constant demand.
The other problem causing Dean’s irritability was since school disbanded, and the “gangs” took sides, Dean and Nathalie hadn’t had much time alone together. Nights and days were spent at home or in the war room at Barrington Manor. Taline and Wayman came and went, reporting as the eyes at the fair. They were never alone.
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