Dead Spots

by Rhiannon Frater

  Fleeing up the road toward the old theater, Mackenzie cast wary looks around them. They appeared to have escaped the worst of the onslaught so far. “Don’t be afraid,” she urged Johnny. “We’re almost there.”

  “But where’s Lucas?”

  “Maybe he’ll meet us at the theater.” Mackenzie darted around a corner and stopped in her tracks. Beasts made of smoke, sharp fangs, razor claws, and red eyes prowled along the streets. Their shoulders were as tall as the two-story buildings lining the main street and the ground trembled beneath their massive paws.

  “I don’t like those!” Johnny exclaimed.

  Mackenzie ducked into the recessed entrance of a department store and crouched down, pulling Johnny into her arms. Shivering from the cold and the rain, they huddled together watching the fearsome beasts roving the street, their claws shredding the asphalt.

  “What are we going to do?” Johnny’s voice was small and frightened. His cherubic face was pale and his lips were tinged with blue.

  “Don’t be afraid. We’re going to find a way out of here,” Mackenzie promised.

  The painful pulsing in her head was not diminishing, and she wondered if she could concoct something that would deflect the giant creatures. The mere thought sent another stab of icy pain through her brain.

  “I found you. Finally,” a voice whispered.

  CHAPTER 32

  Startled, Mackenzie saw a man slide around the corner and into the entrance. For a second, she feared it was Grant, but then Johnny flung himself into the newcomer’s arms and she realized it was Lucas.

  “Johnny said there was a shark,” she gasped, relief flooding her when he embraced her.

  “There was. A big one. I pushed Johnny out of the water so I could deal with it.” Lucas looked very pleased with himself.

  “What did you do?” Johnny asked.

  Lucas tweaked the little boy’s nose playfully. “Everything in here is made of dream stuff, remember?”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “So I made him into a goldfish.”

  “And then what?”

  “I ate him!”

  Again Mackenzie marveled at how Lucas could make the little boy laugh in the face of such horrific manifestations. Even she giggled a little. Leaning over, he whispered in her ear, “I actually had a bit of a battle with it and had to do some major healing. That’s why it took me so long to get here.”

  Alarmed, she gazed into his blue eyes and saw that he was speaking the truth. “Did you—?”

  He shook his head. “Close, but no cigar.” Directing his attention to Johnny, he said, “That goldfish gave me a lot of indigestion though. Don’t eat goldfish raw. They’re not very good.”

  “You’re silly,” Johnny informed Lucas, snuggled into his side.

  A great roar from above rattled the glass around them. Johnny gasped and buried his face in Lucas’s chest. Mackenzie wrapped her arms around her legs, trying to press herself into the corner by the door. One of the creatures patrolling the street lumbered past the area where they were huddled. Lucas shielded Mackenzie and Johnny with his body, his arms wrapped around them. The ground quavered and the air turned to ice in the wake of the monster.

  “It’s looking for us,” Mackenzie whispered.

  “I have a feeling Tildy may have let the cat out of the bag that we’re in the area.”

  Huddled together, they waited until the creature was farther up the street before daring to scrutinize the area. There were no signs of the zombies, but the sky was filled with swarms of red-eyed birds. The fires up the street raged in fiery glory, consuming the ghostly hotel and the buildings around it. A block beyond that, the theater sat in its majestic, yet ruined splendor.

  “How are we going to make it, Lucas?” Mackenzie whispered.

  Pressing his lips together, Lucas pulled her into the shadows and to Johnny’s side. “I’ll create a diversion. You and Johnny make a break for that alley over there.”

  “No, absolutely not. We agreed we’re leaving together,” Mackenzie protested.

  Resting his hand gently on her waist, Lucas met her steady, angry gaze with a slightly amused one. “Remember when I said I was afraid? My fear is you and Johnny not escaping. I’m going to make damn sure you do.”

  “I won’t let you sacrifice yourself for us,” Mackenzie said firmly. “There has to be a way to…” She faltered as an idea formed in her thoughts. “You said we need a diversion, right?”

  “Yeah?” Lucas said warily. “Mac, what are you thinking?”

  “Don’t let me fall,” she said, gripping his jacket.

  The pain this time was unbearable. It burned through her brain like white fire, consuming her whole. She felt herself fall forward, Lucas’s arms enfolding her. Darkness surrounded her, cold and unyielding.

  “Mackenzie!” Lucas gasped. “What did you do?”

  Though she couldn’t see, nor barely breathe, Mackenzie knew that she had succeeded. She could feel the entities she had created nearby. They were mere wisps masked in the image of Lucas, Johnny, and herself. Each one was infused with the need to run in the opposite direction of the theater, drawing away the creatures that hunted for the escaping humans.

  Lifting her into his arms, Lucas cradled her against him. “Mackenzie, what did you do?”

  Gradually, Mackenzie’s eyesight returned, speckles of light flashing brightly, then slowly dissolving into a murky picture that was slightly out of focus. Fresh air filled her lungs, and the searing agony in her head receded slightly. She heard the footfalls of the three doppelgangers running down the street, urging each other forward. Blinking her eyes rapidly, she continued to feed her own essence into them, making them more solid, real, and human. One of the creatures roared when it spotted the three figures racing away from it.

  Through blurry eyes, Mackenzie watched her three creations run past the store. The apparitions perfectly resembled the trio. The doppelganger of Lucas carried the mock Johnny on his back, his arm locked around the fake Mackenzie’s waist, guiding her forward. They were only visible for a few seconds, then they were gone. It didn’t take too long before the beast scuttled past the store in pursuit.

  “We don’t have much time,” Mackenzie said. She was still connected to her creations and knew that they would not last much longer. “Put me down, Lucas.”

  He reluctantly obeyed. “Can you run?”

  “I’m having trouble seeing, but I’ll hold on to you. You carry Johnny,” Mackenzie answered.

  Scrambling onto Lucas’s back, Johnny clung to him. “I’m scared.”

  “Me, too,” Lucas answered truthfully. Taking Mackenzie’s hand, he squeezed it. “Let’s go.”

  Following Lucas onto the sidewalk, Mackenzie continued to blink rapidly, trying to clear her vision. Lucas guided them past some cars and into the street. The massive sentinels were still in pursuit of the doppelgangers, buying them some time. Even the nasty red-eyed birds were swarming after the decoys.

  The sound of their footsteps slapping against the pavement was drowned out by the screams of the creatures. Mackenzie felt one of her apparitions vanish, but she wasn’t sure which one. Lucas dragged her into the side street, then swerved into the mouth of the alley. Again, the monsters howled. Mackenzie felt the last of her creations dissolve into nothing.

  Gasping, she clung to Lucas, her vision clearing.

  “You okay?” he asked worriedly.

  “Much better. But the ruse is up. They know what I did.”

  “Then we better run.”

  Pounding up the alley, they headed toward the theater. Mackenzie could feel the power of the dead spot even from a block away. Maybe she was growing stronger, or more aware of her own abilities, but she could almost see the massive blot of darkness that consumed the building, writhing, tentacles flashing outward, grasping hungrily. The thought of entering such a place terrified her, but she knew they no longer had a choice. They had to escape, or they were going to die and be rebirthed possibly far apart from
each other. The thought of losing Lucas and Johnny induced crippling anxiety, so Mackenzie focused on only surviving each step they took toward their destination.

  Crossing the bisecting road to the next length of alley was their next obstacle. Drained, Mackenzie knew she couldn’t create any more diversions and she wasn’t certain if Lucas could after healing from the grievous wounds inflicted by the shark.

  They stuttered to a stop beside a collection of trash bins. Lucas handed Johnny to Mackenzie before taking a cautious step to the lip of the alley to look up and down the road. The alley across from them appeared clear, but the dark recesses of the back entrances made Mackenzie nervous.

  “Okay, nothing is roaming around, so we need to run for it. Head for the back of the theater,” Lucas said. “You take Johnny and run ahead. I’ll follow.”

  Placing his hand on her shoulder, he nudged her forward, still watching the road. “Go now!”

  Together, Mackenzie and Johnny sprinted across the road to the next alleyway. The thunderous cries of the monsters mingled with the raspy hooting of the swarm of birds. It was clear to her that the creatures knew where they were and were swiftly approaching. They splashed through the rain puddles dotting the alley, scooted past Dumpsters, and aimed for the loading dock at the back of the theater. The sound of Lucas’s footfalls was reassuring. Miraculously, they were all still together. Bounding up the cement stairs to a door that read PERFORMER ENTRANCE in faded red lettering, Mackenzie felt the ominous sensation of the dead spot reaching out to her. Her hand hesitated, hovering over the knob.

  “Lucas,” she muttered.

  “I feel it, too.”

  “I can’t take control of it.”

  “Neither can I. It doesn’t want us to get out.”

  “I’m scared,” Johnny whispered. “Really scared!”

  The door creaked open of its own volition.

  “That’s not good, is it?” Mackenzie swallowed the heavy lump in her throat and hoped her heart wouldn’t suddenly explode from fear.

  “I’ll go first,” Lucas said, brushing past her. Cautiously, he took a step into the darkness dwelling beyond the doorway. “It looks clear.”

  “Is it the true doorway? The way out?” Mackenzie said hopefully.

  “No, it’s still the dead spot.”

  Lucas pulled a flashlight from the air. He gasped in pain, staggered, and fell against the wall, clutching his head.

  “Lucas!”

  “I’m okay, Mac. Just … weak.” He flicked on the light and directed the beam down the hallway. It appeared empty, yet foreboding. “Let’s get moving.”

  Holding Johnny’s hand, Mackenzie followed Lucas down the corridor, noting that a gun had appeared in his other hand. Feeling nervous, she summoned a baseball bat and was relieved to feel its heavy weight form in her hand, but another spike slammed through her head. The dead spot greedily sucked up the bit of life essence she had used, and she mentally shoved its searching tendrils away from her. None of the other dead spots had felt this aware or powerful.

  Though the dressing room doors were open, they revealed empty spaces devoid of any nightmarish creatures. They had already discussed their path through the theater based off of Mackenzie’s memories and anticipated being under attack once they entered the dead spot. The absence of the apparitions was unnerving.

  Grouped closely, they emerged into the wings of the stage and hurried through the one on the right. Nearing the heavy curtains over a doorway that opened to the audience, Lucas craned his head, studying every little possible hiding space. Nothing appeared. “This feels all wrong,” he muttered.

  “It’s still waiting though. Watching,” Mackenzie answered. She could feel the inky presence of the dead spot flowing around her.

  “The tour comes through the front doors, so that’s where we’ll go.” Lucas hesitated near the exit to the main theater. “Whatever happens, just keep heading toward the front door.”

  Mackenzie and Johnny both nodded. Mackenzie tightened her grip on the bat and stepped closer to Lucas. They were both stalling, mentally preparing for whatever came next.

  A glimmer of light caught Mackenzie’s eye. Glancing to her right, she saw that the stage was filled with the women in white. Their floating hair and delicate dresses glowed in the darkness, their hands pressed to their bleeding bosoms. There had to be a dozen of the women of varying ethnicities and races, but all beautiful and young.

  Lashing out, she grabbed the sleeve of Lucas’s jacket. “He’s here!”

  At the sound of Mackenzie’s voice, the eyes of the women in white opened, their gaze settling on her.

  “What?” Lucas cast a startled look toward the ghostly women. “Shit!”

  Grant emerged from the darkness tucked into the folds of the heavy theater curtains. His eyes were black, glittering, and cold. Mackenzie only caught a glimpse of him before he snatched Johnny from her grip and brutally hurled him into the wall. Johnny collapsed to the ground, his face covered in blood.

  “No!” Swinging the bat, Mackenzie miscalculated the arc and missed Grant completely. He snatched the weapon out of her hands and swung it fiercely into her stomach, knocking her to the ground.

  Lucas raised his weapon and aimed it at the wraith. Instead of firing, he let out a startled gasp and dropped to his knees. A knife protruded from his back. It had a melted plastic handle and scorched blade.

  “Tildy!” Mackenzie exclaimed, recognizing the knife.

  Shoving open the red curtain that opened to the house, Tildy smiled cruelly. Behind her, the mutilated remains of the Clown were scattered across the floor. It appeared she had been having “fun” before they arrived. Tildy leaned over to reclaim her weapon and kick away Lucas’s gun. Her blond hair was a golden halo and her once emaciated frame was nicely filled out. Dressed in a black halter-top dress and high heels, she slowly licked Lucas’s blood off the blade.

  “So delicious. Even better than my favorite blue-haired meal.” She glanced at the bloody chunks of the Clown. “He died a little too soon this time.”

  Mackenzie was trapped between the two wraiths. Johnny was motionless on the floor.

  Beside her, Lucas slowly toppled over on his side.

  Mackenzie touched Lucas’s hand. “Heal yourself,” she urged.

  “Mac, don’t worry about me. Get Johnny out.”

  “That shark really took a lot out of you, didn’t it, my old friend?” Grant said mockingly. “All worn out, aren’t you?”

  “Fuck you,” Lucas grunted.

  “I’d rather fuck Mackenzie. Though watching your brave struggle against the shark was inspiring. How’s the leg? All grown back?” Grant’s smile was feral. Seizing Mackenzie’s arm, Grant dragged her to her feet and aggressively pulled her against his body. “I missed you so much. I forgive you for leaving me. I know he deceived you, twisted your mind, and poisoned you against me.” The charming smile returned to his handsome face as he gazed at her. His eyes had returned to beautiful blue orbs, but Mackenzie knew what he truly was. “You’re so lovely. So lovely. So full of life. I love you so much.”

  “Fuck you,” Mackenzie retorted.

  “I want you to. Again. Like before. When I placed my mark on you,” Grant said seductively.

  “Grant, you’ve got yours, I have mine. I always wanted two men. I hope my clown doesn’t mind a little competition,” Tildy said with a wicked grin. She snagged Lucas by the ankle and dragged him through the doorway. A thick swath of blood stained the floor in his wake.

  “She’s such a passionate killer. I like her much better now,” Grant said while rubbing his lips along Mackenzie’s cheek. He lifted the bat and gazed at it thoughtfully. “I think I’ll bash the little bastard’s head in to make sure he’s dead, and then we can go somewhere more private.”

  “Leave Johnny alone,” Mackenzie snarled.

  “That little rat ruined it all, you know. All my delicately laid out plans to frighten you into hiding away with me where we could make love endlessl
y.” Grant glared at the little boy. To Mackenzie’s great relief, she saw Johnny was stirring. “But you had to come along, didn’t you? I had her right where I wanted her, completely terrified of everyone and everything, and then there you are. A little boy for her to take in and take care of. Not in the plans, junior. Not in the plans.” Raising the bat over his head, Grant smiled joyously. Tapping Johnny in the ribs with his foot, he said, “C’mon. Wake up. I want you to feel it when I beat you into so much jelly.”

  It was the moment she had been waiting for since she had swung and missed hitting the wraith. Grant’s attention was diverted and it was her time to act. She raised her hand as a massive gun formed in it. It was a weapon of dreams, not reality. It was the closest thing she could imagine to a handheld bazooka. The massive barrel pressed against the base of Grant’s skull.

  “You can’t do it,” he said in a confident voice. “I marked you. You can’t defy me. You belong to me.”

  “I belong to me,” Mackenzie corrected.

  She fired, his head pulverizing in a blinding explosion that knocked her flat. Her arm felt broken and the acrid smell of smoke and burning flesh filled the air. Grant’s headless body fell to the floor. Mackenzie gagged and she gripped her throat with both hands, choking. Something thick and oily was caught in her throat. Hacking, she struggled to breathe. Johnny crawled to her side and began whacking his small hand against her back.

  “Don’t die! Don’t die!”

  A fierce, painful wracking cough dislodged the obstruction and a tendril of putrid darkness flopped onto the floor. Mackenzie kicked at it, but it vaporized into a mist that disappeared along with the remains of Grant. Instinctively, she knew the mark was gone. Perhaps it was her defiance that had finally broken his hold.