by H. Caswell
October, came and went quickly. The cottage, now receiving its final touches; brings a bit of happiness to, Claire. She finds herself longing for peace and quiet in her own space. The endless nights, of construction inside, and having to babysit the workers, who had not accomplished the day's duties, had been taking a toll. A decision is at hand, to… let most of the men go now, is upon her. The main brunt of the work, is now … completed. There is enough work now, to keep five men on, comfortably, any more than that would surely be a waste, of the Doctor’s, cash. An urgency about the matter, takes her time. Bad weather, will soon be upon them soon. Claire, takes note of the men, who work the hardest, and longest. Those who hold the most skills, to remain. Along with the workers she shall keep on until spring, a final checklist, of supplies, carefully planned out, as well. By now; almost all the workers whose bodies have been beaten, who have endured enough upon the island; were happy, and willing to go back inland. She decides all, but one of the men who have families… the first on her list; to go. She has no time to listen to the grumbling, of missing their loved ones. George though, George, is a jack of all, trades. He a hard worker and a strong backbone; he the one, she is not prepared, to release. The others Billy, of course, the cook, Jonathan, the iron worker, William, the woodworker and Stanley the Plummer.‘She writes on her list’ all others will be taken back.
Charlie and Randle along with the forty-five released men; set out early on a Saturday morning, back to the mainland. They are instructed as always to cash their last pay, the following Saturday. Of the many stops in town, in retrieving supplies, Charlie was askedby Claire “Why not stop in … and get a slice of pie and a cup of coffee from the Mom and Pop’s coffee shop and bring it back for …Alfred.” The trip back, was terrifying to Randle. A coastal storm had begun. The waves, pounding the vessel,‘Hang ON RANDLE … everything will be alright’ as she made way through the waters. Charlie accustomed to the ocean, kept his cool; but knew this was the last trip inland … until spring. The current to the island, is too powerful in the winter months; even for a seasoned Captain, as himself, to bother engaging in such risk.Charlie explains to Claire upon their return “That is it Claire … the old girl …rests now … the waters are too strong.”
As Claire carries Alfred’s surprise ‘A piping, hot cup of coffee, and warm apple pie, just what Alfred would be in need of, I am sure of it,’ Alfred has spent all this time since coming home, in his loft. Periodically, he would step down, among the workers, to take in the work and retrieve supplies, for his personal space. Alfred, worked endless days and nights alone, up there. Claire reaches the third floor and knocks on his door. “Enter” answers Alfred. Alfred is sitting behind his desk, when the door opens “Ah, Claire ‘looking up over a paper giving her a smile’… come in … Please.”
The site of his loft; undoubtedly… remarkable. Claire; speechless, as she entered carefully handing Alfred, his, surprise. Honestly, she had not pictured Alfred, a man of labor, what so ever. But, the craftsmanship, was outstanding. The dark cherry wood molding, from top to bottom; shined a remarkable, high gloss sheen. A hand crafted mantle, of the same dark cherry wood; embraced, the cobblestone fireplace. The plaster, all repaired, and sanded smooth; now showcases, a deep dark red paint, on the walls; bare of the bookcases. A large, eight foot painting, of the ocean in anger; hangs above the mantle. Every board upon the floor; sanded, by his hands; now rich in deep dark color, and shine. A red and gold oriental rug, large enough to reach from the fireplace, to beneath Thomas’s, enormous cherry wood desk, and dark brown leather chair. Upon his desk, a small green and gold lamp, sits center. A stack of books, off to the right side; carefully organized, from author and category. Long, deep dark green velvet drapes; held by thick golden rods; embrace, the long, wide windows. Center of the floor, placed just as it was in Thomas’s office, the deep red chase lounge; front of the fireplace, facing the desk. The bookcases, are truly remarkable. Every shelf, every piece of wood, sanded and stained to match the woodwork; shine in, astonishing sheen. Piles, of hundreds of books; sit upon the floor; awaiting their placement. Alfred’s bedroom; small, yet warm. His walls, a soft yellow paint; gently enhances, the deep rich, woodwork. The floor shines, which he placed a small white rug, upon its center. His childhood twin bed; covered with a white silk cover; nestled against, the outside wall. A wardrobe; stands tall, against the opposite wall. A small gold lamp; along with a dark box; holding his cherry tobacco and pipe sits on a small night table next to the bed. The master bath; painted a medium shade of blue; encased, in dark cherry wood molding. The commode and claw foot tub; shine like new. His deep dark blue towels; hang neatly, on black rods. Alfred’s toiletries, all organized and preciously, placed. If one were to be blindfolded, and asked where they were, they may mistake the place, as Thomas’s study. All these months, Claire wondering, what Alfred had been up to now, presented. A truly remarkable home; Alfred, has made for himself. He invites Claire“Please have a sit … upon my chase lounge;near the roaring fire” as he enjoys the delight she has given him. As he sips the hot coffee, he happens to notice, Claire’s gaze, upon a single dark orange book, with a red stripe; upon the third shelf, down of the last bookcase; near the window. Lighting his pipe,he asks Claire “I see you have found …curiosity, with the lone book? Perhaps you would like me to tell you the story?” She, of course, decides “Well it isn’t my business, but, if you would … not mind. I would love to know, Alfred.” He, encourages her to take a look at the name of the book. As she makes her way around the piles of books stacked upon the floor, a bit.. of ... excitement swells; within her. Reading the tittle; “Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” Claire smiles. Alfred tells the story “Wright told me about the mysterious hidden room,‘smiling’ whichwas proven to be unfound.” He stands and makes his way to the book. As he begins to pull the book forward, he explains to Claire “This is a very unique and importantsecret. ‘Glancing back to her’ I am trusting you … Claire.” With the book now forward, the bookcase beside it; begins to open. Claire stands back in … awe. As they proceed within, a revealing story; starts to unfold, of what had taken place here, long ago.Claire’s eyes grow wide ‘a devilish smile glows upon her road face’ As Alfred escorts her deeper in the room.
In the center of this ten ft … by ten ft … room ... sits a long, silver table, just like the ones found in the basement, ‘he smiles as he watches Claire’ with old worn leather straps, at the foot and the arm positions; lay limp. A long … thick cord; runs down the top of the table, attached a strange circular device, of some sort. Alfred walks to it. He picks it up and places it upon his head as heexplains to Claire, “You see; they place this on the head of the patient like this ...‘it covers his head as metal probes embrace his skull’ they then … plug in the device. The surge of energy flows … through; the cord into the … persons'head ‘his eyes light up behind his glasses, as a smile grows, baring, his perfect,white teeth’Electroconvulsive….Therapy.” Claire becomes highly intrigued. A smirk,‘nodding her head’ she gives to Alfred, as he places the device back upon the table. He watches Claire; browse the room with her eyes ‘as her face shines a new light of understanding’ He watches the sour face of the woman; turn to an evil grin, baring her not so perfect, yellow stained, teeth. Alfred had purchased many items, and of some he had taken from Thomas’s office. Upon a long, narrow metal table, sits a large device. ‘Alfred whispers’,“It is a…defibrillator.” Claire, having some medical knowledge from books knows the device. Her smiles widens, at Alfred. Above the table; on small hooks; all arranged from sizes and thickness; hang, leather straps. White sheets, folded neatly; placed, on a small black table. Above the table; hangs, a large light. There are no other light sources, in this little room. ‘He whispersin her ear’“Cozy, I find it.” Claire has now received the full picture, of what will take place here; or so she believes. The story is now beginning to make perfect sense to her. She, a very intelligent woman, who … reads many books; understands fully now o
f, Alfred’s secret. ‘Her eyes dance upon Alfred, a feeling overcomes her’ Claire, has never met a kind like, Alfred. ‘Of all the years growing in the Bronx; nobody figured, Alfred; or his deranged, mind. He has lived an, unassuming life. For Claire, to think she has Alfred, figured; she surely is ... mistaken.’ As Alfred escorts Claire, from his new room, and lightly, pushes the book back, into its place, with the secret door; closing, he tells the tales of his childhood; and the experiments … within Thomas’s office. He, confesses to the deaths, of those who bare, the dark hair. Eagerly, Alfred explains …“Claire, it is very imperative to myself, to heal those I can here … to see … if there is any hope… in my father’s research… and to satisfy my needs. ‘Lighting his pipe, the smoke rises’Those, who … come here … must be healed to achieve my stature within‘pausing’ the blasted community. I must prove‘standing,looking deeply into her eyes’ to my old professor ... my mind ... is sound. That the therapy, I have come to … LOVE can … CURE … mental illness.You see Claire ‘swallowing’ my father believed … so much that therapy of regression; with help; could prove to remove blockages ‘he smiles’ within our … genes, and the childhood raising‘he look out the window to the darkening skies’ could be; cured. I will genuinely; need your assistance in achieving all this.‘Turning to her now’ I know I can trust you, sweet Claire … with my … secret.” Claire;fully understands everything. Alfred asks one more thing of Claire, “I surely could use your help in arranging‘pointing’ these books … into their rightful places. It is the last of my work up here ... in restoring the glory. I have spent, far too long on this. I still have so much research … to do. It would be of great help. I promise you Claire, it will pay off.”
Throughout, the cold, bitter winter, Claire, would spend time in the late evening helping, Alfred. It was during that time alone many discussions took place. Alfred, would explain in detail many things in his research, his family, and his own; sadistic ways. Alfred found confiding in Claire; easy. He released to her; the hate he feels for his mother; yet, not understanding Why, Mildred had been so evil ... “A child simply … cannot understand genetic dispositions; or the betrayal of a parent, and how it can inflict‘his gray eyes; filled with sorrow’ such … pain upon a child.” Claire; clearly could see the anguish; Alfred, held within himself. She too; comes from a family, of disturbed genes. Alfred confides; his wanting to love his mother; yet, the anger within his soul; penetrates, his core so, deeply. Claire found herself, caring for Alfred. Not as a lover, but, perhaps … as a brother. From those moments on, Claire; will ensure that Alfred’s needs, would always be; met.
The work, is nearing completion now. Every cell door refurbished; to new. Every room; remodeled. The rooms that needed padding upon the walls; carefully, installed. The entire hospital detailed; perfectly. Some wings, were dressed beautifully, for those with, minor illness. Others, carefully designed, for the more severe. It has risen, from a failing structure of demise; to a grand portrait of, perfection. Alfred, occasionally would tour the entire place, satisfied, with the accomplishments. Waiting now for, spring.
May 1st still, a month off. The snow began to melt. The air still cold, yet, the sun growing with strength; started to warm. The waters still too dangerous; the men began to grow; eager and at times, angry with the wait. Claire would find herself, having to stop arguments, among the men. Two, in particular; would at times; begin to fist fight. Claire grew tired of the endless bickering; between them.
It was on the final night, of book placement, that the final straw, has taken place, down, on the first floor. George, the only… one with family and Billy the cook, became engulfed in a fight; beyond control. The two; fighting in the kitchen. The two men’s bodies thrashing about, knocking dishes off the counter dishes smashing against the floor, as pans, are thrown at one another. Blood smears on the floor and stove … from the bloody noses and lips. George … grabs Billy pinning him over the kitchen sink as his hands wrap around Billy’s throat,choking him ‘Billy gasping for air, his face turning deep red’ as the hold tightens. Billy struggling ... trying to pry George’s grip upon his throat ‘his eyes circle the area in desperation’ he desperately reaches, to the side of the sink, for a group of dirty knives … awaiting wash were laying. Before Johnathan, William; and Stanley could stop … what is about to take place … Billy, quickly takes hold of a long blade; sticking the knife into the abdomen of George. He franticly pushed the knife … so deep; it sliced completely through and comes out George’s back. The grip of George’s hand lessen … but his eyes … grow wide; as if to say ... ‘I will ... take … you with ... me’ Billy fearing his life ... pulls the knife out… and repeatedly, begins stabbing George … until his grip released … and George’s lifeless body falls upon … him. Billy swiftly pushes the lifeless body off; it falls to the floor. Blood pools, below, onto his feet…. his clothing; soaked in red. The three others; stand in shock. William saying nothing; rushes to the third floor and hollers … “Claire! Please … Come Quick… there’s been … ‘trying to catch his breath’ an ACCIDENT!” She, hurries out of Alfred’s living quarters; infuriated. William explains why he is disturbing her. She tells him “Wait HERE!” As she enters back behind the door; explaining to Alfred; what has happened. The three rush to the kitchen. Alfred, instructs Randle; who has just come in from their cottage; to carry the dead man below and wait for him.“You understand Randle … my boy. Just bring him down. We will be there shortly.’ Alfred orders the remaining men“Clean every bit of a messup!” He also directs Billy“Strip … nude; give your clothing to …Claire.” As Billy undresses, Randle picks the dead body from the floor, flipping the lifeless corpse over his right shoulder; he sneaks through the group. The men stand for a moment in shock; as they watch Randle. Surprised by the vast man’s strength; for sure. Randle makes his way, as George’s body spills of blood; swaying back and forth. Claire, carrying the blood soaked clothing she picked up, she follows Alfred below; down the long dark mysterious hall; to a large oak door. Alfred explains to both“You are never to tell anyone; the secret” As they reach the fork of the two paths, within a dimlylit tunnel, Alfred asks; “Perhaps, at some point, the two of you may explore where the one to the right, goes.I am curious, of the destination.” A large, heavy dark door; now stands before them. Alfred had not explored yet, this wonder. The three enter the abyss …
Stacks of hardwood, sit along the cobblestone walls. The enormous iron door, that Wright had described; now catches their eyes. Alfred, instructs Randle “Place the dead man down and begin filling the back door ‘pointing to the back of the monstrous stove’ full of wood. Alfred, lights his pipe, allowing the cherry smoke to fill the air. Claire takes the matches, Alfred hands her. An eerie roar … begins to fill the room as Claire tosses the match “The wood… so old and dry… lights quickly,"Claire shouts over the rumble,“A bit more, brother." Randle stands guard over the feeding door; filling wood when needed. Alfred opens the iron door. Flames; high and the heat; sweltering. He and Claire pick up the heavy, lifeless, body; tossing it… into an inferno. As Alfred slams, the door closed … he loudly speaks,“The first blood … spilled on our watch, my …dear." He smiles. The death of George, will be explained to everyone; as an illness that took his life. With no way to send the body back, to shore in the mid-winter, Alfred cremated it. After all … the crematorium … was no a secret to anyone. Poor George’s remains, now boxed up; to be delivered to his family; when the weather permitted. An evening meeting with Claire,the men are warned … “I will say this only once. If … Any, and I mean any of you … EVER … speak about the occurrences’ of tonight’s events … Grave danger will seek you out! You will never hide from … me. I will hunt you down … and NOONE will ever know what happened to you! I hope I have made myself …very clear.” The men swallow hard, looking at one another, Stanley speaks … “Yes ma’am we … understand. You will hear nothing from us. Not one word, will come from us. Scouts honor.”
Chapter 7
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