Daddy Won't Kill You (An Occult Horror)

by Gebbie, Caroline

  The room was dark. Just a little moonlight filtered through the curtains, but his eyes had adjusted a long time ago, and he could see clearly. He looked across at her, her eyes were closed, and her facial muscles relaxed, he was sure she slept and wished that he would be able to do so later, when it was over.

  Swinging his legs from the bed, he crept across the room. He found the door and opened it, with a last look back at the indistinct from on the bed he crept out.

  He stopped at the kitchen door and looked out onto the deck. Was he delaying? The chair seemed to be in a spotlight as if the moon shone for it alone. It rocked eerily but when Steve glanced up, the treetops were all still, there was no wind tonight.

  Breath held he walked out of the cabin and into the night chill. Like a physical force, the cold took stole that breath and pushed him back. He squared his shoulders and leaned into it, and then it was gone, leaving him to stumble forwards. The air was still, preternaturally quiet. There was no wind, no crickets and even the owls that always hunted here, were silent, or gone he thought. Before his nerve, failed he grabbed hold of the chair. It was cold, and the wooden arms were pitted with deep ridges that felt rough to the touch. As he gripped tight a splinter slid into his palm, and he pulled back, sucking the shard out. He stared at the chair. At the enemy, part of him wanted to laugh but the damn thing felt evil, it felt wrong.

  He grabbed it again and bent over to lift it, but it would not budge. Pulling hard he applied more pressure, but it could have been nailed to the deck for all the movement he got. He pulled, and pushed putting all his weight into shifting the damn thing but nothing happened. Sweat was running down his back, and he panted heavily, frustrated he let go and stood upright. The chair looked smug. Anger surged in him like a bear teased with a cattle prod, and he kicked out viciously. The chair slid away from him and stopped.

  It felt good to lash out at the thing. He took a step forward. It turned to face him, scraping the deck as it swizzled round on the wood, and then it started to rock, slowly, backwards and forwards. Wind pushed him back, and the stench of corruption and decay coated his throat. He swallowed it would not beat him. The chair shimmered. He blinked a faint impression of Val sat before him, a translucent figure of almost black mist. She smiled in that smug, hateful way that set his nerves on edge. “No,” he screamed and kicked the runner. The mist disappeared, and the chair spun away from him.

  He rushed forwards and grabbed it before it settled. It took all his strength, but he heaved and strained and lifted it from the deck. It felt slimy, bloody as he carried it. He pushed the thought from his mind, pushed the revulsion away and rushed around the back of the cabin to a chopping block, with an axe embedded in it.

  He threw the chair down and dusted his hands and clothes. He could almost imagine blood, and flesh clinging to him. Pulling the axe from the block he raised it above his head.

  The chair rocked, taunting him, teasing him. He swung the axe down, with all his weight and the full force of his back. It hit the chair’s seat and stopped dead. The impact jarred up his arms and sent shockwaves into his spine. It was like he had hit concrete, yet the chair stood unblemished.

  He pulled back the axe, an animal expression on his face and smashed it again and again. He slashed and pushed even turned the axe over and used it like a hammer, but nothing affected the chair. At last he stopped. Sweat dripped from him, and a deep tiredness seemed to chill him to the bone.

  The chair rocked slowly in the moonlight. Steve threw the axe at it and screamed out his frustration. Picking up the rocker, he ran to the edge of a steep drop off behind the cabin. He tossed the chair over the edge and watched, satisfied as it rolled and plunged down the slope. It went through bushes and crashed into a tree to bounce back and lay on its side.

  Steve took a deep breath and walked back to the cabin. It was gone they were safe.

  Silhouetted by the moonlight the chair sat upright and rocked gently.

  Steve crept into the bedroom, he felt better than he had in days, it was finally over. He slipped off his boots and lay on the bed. He thought about undressing but decided just to lay there for a while. Lauren had her back to him; her breathing was slow and easy, she had not moved. Having closed his eyes he expected it to take ages for him to drop off, but he was instantly asleep.

  Lauren had her eyes closed. She looked asleep as if she hadn’t moved, and was still safely tied up. As Steve started to snore her eyes popped open, they were icy blue, cold and cruel. She moved her hands, in her left was a large steel kitchen knife. Its blade seemed to find the light and magnify it. In her right was a lock of Lucy’s hair. She sniffed the hair, and hugged her treasure close, giggling as she closed her eyes.

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Steve eyes opened, and he blinked at the bright light before closing them again and snuggling back into the pillow. Slowly he became aware of the day, but sleep had a tight hold and coaxed him back for just a few more minutes. He sighed with contentment and listened. No children, he could have a bit longer. As he stretched he realized that his shoulders ached, and so did his legs. He rolled over, and his jeans tugged his legs and held him still. Had he slept in his clothes? Then he remembered, his eyes sprang open – Lauren was gone. He sat upright, instantly alert and ran a hand through his hair. He listened, straining his ears to pick up any danger, any problem but the cabin was quiet, where was she?

  He got off the bed, alert for any sound, any movement, his mind was still groggy, and he tried to focus. How had she escaped the ropes, he cursed himself for being soft, he should have tied her tighter. Panic slapped him like cold water to the face, where was she and where were the kids?

  Think. It was light they should be up by now, he should hear Lucy laughing and Chase would be telling her off, but there was nothing, where were they? He crossed the room and made his way to the kitchen. He could see out onto the deck. Lauren sat in the chair rocking. A sharp pain in his chest stopped him in his tracks. He wanted to drop to his knees, to rest, to sleep, but he had to get through it he had to be strong.

  He walked forwards ignoring the pain. He would get her out of the rocker, and this time burn the bloody thing. Something stopped him; he watched as she rocked, back and forth, back and forth. He tensed waiting for the nightmare images, but nothing happened. She rocked in the autumn sunshine, back and forth. Move damn-it, He turned away from the image, his black rucksack was on the table. He grabbed the bag and shoved supplies into it. Chocolate bars, water, crisps, power bars, he grabbed anything he could carry.

  He had one eye on Lauren, no, it’s the other one, her hair was shorter, and she wore a flowery skirt, much too old fashioned for Lauren, yet she appeared normal, relaxed. He was torn between running to her and the kids. He wavered at the table; the pack clutched in his fist, just watching as she rocked back and forth. What should he do? He remembered the vision, the raven pecking into the eye of that darling little girl, the glutinous mess hanging from its grey beak. He headed to Lucy’s room.

  As he opened the door, she was just coming awake. I guess we were all exhausted. Her hair was all mussed up, and a yawn filled her face, seeing him she smiled. The scene was so cute, so normal; love filled him with warmth and strength he did not believe he had. They would make it out of here. “Okay, Pumpkin, let’s get you dressed.”

  “I’m tired Daddy, me and Bunkie are gonna sleep in.” She waved the tatty blue ears from under the covers.

  Steve moved towards her, dropping the pack onto the deep carpet next to the bed. “I know, but you wanted to walk outta here.”

  She threw back the covers and jumped out of bed, bounding up and down. “Yes, yes, yes.”

  Steve shushed her. “Keep quiet and get dressed, I’ll be back in a mo.” He sneaked out of the door.

  Steve came back through the door with a very serious looking Chase. Lucy sat on the bed swinging her legs, she had her pink rucksack ready and Bunkie sat beside her.

  “All ready?” Steve asked.

&nb
sp; “What about Mummy?” Lucy’s lip pouted.

  “She’s not coming.” Steve felt fear and shame as he ushered the kids towards the window.

  ***

  Outside the front of the cabin, Val rocked in the chair, backwards and forwards, a slow, gentle, relaxing, rhythm. Her eyes were closed, and something wooden lay on her lap. A vicious smile crossed her face and her eyes opened.

  In Lucy’s room, Steve had the window open and was about to climb through.

  “This is silly,” Lucy said, a little too loudly for Steve’s liking.

  He paused. He had to get her to cooperate.

  “It’s an adventure.” Chase guided her to the window.

  Lucy squealed with delight. Steve winced at the sound; they had to get away clear.

  “I love adventures,” she said. “But my legs are tired.”

  “Mine too Honey, but after today we can rest for a week.” He climbed out of the window and onto the deck. It was a warm morning, and the sun was shining, at least the weather would not hinder their escape. He checked around it seemed quiet. “Hand the bags out first.”

  Case passed out three rucksacks. Steve stashed them on the deck. Every nerve in his body was alert, he could feel the breeze on his back, hear the birds in the trees and he wanted so much for them to hurry up. “Now Lucy climb out and I will catch you.”

  Lucy came through the window, her legs kicking in the air. Steve hauled her up high and swung her down to the ground. She was laughing with delight. “We need to be quiet,” he said.

  At the front of the cabin, the empty chair rocked silently, alone on the deck.

  Chase came through the window next, and landed lightly to join the others. Steve glanced around nervously. They had taken too long and were making too much noise. He shushed them again and handed out the packs.

  “Where’s Bunkie?” Lucy sobbed seeing that her favorite tatty rabbit was not in her pack.

  “We’ll come back for him,” Steve said, “Now hurry.”

  Lucy looked as if she would cry, and Steve wondered about going back in, but they had to move.

  From behind them Val’s coarse deep voice said. “Going somewhere Honey?”

  Steve wheeled around to see her behind them. A wood axe held in her right hand, she dragged it as she walked towards them. Fear spidered up his spine and froze his legs. He pushed the kids behind him. He could feel Lucy resist, but out of the corner of his eye he watched Chase pull her close and then put himself between his sister and danger. Steve was spurred on by the boy’s courage. “Lauren keep out of my way. We’re just going for a walk.”

  He stepped back pushing the kids before him. His chest was tight his breath short. He had to get through this, had to get them away.

  “I don’t think so,” Val said. “You want to go, then go, but they stay here.” She matched him step by step, dragging the axe along as she walked towards them. The head scraped across the deck, jumping as it bounced over a board and landed next to her leg. Steve could not take his eyes off the axe as it gradually advanced towards them. Do something. He fumbled in his pocket and pulled out his keys. “Chase take your sister and wait in the car, only let me in.”

  “It doesn’t work.” Chase grabbed the keys.

  “Just go.”

  Chase took Lucy and pulled her away. “Dad your heart?” he asked.

  Lauren swung the axe up. It winked in the sunshine as it flew past her head and came down to land in her arms. She hefted it as if it was light as a toy.

  “I’m fine, Mum and me just need to chat.” Steve kept stepping slowly backwards.

  “With an axe?” Chase asked.

  Val turned her ice cold eyes onto the children. “Mummy’s coming to get you kiddies, just you wait and see.” She hefted the axe, to drive the point home.

  “Run,” Steve shouted, looking backwards to see that they heeded his warning as he did Val launched at him.

  He ducked left, but the wood of the shaft slammed into his shoulder. He was knocked back, and pain flared from the collar bone and down his arm. He reached out and grabbed hold of the shaft, either side of her hands. Holding on he regained his balance and swung her round into the cabin. Val hit hard. The blow jarred through the cabin and back through Val into Steve’s arms. He let go of the axe as her skull bounced into the wall.

  Guilt washed over him as the color drained from her face, and she slumped to the floor. Had he hurt her? God he hoped not, but what was he to do. He looked around to see Chase jump into the car and lock the doors. At least they were safe for now.

  He turned back. Val lay against the cabin, her blonde, shoulder length bob, and harsh features so different to Lauren, even though the face was the same. As he watched the hair lengthened and curled, and her features relaxed, it was Lauren again.

  Steve leaned over and ran a shaking hand across her throat, desperate to find a pulse. It was there. He could see her breathing her chest rose and fell, she was alive. He closed his eyes at a sharp pain in his chest. “Jesus, Lauren I’m sorry,” he muttered through gritted teeth. His fingers were still on her throat, and he felt her move. Hope soared in his chest as he opened his eyes and stared into the ice blue, mad gaze of Val. He tried to back away, but he was on his heels and off balance. As he tried to stand she brought the axe head up into his chin.

  It was like being hit with a brick. He bit his tongue, and his teeth collided with the top of his mouth. Tumbling over backwards, he landed hard onto the base of his spine. He lay with his back on the hardwood, as shock spiraled up into his skull and back again, leaving him stunned on the deck, his breath coming in short sharp gasps. He blinked, assessing the damage, his jaw felt like an elephant kicked it, but he would survive if he moved. He blinked hard, trying to focus his eyes, but the world was hazy and faded to black. He wanted to rub his jaw, but his arms were sluggish and he had an overwhelming urge to sleep. Something nagged at him as he closed his eyes, something important. The Pumpkins, he remembered just as Val appeared above him.

  She stood over him as he blinked away the darkness. He must stay awake. Nausea floated through him, and he bit down, to fight it back. He was just beginning to see again, when she blocked out the light. He saw the axe crashing down towards his chest and at the last second he rolled over right and onto his knees. The axe struck the deck. He could see her face, almost at his level as she struggled to pull the axe free of the heavy wood. She was so angry; almost manic and spittle splashed his face as she threw curses at him.

  He tried to stand, he must get away, but everything was spinning, and he stumbled back to his knee. He could see her look of triumph as she raised the axe above his head. Move, he told himself, but his body would not obey, he stumbled to the right, and she adjusted the axe. It was so large, blocking out the sun as it hurtled towards his brain. He knew the blow would kill him, but his legs still wouldn’t move.

  Val’s face was screwed into a ball of hatred as she poured her full rage into the blow but just before the axe hit, her face cleared, Lauren was fighting. The axe stopped poised above Steve as a struggle ensued between Lauren and Val. Val was winning, and the axe came down, but just before it hit, Lauren surfaced and turned the head so the flat of the axe hit Steve on his temple. He dropped to the deck, like a dead weight.

  Lauren stood over Steve, the axe ridiculously large in her delicate hands. His head bled profusely and quickly created a crimson puddle on the deck. He lay so still. Val appeared again and decided to chop up the man before her. Then Lauren was back horrified at the thoughts that kept flooding her brain, she looked down at Steve, wanting to hold him, but she could not stay in control for long, her hair shortened into the shoulder length bob and Val was back in charge.

  She raised the axe high above her head and swung it down at Steve’s motionless body. Halfway through the swing, someone jumped at her. She was hit in her side and sent tumbling across the deck, the axe clattered harmlessly away from her. With her breath driven from her body, she lay winded on the wooden floor a
nd watched Chase stood over his father.

  The boy had pushed her out of the way. Pride filled her stomach with warmth but was soon replaced with anger. The idiot child had ruined her plans but not for long. She scrambled across the deck on all fours towards the axe.

  “Mum please,” Chase shouted, his voice quivering.

  She stopped and turned to look at him, she was a wild, evil creature, she was Val. She snarled at him and grabbed for the axe.

  “Mum why?” Chase sobbed. He looked down at his dad, at the circle of blood that was spreading from his temple, at his still arms and legs at his chest that did not move. He looked back at Val, and she changed.

  She let go of the axe and saw him. Her eyes cleared, her hair lengthened and she saw her little boy, she was Lauren again. She could see he was hurting and so afraid, yet he stood his ground, a boy so brave it made her want to weep. What had she done? She ran to him and pulled him into her arms. As she hugged him close, she felt powerful love for him and a deep sadness at what she had done.

  “Mum, you okay?” Chase asked through tears that coursed down his face and onto her shoulder.

  “I think so.” She hugged him close to hide her own tears.