Hazy View: Souls of the Vanished

by Ink Blood

Janet went down to her knees shielding Christopher with her body.

  Martin struck out.

  She let go of Christopher, laying his lifeless body gently onto the floor.

  Martin grabbed her by the hair again, harder and deeper than before. He dragged her to her feet.

  “Get out!” He screamed loud and cold, he surrendered all emotions towards her.

  Shoving her towards the door he forced her into the passage and to the top of the staircase.

  “Get out, and never come back.”

  He issued a blow to the back of her head with something harder than this fist.

  Janet grabbed for the railing. The tip of her fingers made contact, but it wasn’t enough. The railing vanished, her balance faded. She tumbled.

  *~*~*

  *VII*

  Janet’s startled as she heard a sudden noise behind her. Andrew or Brat didn’t hear the noise. It was too fine for their hearing, but sure enough Janet heard it. She pulled away from Andrew rapidly and turned to the direction of the noise. She released Andrew and moved into the bushes slowly. Her rage and anger was swelling as she sensed someone a distance away.

  Andrew fell to his knees. He’s weakened by Janet’s touch and what she had revealed to him. He was bitterly cold although the heat was now returning to him slowly. He’s locked in a blind stare and shivering uncontrollable.

  Once Janet disappeared into the bushes, Brat stormed forward to lend assistance to the almost dazed sheriff. Even with Brat assistance Andrew found it almost impossible to get up. He fell back speechless. Moments later Andrew managed to get to his feet.

  A horrid scream sent Andrew to his feet with renewed strength. He stumble thought the bushes following his anchor rope back to where he left Mel and Martin. Brat stayed by his side, steadying him with every step that seemed too difficult to place. Brat had the look of horror and found he was deeper in the event as he thought he would be. His heart was pounding and his hands shook. His eyes were as wide as sources and he just wanted to move. He’s terrified but grateful that Janet didn’t even notice him or tried to attack him.

  Rain still hammered down and echoed off the vegetation. A gust of wind still ripped through everything. It was still cold but at least Andrew felt warmer with every shaking step he took. He tried to hurry as more screams of horror and fear rose into the night, cutting through the rain and occasional thunder. Branches and shrubs grabbed him and pulled him back a few steps but he recovered quicker every time and made up for lost time as a life depends on it.

  Andrew had to hurry. The screaming’s closer, just through a few more bushes and up a small hill. A sharp shard of light moved quickly from side to side. It lit up the area rapidly and blindly before dropping it into total darkness, Andrew tripped blinded by the sudden sharp light.

  He fell hard.

  His breath almost knocked out of him.

  He recovered quickly and ran up the hill like a dog. He kicked with his feet and pulled himself upward with his arms. Brat huffed and puffed close behind him. Clearly this was more exercise than he‘s used to.

  Andrew reached the top of the hill.

  An ear deafening scream burst into the air.

  Mist covered the top of the hill like a blanket as thick as a cloud.

  Andrew screamed, calling out to Janet.

  Janet turned, screamed at him and turned back to Martin.

  Andrew exploded forward Mel and Martin just ahead of him. He could see Martin sitting on the ground frightened like a little rat, but where was Mel?

  Brat disappeared behind him, either he was hiding from Janet or he’s drained and couldn’t keep up anymore. Brat’s too young and the chance that he’d ever experienced anything that’s the slightest weird was slim. He was out of his element and didn’t know what to expect. It was better if he stayed out of the fight then he won’t end up in hospital or worse a body bag. That’s just about the only thing Janet could do well.

  Janet slashed at Andrew but missed.

  Andrew threw himself between Martin and Janet.

  Janet slashed at him again. This time she drew blood.

  Andrew’s forced to the ground just by the blow she issued, screaming in pain.

  Janet moved over him. She darted forward towards Martin. She was on top of him slashing and ripping at him. She issued a loud humming almost singing kind of noise. She threw her head backwards and her laughter ripped through the air.

  Andrew pulled himself into a sitting position and called to Janet again.

  She turned to him. Her face malformed but she was calming. Her eyes started to focus on him. She moved off Martin.

  She stood in front of Andrew. She was silent, calm and her ghostly appearance restored.

  “Look at him you have your revenge. He’s beaten and dying. A score’s settled. You got him back for what he did to you and Christopher.” Andrew said pointing to Martin’s lifeless body lying at the roots of a large yellow wood tree. “Is this what you wanted?” He asked.

  “You’re the only person who stood up and fought for us even though I’m sure everyone thought you were crazy. I’m eternally grateful to you for that. Your people on the water had already found us and now we can rest.” Janet said reaching out to Andrew.

  A giggle filled the air as a small face peeped from behind Janet.

  “You’re free now my boy. You don’t have to fear the darkness anymore. I’m so sorry I wasn’t there to protect you.”

  “We’re free now. Thank you Uncle Andrew. I love you.” Christopher said and stood in front of him.

  He stretched his arms out in front of him. He wanted to embrace Andrew and then smiled.

  Andrew reached for him with one arm.

  “We’ll see you again. We’ll be together again at another time, now we must go.” Janet said taking Christopher by the hand. “Thank you.” She echoed as their light faded and they vanished.

  Nobody moved. The area fell silent as if in mourning. Finally Mel crept out from under the bush he was hiding and attended to Andrew. Brat appeared from the bottom of the hill almost crying. Andrew pulled himself up with his good arm the left injured at the shoulder showing deep lacerations where Janet had slashed him. He wasn’t angry, just glad that he had done all he had set out to do. Janet and Christopher now had moved on as Mr. Craft suggested. Martin was still alive even after used as a punching bag. It would take time to heal the physical and mental wounds that had satisfied Janet.

  Andrew’s radio cracked to life. With a little effort and a lot more pain he managed to free the radio from his belt almost getting tangled in his anchor rope still tied around his waist. He could only manage a whisper.

  “We had found them. We had found them, heading back to the pier.” Tom’s overexcited voice called over the radio. It wasn’t clear whether he‘s more relieved than excited.

  “It’s over. We need an ambulance. Janet has attacked Martin and me. We‘ll be at Helen’s house in a few.” Andrew informed standing up with a struggle. Mel had wrapped his belt around Andrew’s arm to slow the blood flow.

  Brat aided Andrew for a while and then took Martin’s arm over his shoulder with Mel taking the other. Slowly they move through the forest to where Andrew had parked. The trip back felt like hours. Martin’s swaying in and out of consciousness while Andrew moved more freely.

  Once they reached the vehicle Mel drove back to Helen’s house where the two ambulances were waiting.

  Tom emerged from the crowd and helped Brat and Mel to place Martin on a stretcher. Paramedics jumped to treat Andrew and stabilize Martin who has slipped into a worsened condition.

  Tom walked to Andrew once Martin’s in the ambulance and rushed to the hospital.

  “Is it really over?” Tom asked.

  “Janet and Christopher have gone. The lake’s safe again.” Andrew said surrendering to the paramedic’s treatment.

  “That’s good, what happened up there?” He asked.

  “Janet attacked Martin and tried to slice and dice him, I just
happened to get in the way. Don’t worry I’ll be alright, just a little scratch.” Andrew joked. “At least I’ll be getting those days off the mayor wanted me to take.” He added laughing painfully.

  “Well it wasn’t so lucky for one of the divers. We had our own battles to fight, a diver’s killed.” Tom admitted and sunk his head while fidgeting with his cap in his hands.

  “Jesus.” Andrew said almost going numb, his laughing ended abruptly. “Sorry Tom I was just trying to lighten the mood.” Andrew added knowing how sensitive Tom got around bad news.

  “We need to get going.” The paramedics said and lifted Andrew into the ambulance.

  *~*~*

  Chapter Nine

  *I*

  Andrew’s wheeled into the emergency department and into a cubicle where doctors and nurses were scrambling to attend to him. Phillip walked as and the nurse carefully injected him with painkillers into his drip. Phillip lifted his arm to inspect the injuries Janet had caused.

  “Well it doesn’t look that bad. Can you move your fingers?” He asked.

  Andrew looked at his hand and moved his fingers without pain or difficulties. He lifted his arm on his own and bent it at the elbow.

  “Well it looks good. You didn’t rip through any of the nerves or arteries. I think you just need a stich or two and you’ll be fine.”

  “Thanks doctor. Where’s Martin?”

  “I‘ve already sent him to the operating room. He is a little worse for wear I’m afraid. You didn’t go in the water did you?” Phillip asked already aware of the events around the lake.

  “No. I was above the rock face.” Andrew assured.

  “Well I’m going to put you on a course of antibiotics just to be sure, but you should be leaving in a day or two.” Phillip said smiling.

  A nurse walked into the cubicle carrying a silver sterilized try with an assortment of swabs, bandages and stitching needles.

  “You know, when I told you not to send more people my why I didn’t mean that you had to come personally.” Phillip said laughing.

  “I didn’t mean to, but with all the time spend in this case I thought it would be nice to take some time off. Now that the people around here saw what I can do I figured they would expect it from me all the time.” Andrew said not feeling the nurse pricking the needle into his flesh.

  “There’s better ways to get leave you know. This could’ve cost you your arm.” Phillip assured starting with the stitches.

  “I know I was just trying to get Janet away from Martin.”

  “I guess she didn’t want to hear none of it.”

  “She did make that point clear.”

  “Like crystal.” Phillip added. “I hope you’ve learned your lesson now?” He said looking sharply at Andrew pulling the thread through the wound and cutting off the excess.

  “What lesson was that be?”

  “Don’t fight with ghosts.” Phillip said and turned his attention to the nurse. “When you’re done here you can send him to the ward, I’d like to keep an eye on him to make sure he doesn’t get any infections.” He turned back to Andrew. “Just to be sure I hope you don’t mind.” Phillip added remembering the infection Dillon had picked up because of Janet’s attack.

  “No not at all.” Andrew said and felt slightly drowsy from the injection administered. He turned and looked at the nurse and smiled. “Be gentle with me I’m an injured man, I’d hate to die now.” He turned his attention back to Phillip who was deep in thought writing in his chart and adjusting the medication, that’s administered in the ward. “How is Martin doing? Will he make it I mean?”

  “He should, your ghost did a real number on him, but we have the best surgeons here. I’m sure they’ll do their best. The worst of his injuries seemed mentally. The physical injuries will heal but I don’t think he would recover as quickly from the mental once. We’ll just have to wait and see.” Phillip said.

  “Thanks for taking care of me.” Andrew said as a strong feeling of sleep overwhelmed him.

  “You should sleep now, leave the rest to us. I’ll see you later, some more patients to see I’m afraid.” Phillip said tapping Andrew on the chest.

  Andrew nodded and closed his eyes while the nurse works diligently administering disinfectant cream to the long lacerations on his shoulder. She carefully applied plasters and strapped it down with bandages.

  *~*~*

  *II*

  Eleven hours after arriving at the hospital Martin’s wheeled out of surgery. The surgery’s halted after Martin suffered a stroke on the operation table. His face was covered with bandages from where Janet had slashed him. She took away his looks and leaving him scarred for life with only one eye, the surgeon couldn’t save the other. His cheekbone’s crushed and had to rebuild as well as his chin and forehead. His head’s cleaved open and the skin missing, leaving only the skull exposed. Skin’s taken from his back to fill in the gap although no hair will ever grow on the affected area. His chest and arm’s repaired but because of the stroke the surgeon couldn’t complete all the injuries. He’s bandaged until he returned to the operation room at a rescheduled time.

  The first matter to attend to was to dissolve blood clots and stabilize him first. He’s wheeled to the intensive care unit where he’s kept under observation until he was fit for surgery the following day.

  Eight days in intensive care and three surgeries later Martin‘s transferred to the ward to gain strength for his trail set to start as soon as he’s able. Three weeks later he’s wheeled into the courtroom cuffed to a wheelchair and able to at least hear his fate. He’s robbed of his speech and use of the left side of his body. Unable to walk it was unnecessary for the cuffs but the escorting officer felt it was a good joke.

  Martin received two life sentences to run concurrently. He would remain in the physic ward at the hospital until or if he’s fit for transference to a maximum security prison. He would never be eligible for parole because of the nature of his crimes.

  The orderlies at the ward didn’t take kindly to Martin. Confined to the wheelchair they left him day in and day out in front of one of the large reinforced windows overlooking the lake. When they enter the room they would make ghostly noises and joke all the time. No one had taken any pity on him. He’s denied any visitors and so he sat day in and day out looking through the window to the lake where his memories kept him in the past wondering when Janet would return.

  Scarred for life he looked like the kind of person people would shield their children from. He’s unable to speak, move on his own, leaving him with only the lake in his vision and his memories to haunt him.

  Time passed and Martin wasn’t improving. As a daily routine the orderly would push him into position in front of the large window and watch his reaction from time to time. Martin reacted fearfully to the window and the lake beyond. On a trip back from the office the orderly returned whispering in Martin’s ear. One of the doctors had recommended that they gave Martin speech therapy. The orderly couldn’t pass up on this chance to torment Martin even more than he did every day. He walked up to Martin and bent down to whisper into his ear.

  “Janet’s here to see you.” He whispered and noticed Martin filled with fear. “You wait just here while I go and get her.” He said, stood up and walked away laughing as he knew that the speech therapist’s name wasn’t Janet.

  Martin felt his body froze. He tried to scream but his voice escaped him. His head started to spin until the room itself spun. He was dizzy, weak and unable to move. He lifted his hand, it won’t move.

  Sweat dotted his scared face.

  He lifted his hand again, it moved but just barely.

  He needed to escape room. His legs won’t budge.

  He tried his hand again. It lifted more, but just enough to move the wheelchair.

  With greater than great effort he managed to get the wheelchair turned around. He noticed that the orderly had left the door open. He didn’t see Martin moving from the spot he had left him. The door’s no
t far, he could reach it before anyone noticed. Freedom wasn’t that far, not that he would ever see it again. Escape from Janet wasn’t that far.

  Martin inched forward, sweat started to stream down his face with ever inch he moved forward. Slowly and exhausted he reached the door. He peeped around the corner. His mind jumped.

  Stairs led downwards to a wall, turned and descended again to the floor below. An obstacle he couldn’t beat.

  Martin sat looking at the stairs, his mind drained of thought. Soon Janet would climb those stairs and he’d live through the torment and torture again. Why couldn’t she just leave him to die alone?

  He stared at the stairs again then smiled inside.

  A means to an end...

  He managed to grab the doorpost and thrust himself forward, the wheelchair moved only a few inches.

  He tried again.

  The wheel of the chair slipped over the first step and tumbled forward over Martin as he trusted himself out of the chair down the stairs. The wheelchair fell with a loud thump against the wall and silenced. Martin lost consciousness somewhere on the stairs and landed with his neck on the chair.

  He didn’t move, finally it was over.

  His sorry excuse of a life had finally passed and he would be able to escape the torment that had held him in the living while his body had already died. Now his mind had left him and he felt nothing, heard nothing, and saw nothing. Peace washed over him.

  Weeks had passed and he finally opened his eyes, feeling the warm sun on his face. He saw the sun but felt no breeze. His eyes started to focus and he saw nothing more than white around him, the sun filling every space of it. It was light and bright. He blinked his eyes and tried to lift his head. His body still needed to feel the sun, and then it’ll move. He blinked his eyes and tried lifting his body again. He could hear something, it sounded like there were people around talking.

  Then silence.

  He tried to speak but he still only made grunting sounds.

  Something came into focus.