by Paul Seiple
“But, how?” Kim asked.
“I don’t know, but I’d be lying if I said it will not be fun learning your story,” Debbie said.
Kim was at a loss for words. She hadn’t thought about the supernatural since she was a teen, until the demon children surfaced a few years earlier. She knew of no witches until she met Debbie. How could she be a witch? She thought back to Paulsen’s apartment. I didn’t think about moving that furniture, she thought. But I wanted to protect Terrence.
“You OK?” Debbie asked.
Kim nodded.
Debbie smiled. “It’s not something we have to figure out right now. Have patience. In time, I’m sure we’ll figure it out.”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right. I just never thought of myself as being a witch,” Kim.
“It’s a cool club to belong to,” Debbie said. “I’m going to lie down for a bit. Try not to rearrange the furniture while I’m gone.”
Sam couldn’t take his attention away from his phone as he waited for another text from Pamela. Sam hadn’t dated much since Kim’s mother passed away a little over twenty years earlier. Most of that time, he buried himself deep in the job, but since retirement, there were moments where Sam wished he had someone other than Kim and Terrence to share Chinese takeout with. He felt like a kid again, waiting on Pamela’s response.
Sam’s phone chirped.
HAWKINS appeared on the screen. Sam tapped the alert bubble.
I THINK I FOUND AMANDA DILLON. SHE’S IN TEXAS. YOU UP FOR A ROAD TRIP?
Sam didn’t respond right away. He looked at Derek as he typed on the laptop. Lanky no longer peered over Derek’s shoulder. He had turned his attention to a magazine.
“Ever been to Texas?” Sam asked.
“A few times. Why?” Derek asked.
“Hawkins has a hit on Amanda Dillon. He asked if I wanted to go with him to get her. It would be good for the story if you came.”
Derek smiled. “You like me, don’t you, Sam Strode. Of course, I’m in.”
“Hey, what about me?” Lanky said.
“Think you can sneak out after curfew?” Sam asked.
“Debbie will never let him come,” Derek said.
“I don’t need her permission,” Lanky said.
“My permission for what?” Debbie said, coming into the kitchen for a glass of water.
“Uh oh,” Sam said.
“You haven’t conjured anything else, have you?” Debbie asked.
“Who, me? I don’t conjure things,” Sam said.
“I think we solved one of Sam’s cold cases while you were in Cleveland,” Lanky said. “I’d like to go with him to get the killer.”
“No. No way,” Debbie said. “You’re not ready.”
Sam chuckled.
Debbie spoke a few garbled words.
“What are you doing?” Sam asked.
“Turning you into a toad,” Debbie said.
“Debbie, you can’t treat me like I’m fragile. I have to get back to living my life,” Lanky said.
Debbie stared at Lanky for a minute. “Is there a demon involved?”
“No,” Lanky said. “Maybe a ghost, but definitely not a demon.”
Debbie sighed. She knew Lanky was right. He was going crazy cooped up in the house. He needed to get back to a normal life, and for Lanky, the supernatural was normal.
“OK, you can go. But you two take care of him. If he gets hurt, I’m holding you responsible.” She pointed at Derek, and then Sam.
“Yes Ma’am,” Derek said.
“Hey, I’m not agreeing to anything,” Sam said. "I don’t want to be a reptile.”
“Toads are amphibians,” Derek said.
“Whatever. I don’t want to be one of those either,” Sam said.
“I’m serious. Take care of him. If you need me, call,” Debbie said.
Sam responded to Hawkins’s text.
I’M IN. I'M BRINGING SOME FRIENDS.
Forty-One
Kim noted the atmosphere of the restaurant. Dimly lit with candles, classical music playing barely above a whisper, and enough space between the tables so that it was possible to enjoy your date.
This was the official first date for Kim and Terrence. Since they had decided their feelings went beyond friendship, something always came in the way of the first date. They spent time at Kim’s house eating dinner and watching television with Sam, but that was it. They didn’t feel right “dating” while still partners on the force.
Being teammates in Project Specter was different. The same protocols didn’t apply to an organization that technically didn’t exist. Here they were on their first date, and Kim wrestled with telling Terrence she was a witch.
Maybe Debbie is wrong, Kim thought. Can I really be a witch? Memories of Darkness posing as the old woman came to mind. Kim took a gulp of water to drown out the old woman. A small child writing the word “Mayhem” on a sidewalk replaced her. Kim shook her head. The memory disappeared, but the truth stared her in the face. Kim Strode was a witch.
It can wait until tomorrow, she thought as she watched Terrence struggle to open a package of butter. He could bench press 300 pounds with ease, but it was the small things that tripped Terrence up.
“Here, weakling, let me help.”
Kim tore open the package and handed back to Terrence.
“Thanks. I got a little arthritis in my fingers,” Terrence said.
“Uh huh, sure,” Kim said.
“You OK? You seem distant. The server isn’t a demon, is he? He seems a little odd,” Terrence said.
Kim laughed. “No… but you remember those flying tables?”
“How could I not? They saved my life,” Terrence said. “It’s weird. I’m learning not to question those things.”
“I did that,” Kim said.
Terrence shot a puzzled glance at Kim. “I thought Debbie was messing with us.”
“Apparently not. She seems to think I’m a witch.”
“Cool,” Terrence said.
“Cool? Really? You’re OK with dating a witch?” Kim asked.
“I’m dating Kim Strode. If you’re a witch, that’s a bonus in our line of work.”
Kim returned the puzzled look.
“It’s like I said. I’m learning not to question these things,” Terrence said.
A speck of green flashed by Terrence and hovered over an empty chair next to Kim. Aura took shape.
“Hi,” she waved at Terrence.
“I’m still not used to seeing you, though,” Terrence said.
Aura took a piece of bread from the table and took a bite. Terrence watched it travel through her translucent body.
“You eat human food?” Terrence asked.
“Sometimes. It’s not really seasoned to my liking, though,” Aura said.
“Why are you here?” Kim asked.
“OMG… you guys are on a date, aren’t you?” Aura asked. “I’m sorry. I just thought you’d like to know the True Self is locked away and will not be tempting people’s inner shadows any longer.” She grabbed another piece of bread. “I’m leaving. I don’t want to be the third wheel.”
Aura returned to a speck of light and vanished.
“And that’s not the weirdest thing I’ve seen this week,” Terrence said.
Kim smiled and took a piece of bread. The thought of being a witch rested a little easier with her now that Terrence was OK with it. She enjoyed the bread and was eager to learn more about her place in this world… the real word.
Epilogue
Charlie Tate sketched the cover of The Ramones’ We’re Outta Here album while listening to “Rockaway Beach.” Things had been quiet around the Tate house lately. Charlie welcomed the boredom. He wasn’t as sensitive to the paranormal as Sara, but the things he saw still stressed him, even if Remi said it would be OK.
Rocky ran to the door and barked.
“She’s here,” Sara said.
Charlie slid the headphones off and rested them on his neck.
He placed the notebook on the coffee table and sat up.
“No, she’s not,” he said.
The doorbell rang.
Sara smirked and said, “Told you so.”
She opened the door. Remi waved.
“Your hair is different,” Sara said.
“I felt like going a little brighter,” Remi said. She held a few strains of orange streaked hair.
“I like it,” Sara said.
“It’s OK,” Charlie said. He put the headphones back on.
Remi smiled at Charlie.
“He likes you,” Sara said.
Charlie took the headphones off. “I do not.”
Sara laughed and grabbed Remi’s hand. She sang “Psycho Therapy” by The Ramones.
“Don’t tell me, you like The Ramones too,” Remi said.
“What?” Sara asked.
“You’re singing one of their songs,” Remi said.
“It’s The Ramones?” Sara asked.
“Yes, and it’s one of their best songs,” Charlie said.
“Where did you learn the song?” Remi asked.
Sara hesitated before answering. “I… must have heard Charlie singing it.”
Norma walked into the living room. She placed a pitcher of tea on the coffee table. “Decaf, just like you take it.”
“Thanks,” Remi said.
"Well, have a seat,” Norma said.
She swatted at Charlie’s leg. He sat up. Norma patted a cushion. Remi took a seat next to Charlie. She caught a glimpse of the sketch he was working on.
“We’re Outta Here. Awesome,” Remi said.
“It’s not finished yet,” Charlie said.
“Well, it’s badass,” Remi said. “So, have you seen anything strange lately?”
Charlie shook his head. Remi glanced at Sara as she sat on the floor, brushing Rocky’s coat.
“And you?” Remi asked.
Sara didn’t say anything. She kept brushing the dog.
“Sara… answer Remi,” Norma said.
“I didn’t learn the song from Charlie. I heard it in a vision I had,” Sara said.
Remi slipped off the couch and sat on the floor beside Sara.
“Honey, you didn’t tell us you were seeing things again,” Norma said.
“I always see things,” Sara said.
“It can’t be that bad if The Ramones are in it,” Charlie said.
“Tell me about the vision,” Remi said.
Sara took a moment and rubbed between Rocky’s eyes. The German Shepherd nuzzled against Sara’s hand before lying its head on her lap.
“I’m in the woods,” Sara said. “They’re other kids around. They’re running from something. They can’t see me, but I’m running beside them.”
“Can you see what they are running from?” Remi asked.
“No. It’s strange. It’s a different time. None of the kids have phones, and they’re wearing faded jeans and tennis shoes that I’ve never seen before. And one is wearing a shirt with four guys in makeup called Motley Crue or something,” Sara said.
“Is that where you heard ‘Psycho Therapy’?” Remi asked.
“Not in the woods. There is another vision. It’s the same kids, but they’re at some place called Sure Shot. It’s full of video games, but not like XBOX or anything. These games a huge. The song is on while they are playing a game called Dragon’s Lair,” Sara said.
“From what you’re describing, it sounds like your visions are occurring in the early 1980s,” Remi said.
“Were you even born then, Mom?” Charlie asked.
Norma laughed. “I was.”
“You’re old,” Charlie said.
“I was born in the eighties, too,” Remi said.
Charlie curled his lip and sat back on the couch.
“Are the visions scary?” Remi asked.
“They’re different. I don’t see ghosts or shadows, but there is this feeling that something bad is going to happen to the kids,” Sara said.
“If it happened that long ago, why is she seeing the visions?" Norma asked.
“It’s like when the Umbrella Girl appeared to Sara,” Remi said. “There are times spirits can’t rest because of unsolved trauma. If they can connect, they will turn to sensitives such as Sara for help. Sara doesn’t just see ghosts or, in some cases, demons. She is a pathway of hope for suffering spirits.”
“A pathway of hope?” Norma asked.
Remi nodded. “It seems they look to Sara to help them find resolution so they can go to the light.”
“So, my sister is like a supernatural Kojak?” Charlie asked. “She helps solve crimes just for the dead. And she likes suckers.”
“How do you know who Kojak is?” Remi asked.
“I watched a few episodes one night when I couldn’t sleep,” Charlie said.
Remi curled her lips. “Well… yeah, I guess Sara is kinda like Kojak.”
“Why do you think something is going to happen to the kids, honey?” Norma asked Sara.
“I’ve had another vision. It was quick, but there was a newspaper with the headline ‘Four Boys Missing in the Woods of North Carolina.’”
“We can’t go back in time and stop it from happening… can we… I mean, can you?” Charlie asked.
“No,” Remi said. “But if it’s still unsolved, maybe we can help.” She turned to Sara. “Remember how I went into the vision of the shadow with you? Can you try to conjure a vision and take me along for the ride?”
“I can try,” Sara said.
“I’m not sure about this,” Norma said. “Last time, something came through the vision and attached itself to me. I don’t think it’s safe.”
“If these boys have found Sara, they are going to keep visiting her. And at some point, whatever caused their disappearance is going to show up, too,” Remi said.
“I have to do this, Mom. They need me,” Sara said.
Charlie grabbed his sketchpad and put the headphones back on. “I’ll be in my room.” He headed up the stairs.
“Maybe you should leave, too,” Remi said to Norma. “Just to be safe.”
“There’s no way I’m going to let my daughter put herself in danger and not be here to help,” Norma said.
“Mom, you’re normal.” Sara smiled. “You can’t help. I have Remi. We’ll be fine. Please, let me do this.”
Norma stared at Remi before agreeing. “You’ll protect her?”
“I’ll always protect her,” Remi said.
Norma reluctantly stood and kissed her daughter on top of the head. “I’ll be in the kitchen.” She walked away, but stopped and turned back. “With very sharp butcher knives.”
“Mom, you can’t stab a ghost, duh,” Sara said.
Remi took Sara’s hand and said, “Let’s go to the eighties.”
Sara closed her eyes. It took a few minutes before “Psycho Therapy” played. Remi heard it, too.
“Can you hear it?” Sara asked.
“Yes,” Remi said.
The living room became fuzzy before shifting into an eighties' arcade full of kids. Sara pointed to the Dragon’s Lair arcade game. Four boys huddled around it.
“That’s them,” Sara said.
“Watch out for Singe,” one boy said.
“Shit, Jay, you died again. Give someone else a shot at saving Daphne, man.”
Jay put another token in the machine. “Just one more try. I got this.”
“That’s what you said four tokens ago. I’m going to play Dig Dug.”
“Wait, Mark. He’s going to die fast.”
“Let him go, he’s a downer anyway,” Jay said.
“Seems like typical teenagers,” Remi said, watching Mark storm off to another game.
“Jay’s kind of a jerk,” Sara said. The shorter boy is David. The other one is Jeff, Mark’s brother.
“Singe got you again,” David said. “Give me a shot.” He pushed Jay away from the game.
“We still doing it tonight?” Jeff asked.
Sara grabbed for her temples. The arcade faded away.
“Are you OK?” Remi asked.
“My head hurts,” Sara said.
“Let’s get out of here,” Remi asked.
There was a flash of light followed by a blinding white backdrop. Sara and Remi squinted. There were deep in the woods as heavy snow fell.
“Have you had this vision before?” Remi asked.
“No,” Sara said.
Their attention was drawn to an empty, bright red chair placed between two oak trees.
“Holy shit, it’s real,” Mark said, stopping in front of the chair.
“That means he’s real, too. We need to get the hell out of here,” David said.
Remi tightened her grip on Sara’s hand as they watched the boys explore the area around the chair.
“I’m scared. You know what he does to kids he finds,” Jeff said. “I’m leaving.”
A shadow darker than black appeared on a tree behind the boys. A tall figure wearing a top hat popped out from behind a tree.
“Run,” Jeff screamed as the boys scattered in different directions.
“We have to leave, too,” Sara said.
“What is that?” Remi asked.
“It’s the Hollow Man,” Sara said. “And he’s coming for me.”
William Shakespeare Quote
“This thing of darkness I acknowledge mine.”
– William Shakespeare
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Project Specter Mysteries
THE MAYHEM CHILDREN
THE NIGHT CALLS
THE INNER SHADOW
A Note From Paul