Greg remembered his cellphone. Patting down his pocket, he found that it was still there. He pulled it out, revealing that it was fully charged.
“Don’t bother.” Doc said, pulling out a stethoscope. Plugging only one ear, he placed the cold device on Greg’s chest. “Not going to do you a bit of good here. Trust me. I know. Beth Pits and a few of the other teenagers around here have enough of a mind to complain about it for the entire town. Who knows what those kids would do with their lives if they didn’t have them electronic devices. I’m sick of hearing about it to tell you the truth. Those kids want a darn cell phone tower here bad enough; they should go to college and learn how to build it themselves.”
Greg laughed, putting the cellphone back in his jean pocket. Officer Teddy tapped on the door twice and then entered the already cramped space. Doc gave him a once over, implying that he just stand in the doorway to allow him some working space.
Teddy’s clothes were drenched with water making the dark blue uniform almost appear black. Taking off his hat and tucking it under his left arm, he wiped water from his brow. Doc scowled at Teddy, looked down at the wet floor and the mess that he had just dragged in, then back at Teddy again. Greg caught the two men make eye contact regarding the wet floor and Teddy’s muddy boots. The young policeman lowered his head and sighed. As if he were going to suggest he would clean it up, he looked away from the floor with wide grin across his pale cheeks. Nothing was mentioned about his sopping wet clothes and the water still dripping from them onto the tile.
“Man, I tell you what. It’s startin’ to come down again. Called in the accident. Told you it wouldn’t be a big deal, Greg.” Teddy smiled, clearly still slightly enamored with Greg’s supposed rock-star status. “Buck’ll be pickin’ up your truck soon as the sun comes up. Until then, we got you set up at the bed and breakfast just a few blocks up the road. My treat.” If the grin on his face were any bigger, his cheeks would have come clean off.
“Well, ain’t that thoughtful of you, Teddy.” Doc said, signaling Greg to lift both of his arms for examination.
“It ain’t nothin’.” Teddy blushed, looking to the floor. “Greg here is famous. It was the least I could do.”
“Oh?” The old man raised a brow.
“Yep. Sure is. He’s a rock star. Traveled all over the world. Ain’t that right, Greg? Tell ‘em!”
Greg shrugged.
“Naw…” Teddy continued. “He’s just bein’ modest, is all. He’s the lead guitarist for ‘The Swindlers.’ They’re a big—”
“I used to be in a band.” Greg half-smiled, cutting Teddy off before the enthusiasm caused him to hurt himself. “We were called ‘The Swindlers,’ like Teddy said. But that was about it. Did some touring. Nothing super special.”
“Well, I’ll be. We got us a famous person staying in Grayson, don’t we?” Doc grinned at Greg, suggesting that he realized Teddy was being a bit exaggerative. He rolled his eyes, and then smiled again. “Okay, let’s have us a look.”
Greg winced as the old man poked and prodded with his fingers. Moving his hands up and down both sides of Greg’s sternum and stomach, he cringed against each touch of tender sores. Having his arms in the air was making it hard to breathe.
“Looks like you have a cracked rib, but I can’t be too sure. Just to make sure you don’t have any major breaks, we’re going to need to step into the other room for x-rays.”
Teddy stepped aside and let them pass through the room and down the hall. Doc and Greg returned after a few minutes.
“If you’ll excuse me, gentlemen, I am going into the other room and have a look see over these x-rays. Make sure you’re okay.” With that, Doc walked away leaving the two men in silence.
“So . . .” Teddy coughed awkwardly. “You said you were in a band? What happened? Don’t tell me The Swindlers are done? You guys are amazing.” His inflection was high, cracking with eagerness.
As much as Greg didn’t want to admit it or potentially shatter this kid’s dreams, maybe telling him the truth would make him back off a little. He had been a little overbearing about it from the get-go. It was just a band. No one really ever actually cared.
Ha! Hell, now I’m starting to sound like my dad.
“Yeah, man. As much as I hate to admit it, the band’s dead. We haven’t played a show in years. Sucks too, because I am still sitting on a fat chunk of merch. Not going to get rid of it either if we aren’t playing out anymore.”
“Sheesh . . . What happened?”
“Honestly, dude, I’d rather not talk about it.” Greg sighed, putting his black Impending Doom shirt back on, the band-shirt’s poor choice in lettering almost unreadable. “And besides, it’s a long story.”
“I can understand that.” Teddy agreed with an overcompensating nod. “It’s still you, though. Greg Teeter in the flesh. My sis is gonna flip when she meets you.”
“That sounds fun and all, and I’m sure your sister’s—”
“Peggy, her name’s Peggy Ann. She’s my little sister. She works at the diner most mornin’s. But on the weekends she has off we try makin’ it outta town to some of the shows and such. You know, in like Alexandria and stuff.” Teddy cut him off.
“Yeah…Peggy. If she’s related to you, I’m sure she’s a real sweetheart, but I got to be honest with you, man. I don’t plan on sticking around long. Since you already hooked me up with a place to stay, I’ll crash tonight, but tomorrow I’m getting back to Monroe. Don’t need people worrying about me back home you know.”
“Well, Monroe’s not too far from here,” Teddy said, scratching at his thin blond mustache, obviously disappointed. “I’m sure we can rustle you up a ride outta town by lunchtime tomorrow. Somebody’s bound to be headin’ that way.”
“That’d be great, man.” Greg smiled, slapping Teddy on the back. A jolt of pain surged through his arm and into his sore shoulder, but his smile didn’t waver. “You’re a cool dude, especially for being a five-o.” His words were sincere, despite the fact that Teddy’s high-pitched voice made his head throb.
Teddy’s chest swelled as he stood as upright as he could. His cheeks glowed with eager disbelief at Greg’s boasting words.
“You really mean that?”
“Yeah, sure.” Greg said, hoping like hell the kid wasn’t going ask to take a picture with him or something like that.
And just when the young man in blue started to reach into his pocket for something to write with, Doc’s footsteps echoed out from down the hall. To avoid what he assumed was a pen being pulled from Teddy’s pocket, he eased passed the young blond haired man and back into the hall. His ears hadn’t betrayed him. Old man Doc Minders was shuffling toward him down the narrow dark hall. Doc still favored the one side, his off-white house slippers sliding across the hallway’s cold tile with each step. His bulging eyes stuck out on his face from behind his thick glasses making his nose seem smaller in size. Greg looked down and noticed a small paper in the doctor’s left hand. His eyes looked up again to meet with the old man’s, but something had changed. As Doc stepped forward to great him in the hall, he seemed taller.
Greg gasped.
He saw it again. This time on the old man and not Teddy. He tried to swallow, but his mouth was too dry. Originally, the old man was half his size, but now, with that thing riding on his back, he was much taller. Its stubby little legs were wrapped around the old man’s shoulders.
“I…umm…” Greg stuttered, as he studied the creature.
Its body was bulky in size and solid gray. The thing was covered with thick clear ooze and its arms drooped low and long to the floor. Its monstrous jaws covered most of its face. Vigorously chattering, the sharp teeth came together over and over again. Its hands. It had no hands. They were like earthworms or maggots or…
“Greg…Greg…”
The room filled with a foul stench. Greg couldn’t place it. It was like rotten eggs left in the sun for days mixed with vinegar and shit. The rancid odor lingered. His eyes b
egan to water with the burning sensation of toxic fumes. The back of his throat tasted bitter, replaced with an odd flavor. And just when Greg looked into its blacker than black eyes . . .
“Greg . . .” The doctor grabbed him by the arm. “Greg. You okay? What are you looking at?” The short old man looked over his head at the ceiling. Doc handed the small piece of paper in his left hand to Teddy, with a concerned look on his face. “This is a script for some pain relievers. Should help him get some sleep.”
Teddy nodded, folding the paper up and putting it in his pocket.
“You are one lucky man, Greg.” Doc continued. “The x-rays showed no broken bones aside from one little fractured rib. It will cause you some minor discomfort, but you’ll be just fine. Since the drugstore doesn’t open till tomorrow, I’m going to go ahead and give you a few pills to take tonight before you go to sleep. Should help dull the pain.”
“Yeah, thanks.” Greg breathed in and shook his head. The thing was no longer there.
“You sure he’s alright, Doc? Seems a little shaken up to me.” Teddy said, putting his uniform cap back on.
“I’ll be fine,” Greg assured. “Just a little shaken up. Thought I saw something for a second there. It seemed so real.”
“Well, what was it?”
“It was nothing.” Greg said, brushing it off. “I’ll be better after I get some rest.”
But it wasn’t ‘nothing’. It was freakish and hideous. It was impossible for something that looked and felt too real just to be his imagination. It just didn’t make any sense. Sure, he had bumped his head in the accident, but not that bad. At least he didn’t think so. On top of that, Doc had said it wasn’t bad enough to need stitches. He wondered why he had seen what he had seen. And then there was that smell and the taste in the air. He rubbed his throbbing head, agitated that it was playing tricks on him.
“That’s right. It’s late and I wouldn’t mind getting back to some rest myself. As you can see, I’m already dressed for the occasion.” Doc waved his hands out, shooing the two men back into the waiting area. Turning the lights off as he followed them out, he said, “Now, Greg, if for any reason you seem to be having any other head problems—sensitivity to light—that kind a thing, come tomorrow afternoon. You let me know, okay. If you do, we might need to get that looked at.”
“Thanks, Doc. It was a pleasure meeting you despite the circumstances. And if I have any other problems, don’t worry about me. I’ll get it looked at again in Monroe. First thing tomorrow, I’m going to see about getting back home. I don’t live that far from here. Just up the road you know.”
“That’s not far at all.” Doc said, leading them onto the porch.
“Hate to burst your bubble, Greg,” Teddy said, surprisingly stern. “Before you do anything tomorrow, we’re gonna see about getting that script filled and taking a look at your truck. Don’t go thinkin’ you’re gonna get to skip town without stopping by the station to fill out a report with me. I do have to file that you know. And besides, Peggy Ann would kick me in the rear if I didn’t bring you by the diner tomorrow. She wouldn’t believe I actually met you otherwise. It’s right by the pharmacy.” His voice cracked, running high with zeal.
Doc rolled his eyes at Greg and smirked. “Got to love the Walters family. One of a kind, let me tell you!”
“Hey . . . What’s that supposed to mean?” Teddy Walters huffed.
“Nothing, Teddy. Why don’t you get this nice young man over to that bed and breakfast? I’m sure he’s about ready to lie down and call it at night.” Doc said, slowly easing his way from the porch steps. “And besides, ain’t you supposed to be patrolling the streets or something?”
With that, they all laughed and parted ways. Teddy had been right. The bed and breakfast was only a few blocks up the road, which was nice. Before they’d left the clinic, Greg had taken the pill that Doc gave him and he was already feeling drowsy. After being shown to his room, he laid in bed dwelling on the accident and how he was going to pay for the unexpected doctor’s visit and the tow truck. Not to mention getting a new truck all together. He sighed at the idea that his vehicle was a useless piece of junk now. He couldn’t he afford a new set of wheels on a waiter’s salary. More importantly, he couldn’t shake the thought of those eyes. Those black endless holes of anger. What the hell were those things? The monster he had seen on both Teddy and Doc just wouldn’t leave the forefront of his mind.
Greg Teeter fell asleep with ease. The painkiller Doc had given him fast at work. At first, his dreams had been a peaceful reflection of the last bit of music he had been listening to before the crash, but that didn’t last long. Unable to shake the horrific images of the thing that had been on Doc’s shoulders haunted him most of the night.
When he looked into its eyes, for some reason he just couldn’t look away. No matter how hard he tried.
Chapter 4
Greg Teeter awoke to a bright new day. His muscles ached and his bones were sore. His mouth tasted grimy and hot as he ran his tongue across the roof of his mouth. Had he known he was going to obliterate his truck, he would have packed some toothpaste or mouthwash.
He laughed at the thought and climbed out of bed. Light beamed through the blinds of the bedroom window filling the room with light. Dust particles danced in the air above him.
“Some crazy ass dreams,” he muttered, while running his fingers through his hair.
He reached for the last pain killer Dr. Minders had given him from the nightstand next to the bed. Swallowing it dry, he took in the decor of the room for the first time. He had gotten in so late the night before that he had gone straight to bed. The bedframe was Victorian and from what he could tell looked almost Celtic. The complex woodwork was a mark of excellent craftsmanship. The only thing Greg had ever carved was a knife the last time he went camping. And even then it was more like a pointy stick than a knife when he was through. The oval carpet that wrapped around the base of the bed was a red and gray labyrinth of elegance. Beneath that was a lightly stained Maplewood floor. He was surprised at himself for noticing it. His old man was in the flooring business, so he knew a thing or two just from being around it. This type of flooring wasn’t cheap and these days too old, it was hard to come by.
He stood to his feet, sending more dust into the air. He wondered how long it had been since anyone had stayed at this bed and breakfast. It was pretty old and unkempt. The window gave him a great view of the street corner. Across the street was a small barber shop, the blue and red light up swirl spinning next to the open sign. Two old men sat on a bench right outside not talking, but just looking. Next to that was a small antique shop. It looked to be closed.
He pulled out his cellphone. The Misfits skull screen saver. 1:00pm. Still no bars.
“Damn. Talk about sleeping in.” He laughed to himself. Supposed to be at work in a few hours. Hopefully, they got a landline phone around here I can use.
A note slid through the crack in the door. The sound the paper made as is skirted across the hardwood floor caught his attention. He walked over picking it up. The soft pitter patter of footsteps drifted off down the hall. He started to open the door, but hesitated. Opening the folded notebook paper reminded Greg of middle school. He almost half expected there to be a note inside from some secret admirer asking him to the winter formal or to be his Valentine. It was neither of those. It was a note from Officer Teddy Walters. As he read it, he couldn’t help but hear the young cop’s heavy southern accent. It read: Greg, unfortunately your truck is up the creek so to speak. Buck’s towed it to the shop. I’ve been off the clock since 7 this morning. You should swing by the diner and meet my sister before you decide to head out. If you take a right once you get onto Main Street, it’s only a few blocks down. You could even get your script filled while you’re here. The pharmacy is in the plaza by the diner along with everything else. You can’t miss it. Teddy W.
“Sure. Why not?” Greg mumbled, folding the paper back up and stuffing it in his back pock
et.
He used the bathroom, washed his hands and then left his room.
He hadn’t remembered being introduced to anyone else last night, but as he walked through the bed and breakfast, a little old woman sitting in the living room said hello. She was a withered little thing half the size of the blanket she was nearly done crocheting.
“Slept well, I suppose,” she chuckled, looking up at the grandfather clock against the wall.
“Late night.” Greg responded, reaching the front door.
“Out so soon? You haven’t even eaten anything, dear.”
“Maybe later,” he apologized softly. “I have a few things to take care of. Getting a late start, you know.”
“Yeah, I see that.”
“Thanks for everything,” he smiled, opening the door. “Oh, um, do you know where Main Street is?”
“We’re on it, sweetie pie.” She grinned, her false teeth were an unnatural white. “When you step out the door, it’s the road to your right. I take it you’ve never been to Grayson?”
“No ma’am. I sure haven’t. Seems real nice, though.”
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