In a final moment of defiance it shrieked, a howl that drowned out all other sound, ringing in my ears like a thousand echoing church bells! In those final moments I had witnessed how the thing, torn like a foul mist from upon the lad’s form, shrieked as it vanished into the darkness! The shadows and smoke disappearing as though a great vacuum drew upon them and everything fell into solemn silence. I dared to look down, gasping with relief, as the tearful and wearied face of young Dennis now gazed back at me.
Climbing from off the boy and bed, I leaned down to retrieve the fallen sheet and gently covered him, “All will be just fine now—have faith, my friend….”
“Where has it gone?” Rich gasped, looking to Raymond and then back to me, “Did it return to the asylum?”
“It can’t do much in this world without a host body--,” I wiped a cold sweat from my brow and swallowed hard, “It’s formless at the moment—and has lost its influence over the asylum. We now have an opportunity to return to Woodlands and sanctify the graves and grounds.”
As I moved back I suddenly became disoriented, the entire world seeming to spin before my eyes! There was a sharp pain and immense pressure in my breast, as struggling for breath, I felt as though I was suffocating! My last memory having been the door exploding inward, a sudden rush of people storming in, and Rich’s wail as I fell and the darkness took me….
I had been awakened by a furtive movement in the darkness, and opening my eyes, discovered Rich at my bedside in that very same hospital. Caitlin had rushed over from where she had been gazing out the window, tightly embracing me as she wept.
“You had a minor coronary event--,” Rich took my hand in both of his, “Doctor Wong is watching over you—he says that you will be alright as long as you rest.”
“What happened--,” I attempted to move, but was gently forced down by my beloved wife, who gazed deeply into my eyes, “Somehow and beyond explanation, the three of you managed to save the life of a young man. A man who, according to Doctors, was in critical condition, and was not expected to survive through the night. Michael—what happened?”
At that point, Raymond had entered the room, moving to the bedside, and carefully sat down next to me. At first he appeared speechless and utterly unable to gather his thoughts. But then, clearing his throat, he quietly said, “I explained how the young fellow had suddenly returned to consciousness and how we struggled to keep him from harming himself. Dr. Wong was aware of how strong and very dangerous someone in that state can be. Apparently, he excused the night staff and requiring no further explanation, is tending to Dennis, himself. Oh--,” Raymond offered me a business card, “He has also asked that we remain in contact.”
Accepting the card, I passed it to Rich for safe-keeping and asked, “Will there be an official report?”
“I don’t see any reason to file one. It was nothing more than a comatose patient making one hell of a racket and tossing things around.” Resting his hand upon mine and Rich’s, he looked between us and said, “Get some rest—I’ll be in touch in the next few days.”
“And who, might I ask, are you?” Caitlin politely inquired between tears.
“A good friend--,” Rich explained, saying, “Detective Raymond Emerson.”
“Thank you--,” She accepted his hand in greeting, wiping away the tears, as she said, “For watching over my boys.”
“We watch over each other--,” He sighed, looking between us and slowly nodding, as he said, “I can see that it’s going to be a long road, but you can count me in for the duration.”
Reaching upward and taking his hand, we shook with what little strength I could muster. His expression had been one of deep concern, “I may never measure up to Sergeant Harris, but I’ll certainly try.”
“You were cut from the same stone—but are both unique.” I smiled sadly in reflection, and looking back at him, said, “Thank you my friend, and welcome to the family, Raymond.”
And with that he simply nodded, moving from the bed, and silently made his way off and into the night.
Caitlin rested her head upon my breast. Gently stroking her hair, I turned to Rich in question. He had guessed at my thoughts, gently patting my forearm, and said, “There will be time enough to talk later, I better get home before Maya starts calling around.”
“Oh my God--,” Carrie stood in the doorway, covering her mouth with a hand as she and Scott rushed into the room, “What on earth happened?”
“Sorry--, Caitlin sniffled, “I called them. I knew that they would never forgive me if I didn’t.”
“Bro—are you alright?” Scott appeared utterly devastated. Sitting down on the edge of my bed, he seemed to be searching my face for an answer, but before anyone could say anything, Red Cloud and Maya appeared in the doorway with Tanya and Danny, Pamela, Deb and Ray, Jen, Eva and old Norman following close behind.
“I guess that I just overdid things a little--,” I attempted to make light of things, waving as my friends gathered, and said, “I’ll be just fine, but thank you, bless all of your hearts for coming.”
Carrie took hold of my hand, clenching it tightly. Her big gray eyes filling with tears behind fogged lenses, she choked out the words, “Caitlin told me—about your health condition—we all know….”
It was almost impossible to look into those eyes as they raged like the storm filled heavens, demanding an answer that I simply could not provide. I looked about at my friends, all of them attempting to appear confident, but seemingly upon the border of tears. I loved them all, but could not watch any longer. Turning away, I swallowed back the emotions.
“It’s a congenital heart disease--,” Rich had announced, sensing my utter loss, and swallowed hard, “Ischemic heart disease—a hardening of the arteries, to be exact. But, with proper diet and exercise….” The words now failed him, as looking away and toward the window, he fell silent.
“I can assure you that with a little time to recover, he will be just fine.” Dr. Wong appeared from out of nowhere, moving toward my bed and speaking with a confident smile, “He just needs rest now.”
“Alright then--,” Carrie assumed control, acting as the den-mother that she had always been, and looked around the room, “There’s been enough excitement here for one day. Let’s all meet down at Denny’s, treats and drinks are on us.” She looked back at me, and pointing a finger in warning, said, “And you better get some rest—we’ll have a little talk when you get out of this place….”
I had waved, but not found the words in departure. As she had hurried off, Scott came sneaking back into the room and to my bedside. “Can I get you anything, bro—do you need anything at all?”
“No--,”I had taken hold of his wrist, “Thank you for just being here.”
Maya had immediately gone to Rich’s side, but my friend had never moved from the window or looked back. There was a moment, a brief flash, during which, within imagination, I had envisioned that very same scene! A hospital room with Scott, Caitlin and Rich standing before a window, and an empty bed where I had once been…. I shook the image from my thoughts as he turned and suddenly looked back at me. There was a silent understanding between us. A sense that through everything and at the very end, they would all be there with me….
Moving across the room, he took something out of his coat pocket, and slipping it beneath my pillow, said, “I kept this for you—keep it close.”
I knew exactly what it had been: Touching it with a hand, I enclosed my fingers about the amulet. There was a sense of security within the mere presence of the charm. Looking to him, I had thought aloud, “Your painting—the symbol. We should make more—pass them around as gifts to our friends.”
“Consider it done.” He swallowed hard, the fear and concern reflecting darkly in his eyes.
“I said everyone out—that means you too, Scott.” Carrie peeked back into the room. After having led everyone else away, she said, “Not that anything could ever separate you three clowns for long.” Forcing a smile, she looked be
tween us and, for that brief moment, broke the sombre stillness.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, get some rest.” Rich waved, leading Maya and Scott away, and glanced back from the doorway, “Till then.”
“Till then—get some rest.” I had returned the wave, my attention falling back to Dr. Wong who now stood alone in the long shadows of the little room. With his arms crossed over his breast and eyes focused upon me, he appeared lost in thought. It was obvious by his stance and expression that he had been aware of what had been happening earlier that evening. But for reasons of confidentiality, or simply unwilling to upset my wife, he had said nothing.
“I can’t thank you enough.” I looked up as he approached. Taking my wrist, he looked down at his watch while checking my pulse. “You might have the opportunity.” He glanced down at me, “Once you have made a full recovery, I would be very interested in discussing your work.”
At first the statement had bothered me, but noticing the mischievous glint in his eye, I had only nodded in agreement, “It would be an honor and a pleasure. Um, Detective Emerson gave me your card. I gave it to my friend to hold for safe-keeping until I can get organized again.”
“Of course--,” Dr. Wong gently placed down my arm, shoving his hands into the pockets of his lab coat, and said, “Well, you seem to be doing just fine now. Your wife is welcome to stay. If you need anything, just ring the bell above your bed.” He pointed to a cable that hung inches above the headrail, “I’ll be watching over you tonight—try to get some rest. I’ll be on duty until seven.”
“Um, how is the young man doing?” The question had haunted me since having awakened.
“Thanks to you and the others--,” Dr. Wong’s expression became stern, but his eyes revealed a certain admiration, “He’s resting easy, and I’m happy to report, stable and recovering quickly.”
“Thank you.” I felt the tension slip away, my entire body sinking back into the warm bed.
“God bless—and good night.” Dr. Wong moved to leave. Halting at the door, he looked back in thought, “Feel free to call me Edward in future. Talk soon.”
“It looks like you have made some new friends.” Caitlin watched the Doctor depart. Brushing the hair from my sweat-beaded brow, she asked, “What happened here tonight?”
At first I had intended to avoid upsetting her with such madness, but realizing the immediate danger and possible future threat, quietly submitted, “We encountered something unexpected at the asylum the other day. That supposed haunting that we talked about.” I reminded her as she now listened intently, her eyes huge.
“Something attacked and managed to possess that young man.” I drew the talisman from beneath the pillow, holding it before her, and said, “We managed to exorcise it — force it out of him. But, as you can see, it took its toll….”
She said nothing, her bottom lip just quivering as the tears flowed like a crystalline river upon her pale cheeks. Brushing a finger across her delicate skin, I carried away the tears, whispering, “It’s alright now, my love—everything will be just fine.”
“One of these days or nights—while you’re chasing devils or things that go bump in the night,” The words came as a stutter and from between tears, she continued, “I’ll receive a call—and news of having lost you.”
“Oh sweetheart--,” I kissed and attempted to comfort her, “You shouldn’t say things like that. You don’t really believe that—do you?”
She had just looked up at me with those bright green eyes, her red curls dancing before a pale and tearful expression. It was within that gaze that the answer came, an expression beyond words and infinitely more painful. I had simply held her close, softly kissing her, as I silently lay within the dim blue glow of the dark room….
Tuesday, September 17, 1974.
Although Rich had called several times, he had insisted that I rest rather than accept visitors. I had returned home from the hospital the following morning and spent Sunday and Monday sleeping and doing absolutely nothing. It was the first time in what seemed forever that I had actually managed to avoid my office, but as usual, that didn’t last for very long. Wandering around in my blue plaid pajamas, slippers and black robe, I slumped into the chair before my desk.
Caitlin had Danny move my carefully boxed collection of comics and magazines into my office and left everything just outside the closet door. There had been considerably more than I had remembered. Taking the time to make notes of the final editions, I planned to purchase anything that I had missed. I had made certain to place backing boards inside their plastic sleeves and kept them in immaculate condition. I had always loved horror and these were truly the cream of the nightmare crop! With fabulous and frightening stories, the covers were vibrant, the artwork done by masters in their field. It was far more than a comic collection: It was a piece of horror history!
I had smiled, as reaching for the Godzilla figure that now rested atop my desk, I paused in reflection. “I wonder if it’s possible to find larger figures of you, old friend!?”
I had felt a depth of nostalgia that words could never properly describe. It was an overwhelming and exciting sense of awe. Something similar to what a child might feel when first discovering Christmas lights, or witnessing the fourth of July. In all truth, it was the first time in ages that I had felt truly young! As revitalized by youth’s magic, I felt inspired, passionate about something other than my work and Caitlin.
“Alright then—this just feels too good to give up due to my age.” I had placed the figure on the cabinet beside my desk, and returning to my chair, thought aloud, “After all, I can afford to indulge a few hobbies—you simply can’t put a price on happiness. I’ll do a little snooping around town and add to the comic collection, and maybe even find another Godzilla figure somewhere?” Just the thought of indulging these things had warmed my heart and soul. It took me back to a simpler time when life greatest complications were having money for gas, burgers and Drive-In movies.
The first few editions of the Warren magazine comics had been purchased as a gift from my mother. I had always loved to write and draw things that made people cringe on first sight. They were a gift from the heart that had lasted a lifetime, and inspired me to become who I was now.
“Oh—missed me, did you?” I leaned down as dear old Merlin appeared from out of nowhere, purring loudly, as he rubbed against my legs from beneath the desk.
“He wasn’t the only one--,” Eva entered the office with a tray of tea, unbuttered whole-wheat toast and an apple, “You had us all very worried, laddie.”
“Oh goodie—dry whole-wheat toast, again.”
Cuffing me gently to the back of the head, she glared down at me, “You’ll eat it and like it—or get nothing.”
“Somehow I knew that you were going to say something like that.”
“Well—we’re doing our very best to take good care of you--,” She poured the tea and slipped the plate of toast and fruit before me, “Now eat up—it’s good for you.”
I already knew that I couldn’t toss it into the trash, or even out the window, without her finding out. So, left with no other choice, I complacently gnawed upon my sawdust sandwich, washing it down with black, sugarless tea….
“I know how miserable all of these things make you feel--,” Eva moved to draw the drapes and open the window, “But we must follow the Doctor’s directions. It’s for your own good—and ours as well.” She turned and looked back at me in a moment’s thought.
I had been seeing that pained expression far too much as of recent, and though it was sincere, could not bear to look upon it any longer.
“Oh Eva--,” Opening my arms, I welcomed the dear old soul within gentle embrace. “I truly do appreciate all of your efforts—please don’t get me wrong. But it’s not the end of the world.”
“That is where I will have to disagree with you--,” She slowly moved away, pausing before the door, and said in a somber tone, “If anything were to happen to you, it would most certainly be t
he end of the world for many of us. Please consider that while you take breakfast.”
And with that she had departed the room, leaving me to my thoughts, overwhelming guilt and that horrible toast….
Moments later I could hear her voice in the front gardens, shouting at old Norman as she ordered him in for morning tea break. She was indeed a loveable soul, though a little rough around the edges at times. I had always appreciated that blunt honesty about her. And the polite way in which she could insult someone without the victim usually having been aware. In that respect I had been left alone many times, pondering the things that she had said in a moment of disapproval.
The telephone suddenly rang! Causing me to leap back while eavesdropping on Eva and Norm’s conversation, and almost spilling my tea, grabbing at the receiver, I had answered, surprised to hear Tim Versailles voice on the other end!
“Tim—it’s wonderful to hear from you, how have you been holding out?”
“Better than most of my clients--,” He chuckled, “I was talking to Harry last night, and he asked when you were intending to make that visit that you promised last year.”
Looking at the calendar and still concerned about the Woodlands affair, I thought for a moment, “To be honest, I’ll be a little tied up for the next few weeks. But, we can put something together in October.”
“I know that it won’t include dinner at the new Hedley diner. It’s actually a little uncanny as to how much the new building resembles the old place. It’s like walking back in time. I hardly ever go there—and old Harry won’t set a foot in the place.” He tapped a pen upon his desk, sounding somewhat sad, “Would you prefer that we came into town and met you somewhere?”
“Actually--,” Looking back at the calendar, I snapped my fingers, “I can do a lot better than that. We’re planning a big Halloween office party at my home. I would love to have you and Harry here for the weekend. We have extra rooms, and I know how much Harry loves Eva’s cooking.”
Sanctum Arcanum Page 24
