by Eden Redd
The party was still in full swing when Morgan stepped out the front door and into the night air. The heat of bodies cooled away as the player made his way to his home across the cul-de-sac. The pulse of the party faded to the background as Morgan stepped along his thin walkway. When he reached the front door, he saw something laying on the welcome mat. With curious eyes, the player knelt down and saw a thick black book lying there. Picking it up, he turned it over in his hands until he saw the title.
“Libro Nocte,” Morgan whispered as he stood up.
Opening the book, a breeze washed over him and a slip of paper floated out. Morgan snatched it from the air and held it close. A number was scrawled on it with a name ‘Tibby.’ A sudden feeling of being watched overcame the player and he spun around. Trees swayed to the evening breeze, but there was nothing else to see. The party thumped, but nothing else moved except for the trees in the wind. A moment later, the feeling was gone.
Morgan eyed the cul-de-sac for a long moment before backing to his door, opening it and stepping inside. Closing it, he wondered what was going on in the strange town of Driftwood Cove. Pushing away the odd ponderings, the player turned to see Nikki stretching her back and yawning.
“Welcome home,” the cat-woman yawned with sleepy eyes.
Seven
Morgan watched the lake waters as a car sank down into its depths and the sky grew brighter by the moment. Breathing in through his nose, the air felt pure. The player savored it as the last bit of Richard’s car disappeared in small rippling waves. Minutes droned on and the lake surface returned to normal.
Morgan sat back, hands pressed into the grass and dirt. It didn’t take much to search Richard’s home, take his keys and drive the car out an hour before dawn. The roads were clear as he drove the car over the grass and off a small rock edge overlooking a calm lake. The player took as many precautions as he could, leaving a cryptic note on Richards table, saying he would be out of town for a few weeks, placing a brick on the accelerator and tying the steering wheel to keep it in place. He watched as it drove off and splashed, sinking down to the murky depths. Now, he sat, enjoying the sunrise and pondering his next moves.
Like warm clouds rising into his mind, he thought about Anya. There was something there and he knew he wanted to explore it. The way she watched couples engaging in the primal act sent ripples of curiosity through him. The player knew many women were just as perverted as guys, but there was something more that he simply couldn’t pin down. She gave a warmth he wanted to explore, but the demons inside licked their lips as if they already knew her.
Morgan shook his head, his thoughts running amok when he knew he had to walk home and get ready for work. Standing up, he made his way across the grass and stepped onto the road. The player wondered if he had to hide his tracks, but it seemed he didn’t need to take it that far. The grass matted for a few moments as he drove toward the lake, but as he sat and watched the car sink, he noticed the grass was standing up as if nothing had run over it. Tracks covered by video game logic, the player walked along the road feeling he was in the clear.
The sun peeked over the horizon, light touching the tops of trees. Morgan walked slowly, basking in the morning light when the presence of being watched touched his senses. Turning his head, the player’s eyes widened as Anya ran along the road toward him. She was wearing tight black spandex with pink stripes at her sides. Jogging along, she waved to him and the player stopped walking, turned his body and smiled.
Anya reached Morgan, huffing lightly. “So funny running into you.”
“Same,” Morgan smiled as his eyes drank in her fit form, “I was just out for a morning walk and was heading back.”
Anya nodded. “I can walk with you?”
The player kept his smile, “Or we can jog together?”
You gained +1 to Attractiveness!
Morgan grinned as he noticed he was killing it on becoming very attractive. Calling up a menu, he bought a spandex jogging clothes, black with blue lines running down the sides. Tapping again at the menu, his clothes flashed bright before he was in his jogging outfit.
Anya eyed him up and down and gave a nod of approval. The two bounced a little in place, stretching legs before they began jogging. The sensations of running flowed through Morgan. The Mind’s Eye Gear suit worked to massage muscles and send electrical charges into them so they didn’t atrophy. It was almost like real running with some added benefits. Even in games, it was encouraged to work out to keep yourself in shape and depending on how often and well you performed, you gained extra credits for healthy activities.
“I was thinking about you last night,” Anya said as they jogged.
“All good I hope,” Morgan joked.
Anya let out a small laugh. “Yes, all good. I thought maybe since we aren’t really party people, we should have dinner together and get to know each other.”
Morgan’s heart gave a powerful beat, “That sounds great. How about tonight?”
Anya gave the player a shy smile. Morgan’s mind went to full alert. He had no idea why he said that. Panic lashed at firing nerves as he felt he made a fatal error. Mentally cursing, the small human part of him shouted he was moving too fast while the shadows and darkness cheered him on. The internal struggle stormed on as the two jogged in silence for a minute. When it became longer than a minute, Morgan felt hope dwindle away.
“Tonight, sounds great,” Anya smiled. “I was trying to think if I had anything else going on and came up empty.”
Heat crawled up Morgan’s neck as he played it off. “Great. I can make sushi. It’s one of a few recipes I’m learning at my job.”
“You’re a chef?” Anya asked as they jogged.
Morgan nodded. “I’m new at the job, but I already have a few recipes. I could bring my budding skills to your kitchen.”
“So, I’ll be your test subject. Sounds fun,” Anya said with an easy-going tone.
Morgan glanced over and noticed a pink heart appear over Anya’s head. It glowed and pulsed before it burst into smaller hearts and fading away. A sliver of confidence coiled around the player’s heart as he saw she was very interested in him.
“After work, I’ll go shopping, maybe pick up a bottle of wine and meet you back at your place. Do you have a wine preference?”
Anya nodded. “Red,” she stated simply.
The two continued their jog until the sign ‘Comet Street’ came into view.
“I’ll text you my address,” Anya said with a hint of shyness. “It looks like we part here.”
“I wish I could jog with you back to your street, but I have to work soon,” Morgan sighed.
“No worries, this is just a start to my daily routine. Call or text to let me know you’re coming over.”
“I will,” Morgan said as they both slowed down.
Anya looked down the street to the cul-de-sac before turning her gaze to the woods on the left.
“The woods are very nice to stroll through. If you keep going, you’ll run into my house,” Anya said in a low tone.
“Maybe we can explore them together,” Morgan said, mentally slapping himself in the face.
Anya looked down and bit her lip before looking back to Morgan. “We can do that on another date.”
Morgan’s heart pounded in his chest. “I’ll see you tonight.”
Anya nodded before jogging off. Morgan watched her go, his gaze falling on her firm ass. The heat of the moment cooled, but warm sensations flowed on like a peaceful river. He had completely forgot all the weirdness about the town until it came rushing back as he walked to his home. Dark thoughts clawed from their depths, whispering to the player that the clown who was rude to Mina lived on the same street as Anya. It sent a shadowy vibration along his spine as he had a date and maybe a task to cull the rude clown from the game.
Jogging to his front door, he eyed Richard’s house next door as it stood, dark and foreboding. Stepping into his home, the player closed the door behind him, thoughts
swirling of Anya and bloody needs.
Glancing to his right, on a small table lay the Libro Nocte. Morgan eyed the tome, unsure if he should pick it up again. Memories from last night swirled as he remembered reading some of the black book in bed. Passages glowed in his mind’s eye, a retelling of madness and art. Some of it came off as rambling, but as he turned yellowed pages, some of the paragraphs made sense in an odd way. The player couldn’t put his finger on it, but the written words caught his attention and didn’t let go. A name bloomed in his mind and it stayed like a splinter under his skin.
“Thulu,” the player whispered before a shadow emerged from the small hallway to his right.
Nikki sauntered in, rubbing her eyes. “Morning,” she yawned. “I heard you leave during the night.”
Morgan smiled as he turned away from the black book. “I had to take care of something, but everything with Richard should be fine now.”
The cat-woman yawned again before climbing onto the couch and coiling into herself, tail against her face. “Good,” the cat-woman yawned again and closed her eyes.
Morgan moved to the couch and gave her head a rub. Nikki purred as she pushed her head against his hand, an ear flicking. The purr grew louder and Morgan felt satisfied knowing Richard would never harm her again.
***
The morning fell into a new routine. Morgan finished his job and stepped out of his carpool before they drove off. Not going inside his home, he called a cab and it appeared a short time later. The drive into town was quick, Morgan’s mind filled with errands he had to run for his date with Anya tonight.
Stepping out of the cab and paying the driver, Morgan turned to the busy Main Street. Townsfolk walked along as shops and restaurants glowed with activity. The sky was blue with patches of white puffy clouds lazily floating across the heavens. It was enough for Morgan to forget he was playing a game. Thoughts turning to his errands, he smirked to himself as he walked toward the market for much needed supplies.
Forty minutes later, Morgan emerged with a shopping bag filled with ingredients and a rose. Remembering he needed wine, he walked along the sidewalk toward the only wine shop in town. Passing a shop window, the player glanced in to see potions lining the walls, a thick cauldron near the glass and several witches congregated within. Slowing his steps, he noticed the black and orange colors of Mina. The witch seemed to be having a great time, talking to her fellow witches. By her side, the demonic looking gentleman from David’s party was there, nodding and talking with the group.
The player watched as Mina smiled brightly, glancing to the man by her side. Morgan had never seen Mina so happy. Her hand curled around his arm and she leaned into him with warmth. Even from outside, Morgan could see the heat rising into her cheeks as the demon in a suit talked with her fellow witches.
Not wanting to bring any attention to himself, Morgan continued on with a small smile on his lips. It was nice to see Mina happy. Mina’s relationships never seemed to last and the player hoped this was the start to something special. Thoughts flowing back to Anya, Morgan’s heart beat warmly, a small excitement running along his nerves.
Walking along, Morgan’s mood dimmed as he caught sight of a man sitting on the sidewalk, his back to an alley edge. The man was clean shaven, but his clothes were slightly disheveled. Hair short and eyes with a faraway gaze, Morgan wondered what was wrong until he was close. Faint mumbles and whispers poured from his mouth, his gaze locked on the sidewalk before him. The mumbling put the player off and decided it was none of his business as he walked by the strange man.
“…they…are…all around us…I see them…in my dreams…,” the man whispered loud enough for Morgan to hear.
The player turned his attention to the man only for a split second when the stranger looked up with wide eyes.
“They…touched you,” the man hissed and wheezed before his gaze returned to the sidewalk.
Looking away, Morgan walked on, pushing the image of the stranger from his thoughts. The wine shop appeared at the corner, a wooden sign dangling from black chains, it reading ‘The Red Glass.’ Pushing at the door, Morgan stepped in.
The shop was medium sized, shelves made of dark wood and vines carved into wooden pillars. Bottles of wine covered the walls and along the standing shelves as several patrons perused the selections. The scent of grapes washed over him and he moved in further, mind relaxing. Moving to the wall of red wines, eyes scanned the shelves, looking for something light. White wine was often served with seafood, but Anya’s desire for red overcame dining protocol, not that he had a problem with it. The player often studied the histories of ancient dining etiquette, most of those archaic manners lost in the modern world. The player had to remind himself tonight is supposed to be fun and relaxing, not procedures from a nearly forgotten time.
Hand reaching up, he picked out a nice shiraz. Hefting the bottle, he turned so he could pay for it when a shadow touched his shoulder. Morgan looked over to see a raven-haired beauty standing by him. Pale skin glowed in the diffused light. Dark green eyes stared as the player stared back. Silence blanketed the space between them as Morgan recognized the woman he bumped into at the club and nearly tripped over at the library.
“You didn’t call me,” the woman said matter of fact.
Morgan’s mind worked as he remembered the piece of paper in the book with her name and phone number on it. “Tibby,” the player smiled simply.
Tibby remained still, her eyes unblinking. “I don’t give my number to anyone.”
A creepy vibe coursed through Morgan’s body. “I wasn’t sure I should. You left a book on my doorstep. I wasn’t sure what it meant.”
Tibby’s eyes glanced down to Morgan’s chest and then looked back up. “You read some it.”
Morgan raised an eyebrow when instantly, Tibby’s expression melted into a vibrant smile. The pale woman with dark eyes took a step closer, only inches separating the two.
“Can we talk where there are a little less people?”
The player stared as the strange woman seemed to lick his soul with her eyes. Unexplained pulses moved under his skin, but her striking beauty rooted him to the spot. Head turning slightly, he saw that indeed there were a number of patrons around them, one glancing over and looking away. The air took on a weird gloom, but the player found himself caught in Tibby’s gravity. Words formed in his mind, but nothing passed his lips. The suddenness of the meeting tripped all his thoughts and he fought through the entanglement to regain his senses.
Tibby reached out and took hold of his wrist holding the shopping bag. Pulling the stunned player along, Morgan simply followed. When a thought roared that he had to pay for the wine bottle in his other hand, he pulled Tibby back to a halt.
“I have to pay for this,” Morgan said desperately trying to regain some kind of control.
Tibby looked back and grinned, “No you don’t.”
Morgan turned his attention to a cashier as she smiled and waved. The player tried to understand what was happening as Tibby pulled him to a side door and opened it. The pair walked into an alley, the door closing behind them. The strange woman pulled him along, further down the alley until they turned a corner. Behind the wine shop was a small empty lot, surrounded by several brick buildings. Wild grass poked up from cracked pavement and sunlight washed the area in brilliance.
Tibby took the shopping bag and wine from Morgan’s hands and placed them on the ground, against the brick wall. Standing, her demeanor took on a relaxed edge as she continued to eye Morgan up and down. Before Morgan could get a word in, Tibby began to speak.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t talk around other people,” the pale beauty smiled.
The player leaned his back against the wall, unsure what to say. As the pieces began to fit together, the woman in front of him was odd to say the least. The feeling of being watched seemed to connect to her and Morgan wondered if she was the one behind it.
“Have you been stalking me,” the player asked simpl
y.
Tibby’s mouth curved into a wicked grin. “Driftwood Cove can be a little boring at times. Are you boring?”
Morgan’s eyes narrowed but kept his lips shut. There was a hint of madness in her gaze and he wasn’t sure he should engage or entertain it.
The woman kept his gaze for a long second before looking away. “My friends and I like to keep things interesting. We look for others who like to keep things interesting.”
Morgan broke his silence. “Tibby, I’m not sure what this is about.”
Tibby gave him a sideways glance. “Don’t question it. Don’t think about it. Let your instincts speak for themselves.”
Morgan grew silent again.
The strange woman moved closer, her pale skin glowing in the sunlight. “I can smell the blood on your hands.”
Morgan’s expression didn’t change as his heart thumped in his chest. If she was stalking him, did she see what happened with Richard? Did she witness him cutting the man into large pieces? Did she see where he buried the body? Fear stabbed at the player’s heart, making sure his expression was a stony mask.
Tibby moved closer, pressing her voluptuous chest against Morgan’s chest. A hand touched his ribs over his shirt and glided down to his belt. The raven-haired beauty eyed the player like a piece of meat, her grin razor sharp. Heat stormed up from touching bodies and Morgan was lost to her radiant green eyes. The shirt she wore was tight with a low cut. The player wanted to look down at her inviting cleavage, but maintained his hard gaze, unsure what she was trying to accomplish.
Tibby pulled her hand from Morgan’s belt and slipped fingers into her back pocket. Pulling it back out, she had a piece of paper in her hand. Holding it up, she continued to press her chest to the pinned player.
“This is an address to a special place. Friday night, come alone and tell the bouncer at the door I sent you. He will let you in,” Tibby smiled as she slipped the piece of paper into Morgan’s back pocket.
