Pumpkin Spice

by James Rasile

  Outside Bo waited for Reuben. In his left arm was his trusted Ax, in his right hand a lit cigarette. Bo offered the half-smoked cigarette to Reuben, who politely declined. “I’ll walk you to the entrance of the woods.” Bo stuck the cigarette back between his lips. To say the walk to the woods was awkward would be an understatement. On one hand you have Penelope’s husband, newest member of the Barabbas boys, and on the other hand, you had Bo, Penelope’s ex.

  To Reuben’s surprise Bo didn’t say much. He rested his ax above his shoulder and smoked his cigarette. Reuben tried to make small talk, brought up the weather and a few other lame topics, but Bo seemed disinterested, he only wanted to bring Reuben to the woods. And he did just that.

  As Bo walked up to Kobold woods, he found a birch tree, and nodded. “This is where you go. Straight in through there, check your compass, one direction only.”

  “How do I get back?” Reuben understood if there were rules to get through the woods travelling north, the same had to have been true of going south. “Same, you’ll find the birch tree and travel south. No deviating. No marking up the wilderness neither. Nature, the goblin, they don’t like that. You stick with your compass and you’ll be good.” And with that Bo gave Reuben a solid smack on the back for luck and left him to carry out his deliveries. Reuben stared into the woods and began his journey. Now, you may believe I have killed all suspense by revealing the true Goblin of the woods to be Barnabas, this is only partially true. While Barnabas acted as the Goblin in the woods something did exist in them before the Barabbas boys moved to Hastings. The legend was based upon something else entirely, Barabbas simply stole the name. So, to think Reuben was safe in these woods would only be half true.

  Reuben walked through the woods with a tense unease about him. He found it hard to swallow, he was sweating, his heart was racing faster and faster with each step he took. The trip through Kobold woods was six miles long. Not insurmountable, but still long enough. He had with him a pouch filled with water, his compass, and of course the wheelbarrow and the bag around his left shoulder. Nothing more. Nothing less.

  Out of fear he did not look to his left or his right only straight ahead. He heard various sounds throughout the woods, many of them menacing. He didn’t know if it was his mind playing tricks on him, or if the evils of the woods were waking up with his presence? The further her ventured into the woods the more he could feel it, the cold wet breath of a being not of this earth. Reuben would not turn to look, would not stop to catch his breath, his feet kept his pace steady and he liked it that way. No goblin would abduct him on this day. His fist gripped the wheelbarrow tighter, the front wheel digging into the dirty ground beneath him. He took a deep breath. That feeling of being followed creeped behind him, his neck hairs were aroused with suspicion. Only two miles until he reached the other side of the woods.

  The other side of the woods housed a massive pond. Maybe it was a lake, Reuben didn’t quite know. The land was filled with evergreen trees, in the distance Reuben could see deer drinking out of the body of water. He took a deep breath and quickly glanced behind him. He thought he saw something staring back out at him. Nonsense, he thought, nothing came after him on the walk through the woods, regardless of what his senses were trying to trick him into believing. Perhaps the goblin of the woods was nothing more than a made-up children’s story.

  Reuben had to deliver the parcels before nightfall, he wanted no part of those woods at night. As terrified as he found the walk through them during the day, it would be much worse that evening. Since it was autumn, the days were getting shorter and time was not on his side.

  He did his best to deliver the packages as quickly as he could. Each recipient greeted him pleasantly enough, though not too enthusiastic about it.

  The walk home was nerve-wracking for Reuben, but it seemed to go quicker. Gone were his endless fears of being watched, no feeling of cold dark breath against his neck. It was, quite frankly, a walk in the park. Before he knew it, he was back at the offices of the Barabbas boys. Barnabas greeted him with a smile and pat on the back. “Any worries in them there woods?” Reuben didn’t feel like admitting to the fears he had during his first journey so he shook his head no. “Good, good!” Barnabas smiled, “Tomorrow I got two more for ya, and three the next day. We’re booked solid.” He cackled. While Reuben was thankful for the employment and opportunity, he was not overly excited about going back into Kobold Woods.

  The remainder of the week was filled with Reuben walking back and forth through the Woods delivering an assortment of packages, varying in weight and shape. Every night when he returned home, he was thankful, but a piece of his heart would be crushed as his wife would ask him how his day went, and he had to lie and talk to her about fictional clerical work he had to do throughout the day.

  One day in late-autumn Barnabas called Reuben into his office yet again. Reuben entered. There was Cassidy hovering above Barnabas’ left shoulder, there were the posters on the table, there was an over-flowing ash tray. Once again, just like last, Barnabas asked Reuben to sit across from him. This time he poured two glasses of rum and slid one to Reuben. “We’ve come to trust ya, Reuben.” Barnabas clanked his glass against his employees. After taking a sip Barnabas slammed his glass down on the table, leaned back in his chair and scratched the back of his head. “How do you think we make our business here, Reuben? Importing/exporting?” Reuben nodded, “Yeah, that’s what the paperwork showed.” Barnabas let out a loud cackle. “It’s a nice thought. Sure. We make our money importing and exporting bullshit packages. Has it ever crossed your mind what’s in them parcels you deliver every day multiple times a day?” Barnabas sipped his drink. “Once or twice, but my mamma taught me to mind my own business.”

  “Your mamma was a smart lady.”

  “Indeed she was. God bless her soul.” Barnabas put his hand on a poster and slid it across the table. “Look at this here.” Reuben picked the paper up and examined it. It was a wanted poster, Reuben looked at the sketch of the man on the poster. It was no one he knew, Barnabas slammed his glass down after taking a long sip, “We’re hunters, Reuben. When someone needs someone, we find them. Those packages and parcels you’re sending out… those are ‘confirmations’ of our success in obtaining these bounties.” Reuben was in shock; he didn’t know what to say. He knew the Barabbas boys were not entirely kosher but this was on another level. “It’s time for you to upgrade your abilities.” Barnabas stood up, “You’re big, you’re strong, and you’re smart. You want money? You need more money? This is how you do it. You hunt, you find, you earn. Three step rule.” Reuben didn’t know what to say, he didn’t have an evil bone in his body, “I don’t know Barnabas…” Barnabas quickly cut him off, “Don’t know what?”

  “Don’t know if I’m the right guy for the job. I’m quite comfortable delivering parcels and even doing paperwork, but tracking people down…” Barnabas couldn’t help but cut Reuben off once again, “Criminals. Hunting down criminals. The scum of the scum. Wife beaters, molesters, bank robbers, you name it.” Cassidy jumped it, “We’re basically law enforcement.”

  “Basically law enforcement.” Barnabas smiled that gross devious smile. “Just think of all the money, all the things you can get for Penelope. Gold. Silver. A house. Anything your hearts desired would be yours.” Without warning Reuben nodded to Barnabas, “I’m in.” He felt he had been cast under a spell. “Good, good. I need you to get me that man right there. Tobias Klide. He owes some chumps on the other side of the woods some money. They’d rather his head at their front door then their coins.”

  “You want me to kill him?” The thought of murder suffocated Reuben, Barnabas once again cackled, “Kill? Ha ha, no! I want you to catch him, snag him, and you bring him to the old mill.” Barnabas explained. “Then what?” Reuben hated hearing those words come out of his mouth, “Then you’re done. He belongs to Bo after that.” Barnabas stated matter-of-factly. Reuben nodded. “When?” Reuben asked, “When do I sta
rt?” Barnabas rubbed his chin, “You’re on the clock as of two minutes ago, Reuben. So, whenever you get him.” Reuben stood from his chair, chugged his whiskey, and rushed out of the office. Barnabas looked up at Cassidy, “He’s good.” The two laughed and drank their alcohol.

  Reuben had known Tobias briefly; they attend the same school in their youth. He never once had much of an opinion of Tobias, they didn’t become friends or even acquaintances, Reuben simply knew of the man. He forced himself to not think about whether Tobias had a family, instead he focused on the wrongs Tobias committed. The poster exclaimed he had robbed and raped a woman. Reuben did not question these words; it did occur to him that had this been the case he would have surely heard about this through either the newspaper of grapevine. But, alas, he had not, and facts were none of his business. His business was to obtain the bounty, and deliver it to Bo Barabbas.

  It was Tobias Klide’s daughter’s fifth birthday. What luck, Reuben mumbled to himself. At least the family would have one final fond memory of the man. Unless of course he was being arrested and not killed. Who was Reuben kidding? There was no way in hell Tobias was living past the night. He watched the party unfold, it looked like a pleasant time. Then Tobias made his way to the bush to take a leak. That was when Reuben made his move. “Tobias? Tobias Klide?” Reuben pretending to be amazed and remember this poor unfortunate soul from his youth. Tobias stopped what he was doing and looked at Reuben, he had no idea who he was. To be fair, had Reuben not seen the poster nor read the name he’d have no idea who Tobias was either, as I said, they were not friends. “Reuben, Reuben Burrows!”

  “I’m sorry, I don’t…” Before Tobias could finish his sentence, Reuben pulled out his pistol and pointed it directly at Tobias’ head. Tobias raised his arms, “Whoa, whoa. My family is here.” Reuben cocked the gun, “Come with me. Don’t make a scene. You don’t want your kids seeing your brain splatter all over a stranger’s shirt, do ya?” A tear fell down Tobias’ cheek, the same could have been said of Reuben, he found himself holding back the tears. “Can I at least say goodbye?” Reuben pushed the barrel of the pistol against Tobias’ forehead. “What do you think?” Reuben growled. Tobias knew he had no choice, “Will I ever see them again?”

  “Not my call. Let’s go.” Reuben walked Tobias out from the party, and down the dirt road.

  Bo was waiting for the men at the old mill. At the sight of Bo, Tobias screamed in fear, he knew his fate had been sealed. Reuben pushed him along. “You dun good, brother.” Bo proclaimed. “Barnabas wants to see you.” Bo took possession of Tobias. Reuben didn’t move, “I said go!” Bo yelled, Reuben rushed away. He kept looking back at Tobias until he and Bo had vanished within the mill. All went quiet. Reuben never learned what happened to Tobias Klide.

  Reuben was greeted by Barnabas with a big hug and an even larger satchel of money. He gave his new stellar employee a pat on the shoulder and told him he did excellent. This was only the beginning of their bounty hunting adventures together. Barnabas assured Reuben that his future was paved in gold.

  As time passed Reuben’s trust in Barnabas had grown ten-fold. While the business they were in together was not strictly speaking “honest” or “legal” he had proven to be good at it, and Barnabas had proven to be a man of his word. Reuben was able to buy a new house for himself and Penelope. The two were now planning on starting a family, though this was proving to be more difficult than tracking down wanted men.

  All the while Reuben was clueless. He was playing into Barnabas’ scheme. The closer they became, the more Reuben trusted and relied on the profits from bounty hunting, the easier it would be to lure Reuben into the woods and never return.

  A year had gone by and it was a new autumn day. Barnabas invited both Reuben and Penelope to his house for a dinner with some other local friends and business partners. Reuben and his wife dressed in their best attire; Reuben’s breath was stolen from him at the sight of Penelope in her gown. It was floral and black. He went in for the kiss.

  For all the money Barnabas was acquiring through his many trades, he remained humble. His house was all of one story, with a cold cellar. It had a kitchen, dining area, and a reading room along with the master bedroom. He greeted his guests at the door and walked them to the table. In attendance were the Mayor, Sheriff Harry and his wife, as well as Betty Thatcher and her husband. Betty was the town seamstress and always made Barnabas look good. The group was seated at the table, Barnabas had hired a chef to cook for them that evening. They were treated to a wonderful roast with mashed potatoes, gravy, and an extra side of asparagus and green beans. For dessert the chef brought out a pumpkin pie, apple pie, and pecan pie. In retrospect the chef should have served pecan and apple pie only, as the pumpkin pie remained largely untouched, save for the slice enjoyed by Reuben.

  The trees were soon bare. Autumn was coming to an end and winter was well on its way. Reuben, on this fateful morning, woke up, threw on his jacket and kissed Penelope on the forehead goodbye.

  Barnabas handed him only one rolled up wanted poster, albeit with a twist. Reuben would not be handing the prize over to Bo. Reuben was to escort the bounty himself through Kobold woods. Reuben thought this to be strange and inquired why, Barnabas wouldn’t explain. He said the bounty would speak for itself. This was an especially important bounty and he needed Reuben to deliver the parcel in full on his own. It wasn’t until Reuben unrolled the poster did he fully understand why. The bounty was for someone both he and Barnabas knew all too well, the bounty was for none other than Bo Barabbas! A queasy feeling poured through Reuben as he went on his way. Bo was to meet him at the old mill, and that was where he would be captured.

  Of course, Reuben was no fool. Gullible, to a T, but no fool! Several months ago, when his working relationship was at an all-time high a sense of dread and fear overwhelmed the man. His work was not very legal or ethical, and he knew that one day it would all come crashing down around him. He was, unfortunately, in too deep. It was true he had signed an NDA, and it was true the Barabbas boys would end his life had he ever broke that condition. No one could stop him from writing the truth on paper, and placing it in his dresser, at the far back of the top drawer unbeknownst to anyone. And if for whatever reason one day the tables should turn on Reuben, he would have the proof, dated and stamped!

  He was wondering on this day if that letter would be needed. Why would Barnabas so willfully turnover his own brother?

  Bo was waiting for Reuben at the old mill, ax in hand. “Nothing today?” Bo asked. Reuben stared into Bo’s eyes; Bo squinted back. He knew why he was there. “I’m here to bring you in.” Reuben stated. Bo hissed, he smiled and tossed his cigarette into his mouth. “You’re wrong brother.” Bo flung his ax up onto his shoulder. “I’m bringing your ass in.” Reuben was confused but before he could reach for his pistol Bo swung the butt end of the ax at his forehead rendering Reuben unconscious.

  Reuben slowly came to. His vision drifting in and out of darkness. When he could finally keep his eyes open, he could see trees moving quickly in the distance. He was being pulled. Pulled away by Bo down the woods. He tried with all of his might to break free. Bo stopped and let Reuben rise to his fight. “You won’t get away with this.” Reuben threatened the middle Barabbas boy. “Get away with what? You went into the woods and the goblin got you, brother.”

  “Goblin?” Reuben was confused, “What are you talking…” Bo swung his ax at Reuben’s forehead. Reuben fell to the ground, dead. Bo struggled removing it from his former coworkers’ skull. When he finally did blood spilled out all over the ground. “Perfect night for a bonfire.” Bo laughed as he began chopping Reuben’s dead corpse up into pieces.

  That night Penelope waited for Reuben to return home. He never did. The next morning, she waited at the door, no Reuben. All the while the Barabbas boys kept business as usual. Their acting was top notch and award worthy, some would say. Finally, on the third day Penelope decided to visit Barnabas, not at his offi
ce, but at his house.

  Her fists slammed against his door three times. Her eyes were red and water logged. She hadn’t slept much, and when she did her visions turned to Reuben. Barnabas calmly, and passionately opened the door. “Mrs. Burrows,” Barnabas said in the calmest tone anyone had ever heard, “what brings you to my doorstep this evening?” Penelope mustard all of the strength she could and spoke “Where’s my husband?” she wasn’t asking, she was demanding. If nothing else Barnabas was a brilliant manipulator. You don’t become as successful as he without having some wits about you, without knowing how to twist the truth to benefit you. And you certainly do not scheme up the murder of a woman’s husband so you can inherit her family’s land without having some smarts. “He never returned, we was told he delivered a parcel for us, was paid handsomely for it, was also tipped for it.” Penelope was confused. “What do you mean delivered a parcel?” Barnabas smiled and opened the door for Penelope to enter. She hesitated, but saw care and compassion on the eldest Barabbas’ face, so she entered his household. He showed her to the sofa, she took a seat, and he offered her a tea which she politely declined. He sat on his recliner across from her and spoke, “Reuben was no clerk for the Barabbas boys, Penelope. Reuben was a delivering of goods to our clients.”

  “What does that mean? What goods?” Barnabas lifted his hands, “I’m rather shocked he didn’t tell you. Been at it over a year now. But, the goods well, let’s just say they’re confidential. Mostly legal bindings and what not. Now, my brother-in-law Cassidy had suspected for quite some time that your husband had been embezzling on us…” Penelope was quick to interject, “Reuben couldn’t. He would never embezzle” Barnabas raised his arms in agreement, “My sentiments exactly. Reuben was the kindest most hardworking fellow I had come to know, or so I thought. See, Penelope, Cassidy is in charge of our finances. He knows what we are owed, what we collect, and what we owe to others. Numbers don’t lie Mrs. Burrows.” Barnabas took a moment before continuing to allow this to sink in to Penelope. “We’re short nearly five thousand dollars. Five thousand. The other night just before his final drop Cassidy made a point to ask Reuben about missing money. Reuben, of course, denied it. That was the last time any of us saw your husband. Seems to me he took his last delivery, which as I said was a handsome sum of money, and fled town.” Penelope’s eyes were watering, she was in disbelief, “That’s not right. We were trying to start a family.” Barnabas stood from his recliner, “Money does strange things to people, will rip a family apart. It’s the devil’s drug, Mrs. Burrows. Now, I’m sorry I don’t know much else to tell you. If by some odd chance we do hear from your husband, we’ll be sure to send him your way.” Penelope rose from the sofa and nodded her head as a sign of thank you, “And we’d hope you’d do the same shall you hear from Reuben?” He asked, again she nodded in agreement. “I have quite the early morning tomorrow, but if you’d like I wouldn’t mind walking you home?”