by H. Caswell
It is now, late March, death, certainly kissed the grounds of the island; many times. The sounds of the echoing roar, of flames within the crematorium walls; present, during these times, as the oceans’ breeze carries, the smell out to sea; away from the city. None the wiser; to Alfred and his sick ways. Frustration, builds deep in Alfred. “I cannot … ‘slamming his fist down on his desk’ allow my father’s theory to … disappear … as he did so long ago.” Claire senses the tension‘her eyes wide from the excitement of Alfred’s anger’that grows within Alfred. She cannot bear, to see him such a mess and full of despair. Claire understanding Alfred, ‘grins’ as she reminds him… “You know Alfred … there is one who is … fragile, dark haired … one who is … the only … one left.” Claire senses the tensions that has; built within him. It has been nearly four months; since his last release. As well, she reminds him“Soon my friend … the tides will calm, and new faces will come. We will try again … I promises.” Alfred stares at the bookcase door. He knows Claire is right. He turns his attention out to the waters as Claire, moves the secret book. As his loft door closes; he looks to his secret room …now open‘he whispers’ “Claire, she is right. It has become too long.”
Alfred knows the end for this girl; as he lays her sleeping body upon his table. She bares the part that brings his anger. The darkness, of her hair … triggers the deep, despise; he feels for Mildred. Hours of pain come to the helpless woman. She cries for help;‘tears pour from her tourtured eyes’ as her screams; echo through the walls; as Alfred sendshigh currents through her body ‘the light flickering, the loud noise of energy surging, her body jolting uncontrollably’ as he curses Mildred; for her years of lies. Screaming to his mother; as he penetrates the helpless one’s body;harder and harder,“You see, MOTHER … I can take a woman … and make her SCREAM … and it feels so … good!" Small breaks between sessions, he relaxes with a smoke from his pipe. The woman; laying limp, tied as meat, to the table; soaked in perspiration and blood. She weeps … ‘hardly able to speak’ “Please … somebody ‘tears, running down her bruised, red, swollen face’ … help … me” By night’s end; her fate too … just like Lauren’s. For the last time; this horrible winter; the smoke flows, to the open sea. All of those who have died; no one, will ever know. They, the ones left, to wither away in an institution. The only evidence of their lives; written on paper, from Alfred’s hand; and secret films, he has made.
With the melted snow and ice thaw; Claire decides it is time to clean the oven from the human remains. She gathers Randle and Charlie to help her; rid all evidence‘She reminds the two’ …“spring is a time of … new. Our dear friend Alfred … needs no reminders‘smirking’ of THIS … useless dust … within these walls. We will bring them to the swamp and … TOSS …them into the water.”A few hours of hauling, the heavy, human dust, and bits of bone fragments, now clear from the, inferno. The island once again, sits in the spring glory; as she did the first day of opening.
Chapter 11
May 1st … and the ship as pulled into the docks, in town. To Charlie’s surprise there were no lines awaiting their arrival, thinking to himself ‘Alfred will not like the news of this’. He and Randle make their way through town; collecting the new list of supplies. And return. Old man Charlie, the one, to break the news to …Alfred “I do not understand it Alfred, but there were none waiting.” Charlie sits nervously as he explains their lacking … his emotion changes, as Alfred speaks …‘from behind his desk, pipe in mouth’ “Of course, I would find a decline in the seriouslysick and forgotten ‘leaning back in his seat, placing his feet upon thedesk as Charlie stands before him’ after all, my dear friend … the Bronx is not a very large place. The people I suppose … do become tired … of waiting for help. They know the island takes only a few small number … at one time. And the ‘pipe smoke rising as he puffs’ winter is …long. It was at this moment Alfred would now need to use his ingenious mind … with collecting others. He will not just sit around, waiting for others to show. He has his studies. Alfred looks to Charlie ‘wondering if his dear friend has a way, his whole purpose on the island’Together, they must find, at least one, or two, now and then, to satisfy Alfred’s hunger, and the research him and Claire are preforming. Charlie, nervously, makes a suggestion … one Alfred ponders. “Think about this Alfred…‘Alfred looks upon his friend’ who would ever miss a woman … of the night … within the …city”? ‘Yes’, Alfred thinks ‘Perhaps; Charlie is on to … something; even greater then I could … imagine myself. I should have known, I could expect Charlie … to come up with such a wonderful idea; after all; he was my father’s … dear friend, who could figure a plan … at a drop of a dime.’ Alfred smiles at Charlie.“You Sir, a genius.” Alfred calls for Claire … as a meeting takes place, the pondering begins. “Claire my dear … please; listen to this plan …‘standing behind his desk’ It shall benefit me and of course … you. Prostitutes …the first to be; collected. Perhaps …inmates next, huh.” Claire stares at Alfred, her expression is not impressed … with the madness. Alfred, continues “Sending Charlie and the extraordinary large Randle off to the shore … once every few months or so … would raise no … flags. Supplies are always; needed …on the island ‘walking to Claire’People would … pay NO … attention to their presence; other than excitement they felt with … SALES. This Island of … Misconception certainly made a semi well to do city … far wealthier. The two men‘his voice softens’ will carefully wonder the street; searching while the shipsloaded ‘Claire’s eyes grow dim’ under the dead of night‘Alfred’s voice raises with excitement’ the men would return with a package of their own … hidden in a secret compartment. The GAL … would never know of her where about. Precaution … you see … in case of escape. Unlikely to happen with you … around Claire‘Alfred knowing Claire’s weakness’…there will be No harm to Randle … I …Promise, my dear.”Claire ponders the idea for a while … she hesitates … then agrees; but explains… “I will need some time … to explain everything to Randle. He is afraid of the Dark. CHRIST … Alfred, he don’t now a Hooker to another female. HELL … he may not EVEN … understand. You better think of something else … if he does not comprehend … ALFRED.I will NOT … have my BROTHER consumed by GREED! I have taken VERY … Good care of him. NOONE … and I MEAN … NO one … NOT even YOU … will harm him!” Alfred, swallowing Claire’s warning, certainly understands the matter. But he is reluctant to allow, his, fathers’ research to just die. “I understand Claire. You have my word … NO harm will come to … Randle.” Before leaving his loft,she turns to look upon Alfred, her heart, concerned“I am … Trusting … YOU. Please do not … make me regret it”
The plan sets out in the later afternoon the next day.Claire asks Randle to sit by her … as she explains … “Now Randle … YOU … listen well to ME, this is an Important job. You must sneak down into a dark alley … you do not need to be afraid of the dark … Charlie IS with YOU. When Charlie taps your shoulder … you QUIETLY … go up behind … the girl … and cover her mouth … and nose with the rag Charlie will give to you. You HOLD it there … Tightly; so she … Cannot … scream. Once you feel her body go limp like this … ‘as her body leans over her chair’ you pick her up … and carry her to the darkest corner of the alley. There the two of you; will wrap her in a burlap. Charlie will leave you; But … only for a few moments … just to make sure the dock is clear. You bring her on the ship … place her where Charlie says. That is all … Simple, right?” Randle nods his head in agreeing.
The ship makes landfall, at four p.m. as the May, skies, still darken a bit early. Charlie and Randle walk the busy streets while the requested supplies are being loaded. Most folks, are now heading home from a hard day’s work. The two, begin to investigate alley- ways and side roads. They wander around for a few hours. Charlie explains to Randle … “Woman of the night usually come out …only after dark.” Charlie sees, Randle does not understand … what a lady of the night is. So he begins showing what an
average woman … dresses like. He points to some wearing uniforms, he explains “These women… ‘as he points to a few standing at a cross walk’ are wearing … work clothing. And some … like them … there …‘pointing to others’ dress in fancy hats and long coats … those ladies … are Sophisticated. Another words Randle … Not WHOwe want.” He, asks Randle … “understand?” Randle’s largemouth … bares a tooth filled grin. Charlie isn’t sure if he understands, or not. A risk he must … now take. As the night grows darker, the women of the night, begin to emerge. The two, follow a few around. Again, Charlie describes to Randle the attire.“You see …my boy. Very short dresses … high heels … lots of make-up on their pretty little faces… ‘Charlie whispers’…hookers.” Randle smiles. They watch, as a few leave in cars that pull up. Charlie thinks Randle is beginning to understand more, as Randle spots the lady of the night, he points her out, to Charlie. ‘A sigh of relief’ Charlie is confident that Randle, understands. Charlie explains how the nights in the Bronx … change quickly. “You … have to look in the … dark places. BOY … when I was a Young fella … I loved walking down the allies. Lots of pretty faces and … service. Do not judge … me too hard Randle, my boy. Sailors are on ships … for long periods of time. After being Cooped up … with a bunch of Stinky lads, Well … you MISS the sweet smell of a woman … no matter … Who she is”. The two continue sneaking down past Central Ave … when Charlie sees one that looks promising ‘tapping’ Randle’s shoulder, pointing her out, as she stands alongside a brick building; watching the traffic, from a safe distance. She lights a cigarette, while watching down the street leaning back against the wall ‘She is clueless, of the two, behind her’ Charlie pulls a white hank a chief from his coat pocket, as Randle watches him, pours a liquid upon it. Charlie taps Randle’s shoulder. The sign for him to go. Quietly … the enormous shadow of Randle … slowly makes his way, to the unsuspecting lady. Charlie, carefully following behind. They make their way around trash barrels, and the garbage, upon the ground, making not a … sound. Finally, they are inches from her, as she peers out to the street, around the brick building. Randle creeps ever … so slowly …. right behind her, his shadow hidden, within the darkness, as she begins to lean back … SWIFTLY, Randle’s strong arms, reach around … he … FORCEFULLY … trying to smother the white cloth upon her nose and mouth,‘as her head twists, trying, to scream’ with one hand as he reaches around her small frame with the other ‘her body, trying to fight, as her arms and legs swing about’ fearing Randle may suffocate the girl, Charlie, motions for him, to be easy. Randle’s grip around her mouth loosens tensions as the lady’s body, finally falls … limp. Randle lifts her up with one arm, her head and arms hang loose; swinging back and forth, as he makes his way, to the darkest corner. The glow of the cigarette she smoked; lay burning on the ground where she stood. Far in the back of the alley, Charlie signs for Randle ‘whispering’“I will be right back … you wait … here” pointing to a dark shadow’ Under darkness, Randle cradles the sleeping woman as Charlie rushes, through the same back streets, he did as a child, as he steadily makes his way to the docks. Quickly,‘breathlessly’ climbing aboard, he ensures there is no one, there. Reaching down on the floor; behind the Captain's chair, he rips the burlap out from behind, tucking it under his arm. As he stand, he notices a lamp above, shining bright, lighting, the area on the dock. Charlie picks up a stone, and throws it into the glass. The sounds of passing traffic; hinders the shatter, as the light goes dark. He returns the same route back. They quickly wrap her inside the burlap, her body encased tightly. Randle tosses her over his shoulder, and follows Charlie carefully, back toward the ship‘her body; bouncing lightly, with Randle’s stride’ Before crossing the road, ‘leaning on the concrete building, twisting his arm back; motioning Randle to do the same’ Charlie peers around the corner, ensuring the coast is clear. Charlie thinks to himself ‘With the docking area, dark thanks to my killing the only light, getting her on board should be easy’ she begins to wiggle around, trying to free herself. Randle, tries to control the heavy load as it flails about, smacking him, against his head the burlap burning his cheek as she fights. Charlie gasps … and signs for Randle to step back a bit. The burlap making it difficult for Charlie as he tries to reach hishand and cloth down the hole “Jesus Christ ... stop” finally finding her mouth, and after a few moments, she is limp again. Charlie sighs‘whispering’“CHRIST … that was …close!” as he checks for traffic. They wait as a car passes. Charlie watches as it travels through the green light, waiting for it to be out of sight, motioning Randle forward; running, as fast as they can, across the dock and onto the ship. The winded Randle, he is so large, that moving fast as that, takes his breath away. He waits for Charlie to open the secret door“HERE” … Randle tosses her limp body,‘thud’ down into the hole, they lock her in.
Alfred stands on the steps of the front doors, looking upon the walk,‘smiling with pride’ as he watches Charlie and Randle, with a red headed woman, whose body, freely flapping, with his movements, lifeless in appearance; dressed in a very provocative red dress. Alfred takes notices, her panties and roundness of her bottom, due to its shortness. From the back of what he sees, he is enticed, a bit. But, needing to be easy for now, he orders“Just bring her up, Randle … to the second floor room.” Claire joins Alfred and Charlie. As they discuss the evening affairs. Charlie warns… “Perhaps … a needle with some drug would do better than the …chloroform. We nearly encountered … a very big issues as the woman ‘Charlie’s voice raised’ Began to WAKE before we had even gotten to the …SHIP!‘Charlie, clearly shaken by the events adds’ Can you … Imagine … had SOMEONE … been walking down the street … and … and the girl woke and made a fuss. Christ, Alfred … I cannot have that shit!” Alfred reassures Charlie, “I … will figure out a better method … I promise … no more mistakes… my friend.” Alfred is too excited, to see his new client, to ponder it tonight. But, Claire, she glares at Alfred, as her thoughts cross her mind‘I said … NO MISTAKES, Alfred.’The sight of Randle’s making his way down the first few steps … she, breaths easy. Randle is happily greeted by Claire and Alfred as they make their way, to the second floor. Claire gives her brother a pat on his arm, as if to say good work and asks “Are you alright … Brother?” Randle smiles a big dopey toothy grin at her.Alfred responds “Yes! Yes! … He … is Alright. Good work …‘patting his enormous shoulder’ Randle. I am very …proud of you” while he continues to head upstairs. Claire continues her way too, as Randle heads out to bed in the cottage. Charlie heads down to the back wing of the old smallpox area, finding refuge, in his quarters.
He sighs, as he closes his door ‘whispering’ “too damn old for this shit”‘tossing his coat upon his bed looking around’ His refuge, designed now nicely, the room he sleeps in. It is painted light blue and white painted trim. His bed, carved from drift woods, which have been glued together. He made this bed, many years ago, after he had retired from sailing. It reminds him of his childhood home. An old worn wooden dresser, is placed across from his bed. A family porttait framed; sits in the center. A small night table; holds his bible and a pair of thin reading glasses. An old black rocker; sits beside a large window; overlooking the back garden.
Charlie’s favorite time of day, is watching the sun rise in the morning, as it awakens, the enormous cherry tree; standing tall and wispy, with its’ pink flower buds, in full bloom, this time of year. Beneath the tree, a bench he handmade himself. He collected a few downed heavy, oak branches, when they had first come upon the island. On his down time, he and Randle would work on it. There is not anything fancy to it. The feet, thickly curved branches, he sized all equal. The bench, wood, shaved flat. Just the same, Charlie fancies his craftsmanship, and teaching his craft, to Randle.
His grandfather had taught him woodworking; as a small lad. Perhaps that is why Charlie finds it now to be, the most satisfying part of his work. Charlie’s Grandpa, had been his only source of a male relationship; wh
ile his pop was gone. Sadly, Charlie’s grandfather had passed; two days after his eleventh birthday. His pop was never around much. He, a captain of a fishing boat, was at sea most of Charlie’s life. Oh, how he loved the ocean stories, his father would tell, when he did come home. A deadly winter storm brewing off the coast; capsized his father’s vessel. His pop; lost at sea, when Charlie was near fourteen. His mother, a God loving woman, raised Charlie well-mannered and a church going lad. She, a beautiful red headed fair skinned lady, with big brown loving eyes, with a gentle way, about her. The men of the town fancied his mom. She, always faithful to pop. She loved Charlie, dearly. And Charlie, loved her. It was his seventeenth year, when Charlie lost his mother to smallpox. Charlie before reaching manhood, had lost all, whom he loved. He devoted his life to woodwork, and oceans. He never married, or fathered any children. The resson old Charlie knows the city streets so well, and those who occupy them. He became a heavy drinker, partying at the pubs and keeping company of the ladies of the night. He had seen much of the night life.