by Ink Blood
Hazy View: Souls of the Vanished
All Rights Reserved
Copyright©2015 Aletta M. Smith
Second Edition
Published by Ink Blood Publishing
All Rights Reserved. This Book May Not Be Reproduced, Transmitted, or Stored In Whole or Part or In Part by any Means, Including Graphic, Electronic, or Mechanical Without the Express Written Consent of the Publisher Except In The Case Of Brief Quotations Embodied In Critical Articles and Reviews
*~*~*
TOC
Chapter One
Part I
Part II
Chapter Two
Part I
Part II
Part III
Part IV
Part V
Part VI
Part VII
Chapter Three
Part I
Part II
Part III
Part IV
Part V
Part VI
Part VII
Part VIII
Part IX
Chapter Four
Part I
Part II
Part III
Part IV
Part V
Part VI
Part VII
Part VIII
Part IX
Part X
Part XI
Part XII
Chapter Five
Part I
Part II
Part III
Part IV
Part V
Part VI
Part VII
Part VIII
Part IX
Part X
Part XI
Chapter Six
Part I
Part II
Part III
Part IV
Part V
Part VI
Part VII
Part VIII
Part IX
Part X
Part XI
Chapter Seven
Part I
Part II
Part III
Part IV
Part V
Part VI
Part VII
Part VIII
Chapter Eight
Part I
Part II
Part III
Part IV
Part V
Part VI
Part VII
Chapter Nine
Part I
Part II
About the Author
*~*~*
Chapter One
*I*
The water was clear, calm and the sky warm and cloudless. The rock face rose like a phantom as the moonlight shimmered off the smooth rocks from the water some distance away. A rented twin outboard cabin cruiser drifted slowly, music and laughter echoed through the silence. Earlier youngsters jumped overboard to cool off, but darkness had soon put a stop to that.
Small waves knocked the keel of the cruiser. It was dark on deck. From inside music came as a faint sound. In a distance, night creatures echoed from the rock face and the forests above. In the opposite direction the pier’s marked by lights shining brightly through the darkness.
Linda Newman stumbled on deck as the cabin door closed behind her. Clinging to the railing she saw a shaft of light across the water between the boat and the rock face. Her green eyes strained to see. She had been drinking all-night and the boat's swaying didn't make it any easier. The wind tapped her sarong lightly against her legs. Her brown hair, not brushed but towel and wind dried hung against her back. She was nauseous.
Suddenly the light shot across the water before disappearing again. A cold mysterious eerie wind blew in from the rock face. Something was in the water, it drew closer quickly. A soft cry followed the light. It was a desperate cry of a young child, an inhuman heart rendering high-pitched sound. The wind grew even colder, sending shivers through her body. Her two-piece swimsuit wasn't much protection. She hugged herself firmly. She pushed her slender body away from the railing. A soft moan, a faint rustling, water splashing sound echoed from the darkness. It took her by surprise.
“Steven.”
Linda's voice was only a breathless whisper that didn't even carry to the door. She heard nothing, cleared her throat and tried louder.
“Is anyone still awake?”
Still there was no answer from inside the cabin.
The moaning sound came closer. Linda glared into the darkness but saw nothing. Chills ran down her spine. A sharp high-pitched moan echoed loudly but softened occasionally to admit a loud nerve wrecking, paralyzing screech.
Mist formed around the boat.
“Steven, can you hear me?” Linda called franticly.
Linda felt her skin crawl. She wanted to retreat to the cabin and her friends but the sound of the child crying's held her on deck. Linda moved silently along the railing to the deck chairs near the rear of the boat. She found a spotlight in one of the compartments that held life jackets and a flare gun.
It was beneath the boat scratching and knocking. The water muffled the sound.
Vapor escaped her mouth.
The boat was drifting closer to the rock face.
Nervously Linda shone into the water around the boat. The water was murky and clearly disturbed.
The knocking and scratching stopped, even the cry faded.
A hiss drew her attention at the rear. She shone the light over the engines but saw nothing. She leaned over and shone into the water.
An unseen force suddenly grabbed and held the spotlight. She tried to free it. A sharp ear deafening screech and the sudden release of the spotlight sent her backward. She exploded into the deck chair, bumping her head hard. She heard something crossing the deck from the engines scratching and hissing as it moved. Paralyzed by fear she tried to move to the cabin door. She felt the danger fold around her.
“Steven!”
Horrified Linda gasped as her breath escaped her. She cleared her throat and screamed with all of her might. “Steven!”
The cabin door opened. Her friends, Beth and Steven rushed out. Whatever came on deck vanished.
Beth stumbled forward and dropped to her knees at Linda's side. Deeply concerned she looked down at Linda.
“Linda, are you okay, what happened?”
Linda passed out.
*~*~*
*II*
At the distant pier, in the cool morning air another soul was at work. Robert Wilson walked joyfully between his yellow pick-up and the pier. The breeze blew playfully through his gray hair. He whistled and hummed as he walked. He packed his small rowboat with fishing gear and pushed off before he started the small engine.
He headed to his usual fishing spot but saw the cruiser and settled in the middle of the lake. He started fishing while waiting for the sun to rise.
Hours have passed and his mood remained joyful, although he didn't pull out any fish.
Something hissed from where he couldn't tell. The hiss became a screech, an inhuman scream. High-pitched one moment then faint the next. He was instantly nervous and weary. With shaking hands he reeled his line in and scanned the water. He saw nothing beyond the moonlight on the surface. He pulled the engine cord.
Nothing happened.
He pulled the cord harder, still nothing.
He turned around slowly. An evil, tormenting cry swept across the water and through his small timid body. He felt shaken to his core, gasping at every breath.
Mist formed on the water.
A gloomy light appeared across the water, closing in on Robert. He yanked the cord filled with fear, knowing that he needed to get out of the water fast. The boat started to move. He turned towards the pier. It seemed too far to row. He chang
ed direction to the nearest shore.
A ghastly moan an eerie water splash echoed loudly leaving him breathless. He felt the cold breath of death on his neck. Vapor escaped his mouth. He turned slowly fearing what had come to claim him.
His hand fell off the steer.
He was speechless, motionless and defeated by what he saw behind him, human, but not human.
“No... Please. No... It's you, but how? Dear God help us.” Robert pleaded in a panicked whisper.
Robert's chest felt painful. He was breathless and sweat popped out on his skin. He was numb and dazed. His hearing grew dull and his mouth dry. The world became dark and cold as his lifeless body fell into the bottom of the boat still propelling forward.
*~*~*
Chapter Two
*I*
Sheriff Martin Parker was in his forties dressed in sheriff’s uniform and dark glasses. He stood on the pier glaring across the lake. He was silent. He glanced up into the darkening sky. It was still bright enough, but he felt the strong urge to get out of the open before the darkness found him and consumed his soul. His short well-kept hair hardly moved in the breeze. He stood with his chest out ready to command his troops, if only he could tear himself away from his thoughts.
The wind was energetic and tugged on loose clothing and clouds were forming rapidly. Deputy Andrew Foster, a few years his junior walked up unnoticed.
“Sheriff Parker!” Andrew called loudly.
Dressed in a deputy uniform Andrew walked briskly to where Martin stood. From far he could see Martin was in one of his moods. Today would be another long day.
“Yes?” Martin mumbled and dragged himself away from his thoughts.
“The boat’s this way, it's in the reeds. What's wrong I called three times?” Andrew said.
“I heard you.” Martin responded agitated.
Martin walked back to the parking lot. He was clearly not taking note of Andrew. To some extend it seemed like Martin was trying to avoid him. Andrew followed silently.
The parking lot held several state and private vehicles. At the edge of the parking lot were a coffee shop, office and boat shed. Bystanders had gathered, waiting to find out what had happened. At one of the private vehicle Steven, Beth and Linda stood, waiting to give their statements.
“These people found the boat after spending the night on the lake.” Andrew finally informed as they passed the private vehicle.
He tried to gain Martin's attention. Martin ignored him. Uninterested in the conversation he appeared tired and sluggish. He reached into his vehicle and took a packet of cigarettes out of the glove compartment. He glanced at the lake again. Martin's actions confused Andrew.
“The boat’s still stuck in the reeds, it must‘ve run ashore after he died. We turned the engine off when we arrived. The corner and forensics are already on scene. You would think they'd never seen a dead body before. Do you want to speak to the witnesses in the meantime?” Andrew added quickly.
“No, there aren’t many deaths here. So they jump at any opportunity to do something skillful.” Martin took a deep breath of relief then paused. “You say a boat ran ashore?”
Andrew looked hard at Martin. He knew there was something bothering him, something more than just his wife walking out on him.
“Yes. What’s wrong? You look like you were expecting something else, or worse.”
“You're delusional. I received a message of a body that washed up.” Martin snapped.
Martin smoked faster to hide how nervous he was. He tried to block Andrew from his mind, but every time he moved, Andrew followed.
Andrew stepped in front of Martin. His concern carried in his voice. “I don’t think there’s anything dramatic about this case although I haven't seen it yet. I couldn't get too close. With everyone busy it's too crowded. Tom said that Robert Wilson went out fishing as usual and suffered a heart attack. Why don’t you head back to the office, get some rest you look exhausted? I'll fill you in later.”
Standing a distance from the scene, Martin finished his cigarette and stomped it out on the ground. “We better show face.” Martin said and sighed deeply.
Andrew looked at Martin. “Martin...”
He stopped but didn't turn to Andrew. He looked at the ground and interrupted in a soft voice. “I'm fine. You don't have to worry about me.”
Andrew reached to touch Martin on the shoulder but stopped.
“Martin, you need to...”
Martin interrupted again, but this time his voice was strong and he was avoiding the subject. “I don’t want to be out the whole day, let’s do our job.” He walked off towards the reeds while Andrew followed.
“If you need to talk...” Andrew started as soft-spoken and gentle as he could manage.
“I said I'm fine let it go.” Martin was angry but his still didn’t face Andrew.
“Martin.” Andrew paused.
Martin turned to Andrew slowly. “What's your problem? We've got work to do. This problem between us has nothing to do with work.”
Andrew closed the gap between them. “You need to talk to someone. This breakup is killing you. You've become reckless and absentminded. Half the time you're somewhere lost in your memories and thoughts, or you’re drowning yourself in a bottle of gin.” He paused, his voice soft as he pleaded. “I'm your best friend. We're like family. I was your best man, for God sakes I’m Christopher’s Godfather. Talk to me, we can work this out. Please ... I miss them too.”
Martin was silent, just stared back at Andrew. “I’m sure you do.” He finely scolded.
“Martin talk to me, I’m right here.” Andrew realized that he had finally hit a nerve.
“If I need help you'll be the last person I'd turn to. Mind your own business. I'm not your problem anymore. You're not responsible for counseling, or to rescue me from the depth of despair. Just do your job.” Martin said loudly filled with anger.
Martin turned swiftly and disappeared into the reeds at the edge of the lake. Andrew followed again.
*~*~*
*II*
The sky was like ash. The storm came in fast. The wind grew colder and more brisk by the minute.
A path of crashed reed made a sort of bridge from the shore to the stranded boat. Voices carried through the wind. It rose above the hissing of bulrushes.
Andrew followed the path to the stranded boat. The reeds weren't too thick and the water was shallow. Water seeped into his shoes making a squeaking sound as he walked. The thought of removing his shoes had crossed his mind, but the reeds and leaves would surely draw blood.
Martin stood with his back to the path. Forensics were clearing up equipment and preparing to leave. The boat with Robert's body was lying at Martins feet.
Martin gazed at the lake again, lost in his memories. He was always staring in one direction, the rock face. Andrew could tell by the look on Martins face that it wasn’t the death of Robert Wilson that had occupying his mind, but something deeper and darker. Something was haunting him.
“Do you see something out there?” Andrew asked behind Martin.
Martin froze but didn't respond. He only mumbled softly. The word murder was the clearest.
“What makes you think its murder?” Andrew asked as Martin turned to him slowly.
“Sheriff…?”
“What’s it with you?”
Forensics left the scene. Martin stepped away from Andrew who followed.
‘Stay calm, keep it together. You're taking too many chances. Don't lose it now. You're almost in the clear, nobody can know.’ Martin coached himself softly.
“You said its murder. How do you know, it seems like a simple heart attack.”
Martin turned pale and seemed unraveled but relieved at the same time. He looked at the boat.
“I don't know, look at him. Something scared him to death. You don't need a Coroner to tell you that. It just doesn't look natural.” Martin stated while pointing at the body in the boat.
Martin turned away from Andr
ew before he could read any other facial expressions.
“Robert wasn't young. Maybe the sudden heart attack frightened him.”
“It's already too crowded. Go get statements from the witnesses. I'm sure they want to go home. I'll speak to the Coroner and look around. We can compare notes later.” Martin ordered turning to Andrew annoyed.
Without a further word Martin walked to the coroner. Andrew left the reeds.
*~*~*
*III*
The wind picked up leaves and cast them across the parking lot and pier. The sky was darker, the clouds hung heavier. The forensics van had left. An Ambulance lit up the area with a red and blue glow. A large group of people had gathered including a media crew. The reporter stormed closer as Andrew passed the media van with a camera operator in toe.
“Deputy Foster, can you please tell us what had happened?”
“I have no comment at this time, but I'm sure Sheriff Parker will give you a full statement as soon as he has done his investigation. Thank you.”
Leaving a disappointed reporter behind Andrew reached his vehicle and changed shoes for running shoes from his gym bag in the trunk. He walked over to the witnesses.
“Did you find the body?” Andrew asked the tired witnesses. He took out his notebook and wrote down their statements.
“Yes sir. We've been on the lake till about seven this morning. When we came back to the pier we saw the boat. It didn’t look right, the way it stuck out of the reeds like that, so we went to take a look.” Steven explained leaning against the passenger door.
“What were you celebrating?” Andrew asked and noticed the youngsters seemed a little worse for wear.
“We were celebrating our friends’ birthday.” Beth assured from next to Steven.
“Well it's good that you found the boat. It could’ve been hours before someone would’ve found it.” Andrew said.
He noticed a gush on Linda’s head. She sat on the backseat. “It looks like the party got out of hand, what happened to your head?”
“She knocked it hard. She was going on about a child crying and a strange sound on the water.” Beth informed.
“Do you want to tell me what happened?” Andrew asked and turned his attention to Linda.