The Time Deceiver

by Gerard Denza

  -Edward, send Gabriel on his journey to Osiris.

  The sun and crescent moon were almost touching. I could feel the wings of the locusts as they moved closer. I knelt down next to Gabriel and stripped him of his robe. Naked, he lay upon the altar. Marlena handed me the blade.

  Yolanda screamed, but remained where she was.

  I knelt down beside Gabriel as the altar trembled. And, then, another figure knelt down before me. It was an etheric figure who traversed through the hordes of locusts to place a gold medallion upon Gabriel’s chest: a medallion with a golden arrow emblazoned on it. The ghost of Valerie knelt before me as I raised the blade and struck the death blow. She guided my hand. I didn’t want to do this. The boy didn’t cry out, but the golden arrow became blinding to look at as Gabriel’s blood touched it. Marlena, Yolanda, and I turned away from its brilliance. It was this brilliance which radiated out to the hordes of locusts...killing them...each one bursting into flames and falling to the earth. Their death cries were a horror. The radiant light of Ra had defeated mankind’s enemy.

  Valerie’s astral body passed through my body and Marlena’s. Gabriel would be safe with her. Valerie’s courage and Gabriel’s heroism: simple virtues to help destroy the insidious vice of an evil.

  The wind stopped as the hordes dropped dead on the desert floor leaving us in a clearing surrounded by the smell of decay. The silence which followed was an almost intoxicating relief.

  Marlena and I looked skyward. Yolanda went to the body of Gabriel. The sun and the moon were where they had been: the celestial fire setting into the horizon and the lunar crescent rising skyward toward its zenith.

  I jumped down from the altar.

  -Good job, Edward. Gabriel was my beloved son, but one must make the most dire of sacrifices and- oh!

  Marlena and I turned around and stared at an approaching figure. It looked like a man, but it could not be a man. The specter raised its arms. It approached us too quickly.

  Yolanda looked up and screamed.

  -Edward! He’s the one!

  We backed away. Marlena and Yolanda were behind me, not daring to take their eyes off the specter who was almost upon us.

  -Edward, we mustn’t leave the perimeter of the temple or we’re all doomed. We have to face this and destroy it. My enemy doesn’t know when to give up.

  Yolanda made to run.

  -Edward, stop her! We need her energy and three must form the triangle.

  I grabbed my girlfriend around the waist and this calmed her down. She stayed where I placed her. I turned to Marlena in anger and frustration.

  -I thought we’d won. Did we kill your son for nothing?

  -We did win. But, my enemy won’t accept defeat. He’s cheating.

  -Now, what?

  -The blade? You still have the blade, don’t you?

  Yolanda answered her.

  -Edward, it’s in the pocket of your kaftan. I saw you put it there. Take it out!

  Marlena smiled with satisfaction.

  -Good. Then, use it. Kill the bastard!

  The specter was upon us. He raised his arms and motioned for Marlena to come to him.

  -You’ve won, murderous bitch. But, now a lover’s trophy for me: your miserable body atop the pyramid. My minions will place you on the pinnacle of that ancient structure.

  -Where’s my daughter, Susan?

  -A clever ploy, Madame, that: a divergence of my attention, diverting the focus of my intent. You played your cards well. The disease has been prevented, but its source, you failed to cut down.

  Marlena, Yolanda, and I raced along the perimeter of the temple. We couldn’t stop because it didn’t stop. But, just maybe, a bullet would stop it. I took my pistol out and fired at it. To my surprise, it staggered back a few feet. It looked up at me.

  -A primitive weapon, Edward Mendez. I expected better from you.

  -How about another primitive bullet?

  I fired at point blank range, but this time my bullet had only a negligible effect. It’d been ready for it.

  -You’ve lost the element of surprise. Now, throw away your weapon like a good boy.

  I fired the last three bullets and these had no effect at all. Yolanda got my attention.

  -Edward, it has to be the dagger. There’s no other way.

  It was closing in on us. It spoke to Marlena.

  -Marlena, you won’t die too quickly. You will feed the carrion until every piece of flesh is stripped away from your rotten body. A small consolation, but an enjoyable one. It will be a diverting entertainment to soothe me. I’ll let the vultures do the actual killing while I remain a mere spectator.

  It lunged for Marlena, but she was too quick for it. She dodged the blow and ran back toward the altar. It ran after her and I ran after it; but, it turned around and hit me on the right side of my head. I went down in agony on to my knees. Yolanda embraced me.

  Marlena reached the altar. I tried to get to my feet. Yolanda tried to help me up. We both staggered. I could feel blood streaming from my right eye. Everything took on a red haze, but the blood actually enhanced my vision.

  The specter grabbed Marlena; but, she was strong and the two of them went down to the ground wrestling. Slowly, though, it was wearing her down.

  I got to my feet with Yolanda’s help and took the blade from my sleeve. I ran across the sands toward the two combatants. I was almost there when the specter raised Marlena against the altar. I plunged the dagger into its neck, separating the spinal cord at the base of the skull. The cut was clean and quick. It let go of Marlena. She dropped to the ground. In its death throes, it turned to look at me. I recognized it as the god-like figure that had appeared in my hotel room.

  -I know you, Edward Mendez. Perhaps, I was not the enemy you thought.

  -No? Then, who the hell are you, pal?

  -How could I expect you to recognize me? No matter. The life force is leaving me.

  It crumpled to the ground and deteriorated into dust. The three of us stared at the heap of dust that the wind was now blowing away. I turned to face my priestess.

  -What did he mean by that, Marlena? Why would I recognize him?

  -I’ve an idea, but we’ve no time to discuss it now. He’s a liar, anyway. And, does it matter? I’ve won. And, for the first time in over twenty five years, I can breathe with ease without looking over my shoulder. My vigilance is over, for now.

  -Oh? And, now what?

  -An excellent question, Yolanda. First, we must clear things up here. The police may come by and ask some awkward questions. We must have our answers prepared. We’ll bury my son at the base of the pyramid. You and Edward may do that, but be quick. I’ll gather up the altar things and join you as soon as I can. When things settle down, we’ll head back to New York and join Susan.

  Yolanda and I carried Gabriel’s body toward the base of the great pyramid. The boy felt light as I carried him with care.

  -Yolanda?

  -What is it? Is Gabriel too heavy for you?

  -No. He’s light as a the proverbial feather. It’s just...that pressure on my finger is gone. I don’t feel it anymore.

  -What pressure?

  -I can’t explain it. It’s just gone. And, that subtle fragrance? That’s gone, too. It’s a relief. I feel whole, again. It’s as if I’m completely my own man now.

  -I thought you always were.

  -And, my past, Yolanda, it’s starting to come back. Christ! I feel like a man with a past and a future to look forward to. What’s the matter, baby? Am I coming on too strong?

  -No. It’s not that. It’s just- Edward, I’m still afraid.

  -Afraid of what? It’s over.

  -Is it? I’m not so sure about that. Something doesn’t feel right. Marlena doesn’t look too upset about her precious son being killed.

  -I noticed that, too. That is kind of strange, now that you mention it. I expected a little more emotion from her.

  -Edward, you were hinting that Gabriel’s father might have been that thi
ng you just killed?

  -Yes. You don’t think so?

  -I think you’re right; and when his blood was spilled, it wasn’t ordinary blood.

  -And, that’s what triggered the medallion?

  -That must be it. Maybe, Marlena loved and hated Gabriel. She loved him because he was her son and hated him because that alien was his actual father.

  -We’ll have to talk about this later at the hotel, baby. I think you’re right on the money, though. But, right now, let’s get this burial over with. God only knows how many Egyptian laws we’re breaking.

  My vision shifted to New York City and Susan.

  -I have just been killed.

  -I beg your pardon?

  -I must retreat now and count my losses. I’m not accustomed to doing that.

  -What in the world are you talking about? Retreat to where? What’s actually happened?

  -Your mother, Susan, has won. That hag has had her way and done what no other human being has been able to do on this planet. I have been defeated upon the battlefield. Edward has given up a future incarnation by coming to this time and place and helping Marlena to succeed thanks to that bitch, Yolanda. As for myself, a part of me has been destroyed. I go to the other part of the glyph which is now empty. I’ll pour myself one last drink at Howard’s bar.

  EPILOGUE

  -YOU ALL KNOW ME. I’M the gatherer of those people to this accursed spot: the point of darkness that was disguised as Howard’s bar in the midst of that sprawling metropolis, New York City, which really wasn’t anywhere. The whiskey is hard and good and there’s plenty of it to keep me company for a good long stretch. I’ll need it.

  One shot.

  Another shot.

  One more shot.

  Fucking good liquor.

  Melted ice going down the throat with the stain of sin on it. Lovely.

  -Now what was I saying? Oh yeah. I’m waiting for another chance and another time to set the plague loose upon that world and that time will come. It will come! Edward and Marlena won’t be around to stop me. That woman is one cunning bitch. And, Edward’s one crack shot. Those bullets hurt. Maybe I’m finally acquiring mortality? Maybe.

  He drank straight from the bottle and finished it. And, just for kicks, he flung the empty bottle through the front window. The glass shattered on to the pavement in silence because there was no one in this phantasmic world to hear it.

  -And, to think that all of those gifted and interesting and scared shitless people are gone. Pity! You might say that they were never here to begin with, but that isn’t quite accurate. Somewhere in the folds of time and space, their brief stay here has been noted. I hope that they liked me. Melody didn’t because she knew that I was a liar which is a part of my trade. Did she suspect the truth? I suspect that she did. I know that Howard liked me in his own arrogant and egotistical manner; and, to think that he will never exist. Well, he won’t exist as Howard. I must make a toast to him. I’ll just open up another bottle of whiskey...this one will do.

  -Howard! with love, from your friend, Sean, the Irishman!

  The End

  COMING SOON:

  ΝΙΓΗΤ ΔΡΙΦΤΕΡ:

  An Edward Mendez, P.I. Thriller

  BOOK II

  THE OUTCASTS

  Howard Winter - a young man who likes to drink whiskey and manipulate people. His bar is mankind’s last refuge against the Time Deceiver.

  Sean - an Irishman who likes tending bar and telling lies and hovering in the background. He also likes to drink, like his best friend, Howard.

  Irene MacDonald - a psychic who enjoys being at the center of attention even when she’s groping in the dark.

  Rose MacDonald - Irene’s older sister, who is comical and perceptive. She doesn’t trust Howard or his motives.

  Max Dexter - a man with a drinking problem who doesn’t seem to care that the world may be coming to an end.

  Yvonne Duval - an alcoholic who knows something of the unfolding events, but is too frightened to realize their import.

  Becky - an “innocent” who’s the first victim of the evil surrounding Howard’s bar.

  Michael - a teenager caught up in events who thinks that Howard is nothing but a trouble-maker.

  Abraham - a quiet but arrogant man who won’t share his knowledge with anyone.

  Oshido Tsu - a man of wisdom who knows how to ask the right questions. He suspects the true motive behind Becky’s murder.

  Melody - a “sensitive” to the occult world who feels drawn to Howard. She also fears for him and his safe return to the present.

  THE GAME PLAYERS:

  1947

  Edward Mendez - a man with a forgotten past and a future which may not last beyond the next few days. He is mankind’s last hope for survival; but can he trust the one person who can help him?

  Yolanda Estravades - a beautiful figure skater who’s in love with Edward. She knows dangerous people...and a few of them want to kill her.

  Marlena Lake - a complex woman of knowledge, resourcefulness, and cunning. She “enlists” Edward’s help in fighting an old enemy.

  Dolores Sarney - a friend of Yolanda’s and a member of Marlena’s group who’s the second victim of the Time Deceiver.

  Rosamund Spender - a possessive and bitter woman whose sister, Valerie, was just murdered.

  Susan Broder - Marlena’s intelligent and practical daughter who doesn’t believe in the occult world as her mother does.

  Erich Manfred - a young Nazi who was unable to save his doomed girlfriend, Valerie.

  Gabriel Broder - Marlena’s son who is a silent but strong young man of few words.

  The Priest - a monster from the depths of hell who seeks redemption through Marlena.

  Dan - a man who works in Edward’s office building and likes spying on people.

  Valerie Spender - a clairvoyant who predicts the coming Armageddon, but is helpless to stop it.

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Gerard Denza has worked in the Publicity Dept. at Random House and Little, Brown, and Company in New York City. He’s worked with such authors as Pete Hamill, Arthur C. Clarke, Willie Morris, Pat Booth, and Kevin and Todd Berger. He’s the author and director of six Off Off Broadway plays that include:

  ICARUS, MAHLER: THE MAN WHO WAS NEVER BORN, THE DYING GOD: A VAMPIRE’S TALE, SHADOWS BEHIND THE FOOTLIGHTS, and THE HOUSEDRESS.

  His noir play, EDMUND: THE LIKELY, has been recorded for radio broadcast Mr. Denza is a graduate of Fordham University at Lincoln Center where he majored in psychology.

  He can be contacted at www.gerarddenza.com.

  He lives in New York City and is hard at work on his next novel: NIGHT DRIFTER: AN EDWARD MENDEZ, P. I. THRILLER.