by Gerard Denza
I interrupted her.
-Pleased to meet you, Becky. Yvonne, I am glad that you have company. I must proceed in a different direction. Go directly to the bar. I will join you there later. Don’t make any side trips.
I took my leave. In a short time, I would learn that Becky was a sensitive and an innocent. I watched the two of them walk down the street with each one grabbing a handle of Yvonne’s picnic basket and gaining a certain measure of strength from the other’s presence.
I walked to Max’s place still holding the half empty bottle of whiskey. It was fortunate for me that I had worn my old, comfortable white sneakers which went well with my dark blazer and slacks. I buttoned up the top button of my white shirt even though I wore no tie.
In a few minutes, I stood in front of Max’s building. It was the same as Yvonne’s place: deserted. I rang the doorbell and never let it be released until he answered. A man who might be hiding, must be forced out into the open.
-Do you want something or are you selling?
Max was older than I had imagined. He stood well over six feet in height, but erect and with an athletic build. At one time, he must have been an athlete.
-Actually, a little bit of both. Let me in, please. I have a few things to tell you.
-I have noticed the rather unusual moon and there doesn’t seem to be any sun in the sky which is a bit unnerving. And, the darkness doesn’t seem to be giving way to light. You wouldn’t be Howard, by any chance? Sean did mention something about a party and free drinks.
-Invite me upstairs and we can finish off this bottle of whiskey together. Yes. I am Howard Winter.
After a few drinks, Max and I walked in the direction of my my bar. The two of us felt the moon’s presence as it ripped a path for itself through the black sky. It was making its maiden voyage, but toward where?
-Do you hear that humming sound, Howard? It never stops and its always on the same frequency. You do hear it? It isn’t my imagination, is it?
-No. And, it’s annoying. It has been mentioned by others.
-Speaking of others, Howard, look down there. We’ve got company.
A short distance from us stood two men. I placed my arm on Max’s shoulder to stop him. I wanted these two men to approach us. In a moment, they did. A handsome boy of about sixteen came forward. He was not as tall as I, but he carried himself with confidence. His companion was an Hasidic Jew whose appearance baffled me, for I did not understand the reasoning behind it. His long, black great coat and side curls were annoying.
The young boy spoke to us.
-I’m glad we bumped into you guys. It’s kind of lonesome out here with nobody out doing anything. I hooked up with Abraham and, man, was I glad for the company. The entire city’s like some kind of a ghost town with no traffic and no people. What the hell is going on?
Max started to speak, but I cut him off. My questions had to be asked and answered quickly.
-You know each other, but surely you are not friends?
Michael, that was his name, grew flushed with anger. His voice was harsh, but controlled when he answered.
-Yeah. We’re friends, man, and what’s it to you? The two of us were starting a work program today, but things got kind of strange, so we decided to hang out-
I interrupted this pathetic speech.
-No more of this small talk. All of us must go to my bar now before that phantom moon sets. God only knows what will happen then.
-Howard, there’s someone else in the shadows over there: another member of our little party, no doubt. Shall we greet him?
-Why not, Max? He may know a few things that we do not.
The shadow within the shadow moved. It knew that we had seen it emerge from its black hole. An Asian man walked toward us. He wore a black kimono that reached down to his feet. His hands were folded in front of him as if in prayer. He could have been anywhere between twenty-one and forty.
-My name is Howard Winter. Who are you, please, and how do you come to be here?
-My name is Oshido Tsu. I have heard about your impending ritual for this evening through my co-workers. I have no answers to give you regarding our present situation. However, I do offer myself as a participant even though a seance can be dangerous..
I smiled at him.
-I like you, Oshido. You’re intelligent and humble.
-Thank you. We must depart for your bar at once. How kind of you to offer it as a refuge to us, for I fear that the true terror of this endless night has yet to unfold.
CHAPTER FOUR
OUTCASTS
THE FIVE OF US MEN walked to my bar: the refuge, as Oshido had called it. Why did the use of that term disturb me? I had no real knowledge yet of anything and there were the others to keep me company, but it wasn’t enough. We were all so submerged in ignorance that almost any course of action would have been welcome.
As we walked uptown, the only sound in the entire city were our footsteps on the pavement. The street lights were working, but the light that they cast didn’t make it to the sidewalk. I could only see a few feet in front of me.
I stole glances at Abraham. His presence had touched a raw nerve; so raw that I had to control a murderous rage.
At last, we arrived at our refuge. Oshido had been correct. His simple phrasing and clearness of vision had much to say for itself. I held the door open and allowed them to pass through.
Sean stood behind the bar and helped himself to the whiskey. He had appointed himself bartender, which was just fine with me. He waved me over and poured a shot for me. I noticed that there was a third glass on the counter filled with nothing but ginger-ale. Sean caught this and cracked a grin across that ruddy, handsome face.
-It’s Melody’s. The chick doesn’t drink, man. She’s in the ladies room. Have a drink...Howard. You look like you could use one.
-Cheers, Irishman. And, you are right. I needed this. So, tell me what you’ve been doing all this time: getting acquainted with the women?
-There’s only one woman I want to get to know.
-Melody? Should I even guess?
-You should know, man. She’s worth that erection you’re playing with now.
-You are truly disgusting, but I appreciate what you say. I am erect.
-You’re cool...Howard.
-Another drink, if you please.
-Thinking of beating up the Jew boy? You keep staring at him like you want to. Do it, Howard. Knock his teeth down his throat. What are you waiting for?
-Perhaps.
-Well, look who’s coming.
I turned around and stared at the woman who came toward us. I had never seen a woman as beautiful as she. Her eyes were aquamarine. Her hair was strawberry blonde and shoulder length. The figure was sensual, but in no way vulgar.
-You must be Howard. I’m Melody.
Melody extended her hand and I touched it with both of mine. Her scent was deep and crisp and with a hint of the ocean breeze to it. I wanted to bury my mouth in her neck and kiss her roughly, but not too roughly.
-Thank you for this refuge, Howard. I don’t know what we would have all done otherwise.
Again, that term “refuge.” I glanced toward one of the windows. The moon’s light streamed through and “crept” along the floor like a living presence that sought to invade our refuge. Yvonne, who had been watching Melody, followed my glance. She stifled a gasp. She got up and pulled the curtains closed.
-I was only too pleased to be of some aid, Melody. What else could I do under these strange circumstances?
Sean poured me another drink and freshened Melody’s. She ignored the Irishman.
-We’ve a long night ahead of us, Howard. But, the time will pass quickly...too quickly. I shouldn’t laugh. Chalk it up to nerves. Sorry.
Melody had a charming laugh and more than one person in the room turned to look. It was the first laughter that we had heard for what seemed like a long time.
-Have you spoken to Irene, yet? She will be conducting the seance. It
was her idea, you know. I’ve never been to one myself.
-Yes. She’s lovely. She seems to know a good deal about ritual and the occult. We can trust her, Howard. We have to.
-We have no choice, is what you mean. Anyway, I sense that you also are gifted.
Melody stirred the ice in her drink before responding.
-I am a psychic, but it’s a gift that seems to come and go of its own accord. I am sensitive in feeling the needs and moods of people; and this I do control, probably because I want to.
-Good. It’s a gift that suits you well.
-I haven’t really thought about what’s happened today. It’s difficult to take it all in. I am starting to think about it now, though.
-So, tell me, Melody, have you drawn any theories or conclusions. What are your feelings on things as they stand? Are we the only survivors left of the human race?
-I don’t know. All of us must be responsible for this in some way or else we wouldn’t be here...wherever “here” is. Howard, are we still in the same city? Is this New York City? Do you know? Have you guessed or has anyone guessed?
-I doubt it.
-I’m sorry. I’m asking a lot of questions and not giving any answers. I do know that I was awake all of last night if that means anything.
-That’s interesting, Melody, and, perhaps, it is a beginning. I did not sleep either and neither did my Irishman friend here. And, another interesting point that you raise: the question of responsibility. There is someone responsible for our being here and surrounded by darkness and a phantom moon. I am glad that you raised that point: the question of who is behind it all. And, as to where we are, Irene has already given a clue as to that; although, she didn’t realize it at the time.
Irene came over to the bar and stood between Melody and me. She was agitated.
-Did I hear my name mentioned? How flattering.
-Irene, have you not told Melody and the others where we find ourselves trapped?
-I wasn’t aware that I knew, Howard.
Irene behaved like a jealous woman. Melody did not anger her, but it was my being so close to Melody that did. It was Melody, however, who soothed Irene’s hurt feelings where as I would have done the opposite.
-Please tell us, Irene. If we know where we are, at least that would help the seance tonight. We wouldn’t have to grope about so much or at least it would be one less unknown to come to grips with.
-All right, I will tell you, dear. Oh, bartender? A gin and tonic, please, with a slice of lime, of course? Thank you.
Melody still did not acknowledge Sean. I spoke to him. Irene had just spoken to him. But, for Melody, he simply did not exist.
Sean handed Irene her drink. She stirred it with delicate and ladylike gestures, never lifting her eyes from it. At last, she spoke to her captive audience.
-I couldn’t help but overhear some of your conversation just now. Of course, I wasn’t actually eavesdropping; but, I did manage to catch an occasional stray word. I didn’t sleep a wink myself last night, partly out of choice and partly out of- well, we won’t get into that just now. It never stopped raining and time was behaving oddly. It seemed to slip out of its linear dimension. It wasn’t obeying man’s restrictions on it any longer. Our imposed measurements no longer held it captive like some criminal or slave. In short, my sweets, this precious thing which we call time can no longer be measured or even casually referred to. It’s no longer the comfort or restraint that it once was.
-That was a good speech. We believe you, Irene. Now, would you please answer yet another question for us? Where the hell are we?
Irene turned to look out the window, but Yvonne had drawn the drapes on all of them and was now talking to Becky and Abraham.
-That’s more difficult to answer, Howard. I think that I may have a clue. That middle drape will have to be drawn open later.
-What is this clue that you speak of Irene? Tell us.
Sean was about to pour more ginger-ale into Melody’s glass, but she placed her hand over the top. Yes. Even with that small gesture, she would not acknowledge the Irishman.
-The moon, that horrid piece of rock that’s been flaunting itself at us all day long, flaunting its beauty and its prisoners.
-Prisoners, Irene? I don’t understand.
-I think you do, Melody. You’re afraid, aren’t you? I don’t blame you. Use your psychic ability, if you dare, and explain a few things to Howard and our bartender, Sean. It’s not pretty.
-Irene?
-Yes, Howard, dear? I am answering the questions as best I can. You will allow me to revel just a bit, won’t you?
I forced myself to watch Irene sip her gin and tonic or Tom Collins or whatever it was that she had ordered. I wanted to break the glass and kill her.
-I believe that it’s the dark side of the moon that’s been facing us all day...staring at us and...this is so difficult...something is trying to speak to us. It’s that vibration that can’t be quite listened to because if you listen to it, truly listen to it, you’d be driven insane or worse.
At that moment, we heard that sound which no person can forget once having been exposed to it. It was a cry that came from the outside. It surrounded the building. It sealed us in like nails driven into a coffin. We followed its movement along each of the outer four walls. We listened. No one spoke for any words would have been inconsequential and a useless attempt at courage.
I saw Oshido walk over to the bar. Up until that moment, he hadn’t spoken to anyone. He placed several bar stools between himself and us: a physical distance of a few feet which was not intended as a slight. It was a space for himself that he needed and that he took. Oshido did not face the bar, but faced us, instead. Sean walked over to him.
-Can I help you, pal?
-Scotch, please.
-Straight up, man?
-Yes. Thank you.
I raised my drink to Oshido. And, he, being a gentleman, raised his in return. We both drained our glasses.
Michael and Becky walked over and sat down next to Melody. I ordered a beer for Michael and a ginger-ale for Becky. I was running the place and felt that I had to take responsibility for these two young people.
-Thanks for the free beer, man. I sure could use it. That sound outside is getting to me in a real bad way. Any idea what it is?
-You’re a young man, Michael, so try not to be too frightened.
-Why shouldn’t Michael be scared, Howard? I know I am and I think I know why.
-Tell us, Becky. And, don’t be frightened. You’re with friends.
-It’s not just one sound, Melody. It’s so many different voices and they’re all so wretched and hating and it makes me afraid to listen because I know that if I really do listen, I’ll make out words and people. Oh, God! I’ll recognize voices. I just know I will!
Rose ran up to Becky to comfort her. Rose was not the maternal type, but she was a good-spirited person who was fun to be with because she was a self-made clown. On her way to consoling Becky, she had knocked over her beer glass and spilt good liquor on to the floor.
This now left only three of our number not at the bar: Max, Yvonne, and Abraham. As if reading my thought, Max walked over to the bar and stood next to Becky and Rose. He ordered a refill.
Now, only Yvonne and Abraham sat apart from us. Yvonne was self conscious of this, but what was she to do? She couldn’t bring herself to leave the Hasid by himself and, yet, she was aching for a drink to satisfy her alcoholic desire.
I decided to start trouble and charge the air with action. It would bring people out of themselves and forge allies and drop veils.
-Yvonne, why don’t you quit being an outcast and join the party? Sean, pour Yvonne a double vodka; but, don’t bring it to her, let her come and get it...that is, if she can pry herself from her Jew boyfriend.
Becky had recovered sufficiently to throw a retort at me.
-Oh, Howard, that’s not nice. Abraham’s not doing anything to you so why don’t you leave him alone? You
’re a bully. Don’t we have enough to be scared about already? All that sound out there and the darkness and haven’t you noticed that it’s getting darker in here? Why can’t you just leave people alone?
-Shut up. What’s out there doesn’t concern me right now.
-And, leave Yvonne alone, too. Maybe, she just wants to sit there with Abraham? Did you ever think of that? I’ll bet that you didn’t.
-You have a big mouth, Becky. Shut up.
-Hey, man, don’t talk to her like that. You listening to me?
I could have lifted Michael from his stool and beaten him to a pulp. But, for the moment, I would let things stand. Then, I would ignite them into flames...burning and hateful flames. My objective was to get the remaining people to the bar.
-Yvonne, your drink is waiting for you. Perhaps, you will send your boyfriend over for it. If he were a gentleman, he would be on his way here now to fetch it for you. Apparently, he is no gentleman.
The effect that this had on Yvonne was strange. She stood up and placed her shawl about her shoulders defiantly and beckoned Abraham to follow her to the bar. I know why she did this. Of course, being a woman she would not thank me for the favor that I had just done her. She was frightened to be by herself, and Abraham’s presence frightened her even more because of unsaid things and unguessed at mysticism which she knew he represented. It terrified her being in that part of the bar with such a man.
We were all at the bar with a drink in front of us or held in a hand ready to be gulped down. Before I started more trouble, I had a few questions to ask and a few statements to make.
-I am curious. Has everyone here not slept the previous night? Do we all share that in common?
To my surprise, it was Abraham who answered.
-I overslept. I am a sound sleeper, but my dreams were disturbing.
