The Broken II: Tainted Trail

by A. L. Frances

  Powerless, Dorothy watches her daughter collapse.

  Dorothy tries to shout out but her throat is still raw. She manages a feeble, “Alice! Please!” Then, looking to the paramedics: “Help me – she’s not breathing.”

  One of the paramedics quickly goes to Alice. Checking her pulse, she says, “She’s ok. She has just fainted. Lay her down safely and go and grab a cold compress and some water for when she comes back around.”

  Sobbing, Dorothy replies, “Okay.”

  Placing a pillow on the floor, she rests Alice’s head on this. Slightly unsteady on her feet, but with the power of love for her daughter taking over her body, Dorothy goes to the kitchen and grabs the items. As she tenderly presses the cold compress against her daughter’s head, Dorothy gently sobs. She strokes Alice’s hair off her face. “Come on, Alice, please. Everything’s going to be okay, I promise. Just please wake up.”

  As the medics continue to administer CPR, suddenly, through some miracle, Hope screeches and turns a bright shade of pink. She’s breathing again.

  “Alice, Alice, she’s breathing,” Dorothy tells her daughter. “She’s alive. Please wake up. Alice, if you can hear me, Hope is okay.”

  As one of the medics tends to Hope, the other now makes her way across to Alice and takes her observations.

  “Alice, can you hear me?”

  Alice remains unresponsive.

  “Alice, if you can hear me, my name’s Tara. Can you make a noise for me, please?”

  Suddenly, Alice groans.

  “Alice, I’m here, my dear,” Dorothy says. “Hope is okay. You’re all going to be okay.”

  Looking to Dorothy, Tara says, “Please can you stay here for a moment with Alice? Keep pressing this on her head. I’m just going to get the stretcher out of the ambulance.”

  “Of course, I’ll do anything. Just help her, please.” Looking to her daughter with relief, she whispers, “See, I told you everything was going to be alright. I have you, my dear. I have you.”

  Making her way towards the door, Tara says, “Pete, I’m going to get the stretcher. If mum comes around shall we place both mum and baby on one together, or shall I get the incubator just in case?”

  “Get the incubator. Don’t want to take any risks. Mum’s not stable enough yet.”

  “Okay, will do.”

  “We’ll need to hook them both up to the vital signs monitor, too. Can you get them ready?”

  As soon as she arrives back with the stretcher and the incubator Pete and Tara rush both mum and baby into the ambulance. Without any hesitation, Dorothy dives into the back of the ambulance. Still weak and in shock, Alice mumbles, “Mum, the boys, they need collecting from school. Lewis and Eve also need collecting from college.”

  Leaning over her daughter, Dorothy says, “Shhh, don’t worry about them, I’ll sort everyone out.”

  “Jesse, you need to tell Jesse.”

  “Yes, and Jesse. I’ll let him know.”

  Alice whispers, “He’ll be okay with the boys. Thank you for everything, Mum. I’ll call you from the hospital.”

  “Shhhh… You get some rest. Don’t worry about the boys, I’ll check with Jesse or else I can take them. And, as for calling, don’t you call me, I’ll call to check on you two, okay my dear?”

  “Okay.”

  Dorothy kisses her daughter then makes her way over to her granddaughter. She peers into the incubator at baby Hope. There’s not a shade of grey in sight and not a spot of black upon her skin. Her eyes have resumed their normal shade. Baffled, and believing it all must have been a figment of her imagination due to stress and lack of sleep, Dorothy kisses Hope on the head once more and then gets down from the ambulance.

  Teary eyed she says, “You take good care of my girls, please.”

  “We will, don’t you worry,” Pete replies as he hops into the driver’s seat.

  Standing at the back, Tara says, “Okay so we’ve got your details. Are we okay to put you as next of kin?”

  “Yes, please do. Will someone be able to call me and let me know what ward they’re on?”

  “Erm, well, ideally if you ring the reception and give details they can provide this information. But, you may have to pass security first.”

  “That’s not a problem. Okay, so I’ll call in around an hour and see how they’re getting on.”

  “Yeah, that’s possibly your best bet.”

  Grabbing the paramedic, Dorothy holds her tightly in her arms. This professional has just saved her world from falling apart and she’s more than grateful. Smiling, Tara hops into the back of the ambulance to take care of Alice and baby Hope for the duration of the journey to the hospital. Dorothy watches them drive off down the road. Once they are out of sight, Dorothy heads back inside the house and closes the door.

  Resting her back on the windowpane next to the door, Dorothy tries to process what on earth has just happened. Caught up in her thoughts, she fails to notice the sudden change of ambience within the house until a tingle shoots down her spine. The hairs on her arms stand to attention, creating pimples on her skin. As the unnerving energy gains strength, Dorothy suddenly realises that she’s no longer alone in the house. Feeling extremely vulnerable, she shouts, “Hello?!” Deep down she prays no one will answer.

  She’s being teased by entities unknown. No longer feeling brave, Dorothy rushes into the front room. Grabbing her belongings, she runs to the front door to let herself out – except she can’t, because the door is unexplainably locked! No matter how hard she pulls down on the handle, Dorothy is unable to free herself. Panicking, Dorothy begins kicking the door and screams, “Help!”

  As she heads towards one of the other doors, a strong gust of wind suddenly blows down the staircase and knocks Dorothy off her feet, causing her to fall and hit her head against the banister. With a split on her forehead, she curls up, unable to move.

  As she lies on the floor quietly sobbing, blood drips from the gash on her head. She vomits on the floor. Her body convulses as she goes into shock. A pungent stench travels up her nostrils, awakening her senses. Dorothy feels an excruciating pain throughout her internal organs. Suddenly, Dorothy’s body stops convulsing.

  Drained of more than ninety percent of her life, Dorothy lies in a heap at the foot of the stairs. Her eyes are open wide. Her wounded, cracked skull now feels like a weight has been dropped on it from a great height. She throws up once more, the vomit dripping from the side of her mouth. Once again, she begins drifting in and out of consciousness. No longer in control of her own body, her eyes unexpectedly close shut as she whispers, “No…”

  A thick grey mist develops and begins making its way down the staircase towards Dorothy. Reaching her battered body and wrapping tightly around her physique, the dark energy paralyses her. She can no longer even so much as wiggle her own fingertip. Empowered by this control, and with a grip that’s getting stronger, the deceitful mist creates bonds around her entire being. Its formation complete, this possessive controlling manifestation calls for its owner. No sooner has the command been given than she arrives at the top of the staircase. There she is!

  Her eyes closed and unconscious, Dorothy is completely unaware of the demonic entity which is only a few feet away from her. Jezebel slowly descends the staircase and walks towards Dorothy’s paralysed body. Once there, she leans over Dorothy’s prone form, reaching for the back of Dorothy’s neck with her horrific razor-sharp nails. Pressing her nail deep into her flesh until she draws blood, Jezebel engraves an upside-down cross, making deep cuts through the layers of flesh. There is not so much as a flicker from Dorothy. Collecting the sinister black substance from one of her gaping wounds, Jezebel embeds it into the gash she has just created on Dorothy’s neck. She smears the deceitful substance, mixing it with Dorothy’s human blood. Content with the captivity of Dorothy’s soul, and with her head low, she spits her black
substance as she says, “Mi temerai.” Leaning over, she continues, “Do you like to play games, Dorothy?”

  Dorothy remains unresponsive, and Jezebel smirks. Her jet-black hair hangs heavy on either side of her face and the black substance gushes from her mouth as Jezebel speaks once more: “You have been marked. You have been warned. You will stay away. You will not win against me. They are mine; you will see. Stay out and I will let her live. Try to stop me and I will ensure that she dies. Her life or death is in your hands. You decide…”

  Chapter Fourteen

  You Know What to Do

  Purity fills the air as the bells chime throughout the centre of Rochester. Standing strong with its sandy coloured bricks, the second oldest Cathedral in England is unique for many reasons. Its distinctive architectural construction is of the Normandy era. Rochester Cathedral also has a dark, gothic and medieval design throughout. It’s breath-taking for all the right reasons. Many flock here to worship and celebrate whilst embracing the stunning historic exterior and interior as they become captivated with their surroundings. The energy circulating within this magnificent building is powerful. During the day, sunrays beam through the huge handcrafted stained-glass windows. Each colourful creation has a biblical meaning and helps to radiate warmth and a tranquil glow. With wooden benches placed all around the floor space, this immaculate cathedral is ready for the faithful who are in need of spiritual guidance or those who need to feel a spiritual connection through their faith.

  At present, darkness has fallen. Even with the intimidation of the night, this blessed building remains secure and safe. The evening prayer service has just finished and there is only one attendee left inside. Familiar with the surroundings, Matthew kneels with his hands just above his head in the prayer position, deep in thought. Feeling as though he’s surrounded and supported by the guidance of angels, Matthew embraces the non-judgemental environment, shedding a single tear. Closing his eyes, he sees a clear vision in his mind. This wonderful event which has chosen to surface is of his wife before her light went out. The days when life was simple. The days when life was worth living for the right reasons, the easy reasons. He sees Lauren standing at the alter inside Rochester Cathedral. She is wearing an elegant, silk, ivory, wedding gown. The material is hugging her body in all the right places. Staring at her, Matthew is in awe. He cannot believe his luck. Gazing at her beauty, Matthew sees Lauren’s radiant smile beaming across at him. She looks just like an angel. Seeing the smile she wore once more, Matthew feels an intense burst of love. Yes, Lauren maybe deceased, but this will never stop his love for her.

  Having been forced into the hardest challenges of his life, Matthew has spent a long time feeling as if the world has turned against him. After getting over his anger at the decision maker upstairs for apparently cursing him with this path, he has now found comfort in the power of prayer.

  Believing he’s alone, Matthew speaks. “Forgive me, Father, I have a selfish prayer. I don’t know what to do. I ask you for guidance. Answers to the unknown. How can I continue to live freely when all that I had in this lifetime has very cruelly been taken away? My daughter – she is all that is me. My gift from you. All that is left of my wife. I ask you, I beg you, I implore you, please help me on this hunt. Please give me faith and instil strength in me, so that I know I can get her back and bring her home where she belongs.”

  He squeezes his eyes tightly together and breathes deeply. Before he has chance to continue with his prayer, Matthew hears a voice echoing from behind. “I know why you are here, Matthew.”

  Shocked, he turns and sees Reverend Andrew Read making his way towards him. Matthew hasn’t seen Reverend Andrew for a long time. He has been busy with business and life changing tragedies, and the years have mounted up quickly. Although he enjoyed tonight’s service, Matthew was certainly surprised to see Reverend Andrew conducting it, given that he is now beyond retirement age. Now just a few feet away, Matthew looks closely at Reverend Andrew’s features. It’s clear to see the years have caught up with him. His skin is sagging and coated with wrinkles. Not only this, his hair is the purest of white.

  “It’s been sometime since I last saw you, Matthew.”

  Paranoid that he might be judged for entering this house of God stinking of alcohol, Matthew nervously says, “Erm, I know I haven’t been by it’s just…”

  “Matthew, after all these years, you should know by now that you don’t have to explain yourself to me.” Smiling, he continues, “I’ve known you since you were just a young boy. I’d like to think that you know me well enough to understand that I do not judge, my child.”

  “Of course.”

  “Matthew, you seem troubled and lost.”

  “I am, I really don’t know where to go or who to turn to.” Feeling isolated, Matthew hangs his head. “Did you hear about Lauren and my daughter Evelyn Jade?”

  Putting his hands together, Reverend Andrew responds, “Yes. Matthew, I am sorry for your huge loss. Having bonded your love to Lauren all those years ago on your wedding day and having the ability to bless young Evelyn Jade at her christening, I truly feel a personal connection to your loss and continue to pray for you all. I think this is why I have been chosen.”

  “Chosen, for what?”

  “All will reveal itself soon enough.”

  Confused, and feeling slightly uneasy, Matthew doesn’t wish to press the matter any further. “Reverend Andrew, sorry, I’m… I… erm, shouldn’t have overstayed my welcome. I just wanted to speak with the big man upstairs once everyone had left. I didn’t know anyone would still be here, let alone you. I should probably just go.”

  “Matthew, it’s okay, I was just in the sanctuary blowing out the candles. Please, don’t be sorry, you’re always welcome in this house, you know that, Matthew. Here, you are safe.”

  “Thank you, Reverend.”

  Sitting next to Matthew on the solid dark varnished wooden seat, Reverend Andrew continues, “Guidance you ask for, then guidance you shall receive.”

  “Thank you, Reverend, but I’m not sure you can help me with this one.”

  “Matthew, of course I can help you. I am one of the Lord’s chosen messengers. I’m here to bring guidance from within. My purpose is to empower those who need it directly from the Lord himself.”

  “You can give me guidance from the big man upstairs?”

  “I certainly can. As I said, I have been chosen.”

  Sceptical, Matthew questions Reverend Andrew further. “Chosen? Okay, if you have been chosen, then you will know exactly why I’m here?”

  “Yes, you seek the return of a loved one. You seek the love from her heart.”

  Laughing slightly, he says, “Okay, Reverend, lucky guess.”

  “I promise you, I have been chosen Matthew. I have a message for you. Do you wish to receive it?”

  “Right now, I’ll try anything.”

  “This young girl, you will receive.”

  “What?! I’ll get her back?”

  “Matthew, be calm.”

  “Calm! Reverend, how can I be calm when you’ve just said that?”

  “Matthew, please listen to me.”

  “Yes, you’ve got my attention. Believe me, I’m listening.”

  “You need to understand that the challenge is hard. Your path is unclear. You are fighting evil – this is serious. Tainted trails will blacken your vision and darken your sight. Your mind will be taunted, your soul will be teased indefinitely. You must remain strong.” Looking to Matthew and raising his eyebrows in disapproval he says, “The alcohol, Matthew. You must sacrifice this.”

  Breathing deeply, Matthew knows the reverend speaks the truth, but it doesn’t make the thought process any easier. Alcohol is his confidence juice. It’s what was going to get him through the challenge of finding his daughter. He closes his eyes and inhales, then opens them and replies, “Okay, Reverend. I’ll
do it.”

  “You’re not doing it for me. You’re doing it for your chosen path. You can’t have a weak mind. You will lose. They’re too strong for you.”

  “I know. I promise, Reverend, I will stop.”

  “I don’t think you truly understand just how huge this is, Matthew.”

  “I think I do. Reverend, I just want my daughter back.”

  “That’s all well and good, but, Matthew, as I’ve said, you’re fighting evil. The darkness within.”

  “Yes, believe me, she’s already almost killed me once and has ensured my life was destroyed in the hope I’d probably kill myself. Oh, believe me, I know exactly what I’m facing.”

  “You must listen to me, Matthew, when I say that whatever your result, you must accept this path… your destiny…” Reverend Andrew reaches out and separates Matthew’s hands, which were still tightly held together. He places a solid gold cross into them. “This cross has been blessed and soaked in holy water. When the time is right, you will know what to do. Stab their hearts with this, but—”

  “Huh? Hang about, stab their hearts… I can’t… I won’t…”

  “You must. It’s the only way.”

  “But… Rev…”

  “Matthew, listen to me: you must stab their cold hearts. But this is the important part. These hearts, they are not the hearts which you may think. These hearts do not beat.”

  “What does that even mean?”

  “It means, when the time is right, you will know. Only then will you be free to live your life with her pure soul. The soul of the young. Matthew, only you can save us from the evil that lies within. Only you can break the sadistic entities that will destroy our world as we know it. Since our first meeting all those years ago when you were just a little boy, I knew. I knew that this was and always has been your destiny. Please, trust me.”

  Matthew is gobsmacked. He’s trying to process the Reverend’s words. Sobering up rapidly, he gulps and looks to the cross in his hand. “I…”