The Presence

by Shady Grim

  “I have to look professional for work.”

  We reached the dock, and Ethan climbed out first. He shot his hand out for me to take. He was in such a hurry to get inside that he practically flung me out of the boat. Dr. Zee greeted us before we reached the door.

  “Yeh got vampires out here, Sherm. Better stock up on some garlic.”

  Zee looked puzzled. I said, “Bats,” as I entered and kissed his cheek. He understood and opted not to comment. He knew Ethan fairly well, but had never developed a great fondness for him. He didn’t exactly dislike Ethan, but he had little respect for him. We’d arrived a little late because of Ethan’s difficulty in choosing an outfit. Dinner was nearly ready, and we proceeded directly to the dining room where the children had already gathered and were attempting to set the table. Mrs. Zee was moving between the kitchen and dining room to check on them.

  Violet Zee was the most hospitable woman I’d ever met. Nothing was too much trouble for her. She was constantly on the go and rarely sat for more than a few minutes at a time. An entire room full of children on a sugar high wouldn’t be able to tire her or dampen her pleasant disposition. Dinner was jovial and everyone’s attention was focused mostly on the children. Tall, slim, fair-haired Emmy stood out strangely amongst the Zee’s short, stocky, and dark-complexioned grandchildren. Ethan had the children so riled up that Mrs. Zee had difficulty getting them relaxed enough to go to bed. Mrs. Zee excused herself after the children were settled in their beds as she needed to rise early for them the next morning. Dr. Zee led Ethan and I into the parlor and poured a glass of brandy for each of us.

  “So, Sherm, do yeh know much about the history around here?” I rolled my eyes because I knew this would end up being a ghost story, which is the reason Ethan asked the question in the first place.

  “Yes, quite a bit,” replied Zee as he settled himself.

  “Mind sharin’?”

  “I would’ve thought Heather had already bored you to death with historic trivia.”

  “To be honest, I just love my house, and I never felt compelled to explore any further.”

  “Since the kids and the missus are all in bed, I won’t feel guilty about telling you this one.” Zee took a sip of his brandy and cleared his throat before beginning. “I remember when I first moved here. I was a naïve young doctor then. The old folks used to tell me stories about the early days before Twilight Falls formally became a town. It was an eclectic community even from the start. Settlers came from all over Europe, and for the most part, they got on well with the local Indian tribes–the same can’t be said for most parts of the country. Anyway, the story goes like this; a beautiful young woman came to town one day. No one knew where she came from. Some people said she was Dutch, others said she was German. She arrived without a husband and without children, and bought a plot of land not far from where your house now stands, Heather.”

  “What a small world,” I remarked.

  “Ain’t it, though?” countered Ethan and I knew immediately that the boat ride home wasn’t going to be a pleasant one.

  “Go on, Dr. Zee.”

  “The woman stayed in a boarding house in, what is now, the historic part of town. She hired local men to build her a house and a shed, but no barn or chicken coop. That was very peculiar in those days as most people kept at least one cow for milk and some hens for eggs. The woman grew her own vegetables, as most people did back then, and tended her own herb garden. She reportedly grew vegetables all year round without a greenhouse, and was never seen tending her field. She was described as having fair skin that was unblemished from working in the sun. Not long after the woman established herself, the young men in the area began to disappear; white men, black men, and Native American men alike. The local women accused the stranger of being a prostitute. The woman was investigated by whatever authority existed at the time, but no charges were brought against her.”

  Zee took a sip of his brandy before continuing. “Now this is where the story gets really bizarre. Rumors about lights in the woods began to spread around town. People claimed to hear screeching and wailing, and saw shadowy figures lurking around their homes and in their barns. Then the livestock became afflicted with some mysterious illness and the crops withered; corn, squash, potatoes–everything. A local minister pronounced the woman a witch and attempted to exorcise her from the area. He disappeared without a trace. The local Catholic priest sent for help from his Bishop. They too disappeared without a trace. The Medicine Woman of the nearest Indian tribe was trying to heal the sick animals when she too became ill. She sent her two sons to request help from a Medicine Man in a neighboring tribe. He was reported to be very old and very powerful. The two boys traveled thirty miles to fetch him, which was a great distance in those days.”

  “As the story goes, the Medicine Man had a vision and knew the two boys were coming for him. When the boys arrived, he told them that he would kill the witch, and that he would also die in battle. He warned the boys to tell others not to take up residence in the area because he could only kill the witch, and the evil she brought with her would stay. The ensuing battle was said to be tremendous. Residents in nearby towns claimed to hear sounds of men and women screaming and shouting, and of animals barking and howling. They heard chanting and the clashing of swords and metallic armor. The noise was so thunderous that some people thought there had been an earthquake.”

  “You don’t believe any of this, do you?” I said.

  “Not really, but it’s a compelling story, isn’t it? Some parts of the story are definitely true, though. The evidence still exists on some of the oldest buildings in the area. Crosses, hex signs, and other spiritual symbols can be seen sitting directly next to each other. It’s obvious that those people thought they were battling something evil. What impresses me the most about this story was the way the different cultures and religions came together to help each other. That’s rarely seen even today. People generally aren’t very tolerant of each other’s differences. Twilight Falls is an extraordinary place. The Indian tribes in the area listened to the old Medicine Man. To this day, none of them will even pass through Twilight Falls. They travel around it. Some of the European settlers left, but many stayed...”

  “Dumbass white people.”

  “You’re white, Ethan.”

  “What’s yer point?”

  “...The witch’s house was burned down. I don’t know what happened to her home’s foundation stones, but they’re not here anymore. A rustic dirt-floor church was erected over the spot where her house stood. The intention was to expel any lingering evil the woman had invited. The church also burned down and there was only one thing that survived the fire. Can you guess what it was? The stained-glass panel that now graces your front door.”

  “That’s wonderful,” said Ethan dourly. He was so frightened that even alcohol couldn’t calm his nerves. “So much for the brandy.”

  “This was a poor community so I think the stained glass was probably a gift. I suspect it may have been made by a local craftsman because it’s such a peculiar blending of Judeo-Christian and Druidic imagery. Those four angels are depicted as standing in a grove of rowan trees, which are believed to ward off evil spirits and witches. That battle between the witch and the Medicine Man is famous among folklorists, and this town has become a beacon to eccentric types. Most are curiosity seekers, some are religious fanatics, and others are involved in the darker side of occultism. The majority of present-day locals are fundamentalist Christians. They tend to be a bit narrow-minded, but they’re good people for the most part.”

  Mrs. Zee broke in on our conversation and said that one of the children had a fever. I offered to examine the child and let Dr. Zee finish his brandy.

  “Are there still witches around here, Sherm?”

  “Oh yes, we have a small community of them, but they’re not like the woman in the story. They practice the benevolent side of witchcraft. They’re peaceful people with a profound respect for nature.”


  “That’s good to know.” Ethan wasn’t the least bit convinced that there weren’t any malevolent witches left in Twilight Falls.

  Sherman Zee was a direct man who didn’t like to mince words. He leaned forward to look out the doorway. He didn’t speak again until he was sure that Heather wasn’t in earshot. “Have you any idea the sacrifices your cousin has made to be with you?”

  Ethan’s back immediately went up. Respect for his elders was the only thing that curbed his tongue. “We all make sacrifices sometimes. I’ve made ‘em too.”

  “I’m aware of your family history and that...unfortunate event with your other cousin. I’m talking about Heather’s professional career. She was a brilliant student. Do you know that she studied multiple specialties? She’s a very fine surgeon. She could’ve found a place in any hospital in the country, but she came here to be close to you. If you have any scruples at all, you’ll convince her to go back to the city where her talents will be put to better use.”

  “I ain’t the reason she’s here, Sherm. I tell her every day to leave that fuckin’ house. She won’t go. She acts like it’s a member of the family or somethin’. Heather has her own agenda, and I don’t know what it is.”

  It was immediately apparent when I returned to the parlor that the tone of the discussion had changed. There was an icy feeling in the room. “Is everything alright?”

  “Yeah, everythin’s fine. Sherm’s just got a bad headache. We should be goin’ anyway. It’s gettin’ late.”

  Ethan scanned the outside with the flashlight before walking to the dock. He was still convinced that vampires were out in force and quickly ushered me into the rowboat. Full evening was upon us, and it was so dark that it was almost impossible to tell how close we were to the edge of the lake. He was rowing so hard that I was afraid he was going to slam us into something.

  “Slow down, Ethan!”

  “I ain’t waitin’ around for no vampires to fly into me, or have some half-rotten zombie pull me outta the boat.”

  “You’re going to ground us, or hit a floating log.”

  An owl screeched and Ethan jumped, dropping one of the oars. I managed to grab it before it floated away. “What the fuck was that?”

  “It was an owl.”

  “No livin’ bird could make a sound like that! That was an unnatural screech!”

  “They’re called screech owls for a reason.”

  Ethan didn’t slow his pace, and we were lucky to arrive home unharmed. He ripped me out of the boat and onto the dock, and dragged me up the lawn to the front door. I held the lantern, and he had the flashlight. He was darting the light around so quickly that I don’t know how he could see anything at all. I unlocked the front door. He shoved me inside, and then turned to lock the door again. He leaned his back against it breathing heavily. “It’s really sad when the safest place around is this creepy-ass house.” He dug his cell phone out of his pocket and attempted to make a call.

  “I keep telling you that cell phones don’t work here.”

  “Of course not, this damn house is blockin’ the calls.” He picked up the hall phone as I walked past him to let the dog out. He finished his conversation while I was still outside. “What the hell are yeh doin’ out here by yerself?”

  “I let Thor out.”

  “Yeh don’t need to come out with ‘im. Yeh coulda stayed on the porch where it’s safe.”

  “According to you, the house is evil so I’m in just as much danger inside as I am outside.”

  “Don’t twist my words.”

  “It’s your logic that’s twisted, not your words.”

  “I have to meet a friend, and I probbly won’t be home until late. Will yeh be okay by yerself?”

  “Of course I will.”

  “Call me if yeh have any problems. I’ll leave my phone on.”

  He hopped in his truck and locked the door. He waited for Thor and me to go back inside before he drove off with his high beam headlights on and the radio blasting. As I was locking up, my eyes were drawn to the porch’s new floorboards. There were two new birch boards next to the ones Ethan had laid down. I mentally ticked off all the reasons that could make such a thing possible as I went upstairs to go to bed.

  I had just finished my morning run when Ethan returned. He exited his truck in very high spirits. He held up two large bags. “I bought breakfast...well, actually we went halves ‘cause I took some money out of yer wallet a few days ago. Here’s the change.”

  “I thought I’d dropped that money.”

  “Yeh did, yeh dropped it into my pocket. Don’t go for a shower yet. I’m starvin’, and I hate eatin’ alone. What?”

  “I didn’t say anything.”

  “Yeh had a look.”

  “No, I didn’t.”

  “Yeh think I got laid, don’t yeh?”

  “Well, you are very chipper.”

  “Yeh got a dirty mind, Heather. For yer information, I visited my spiritual advisor.”

  “Oh yes, I see how that would be entirely different.”

  “I’m serious. Her name is Carly, and she’s very gifted.”

  “She must be to have put you in such a good mood.”

  “Where is all this innuendo comin’ from?”

  “Past experience.”

  “Those days are gone. I’m a changed man. Now quit lookin’ at me like that and eat yer breakfast.”

  Chapter Ten

  The day of Shelly’s arrival had come. Emily was so excited that she rose earlier than usual. Ethan kept her occupied by taking her canoeing. Our guests were due to arrive at ten a.m., and Jim was usually punctual. Sure enough, at about ten minutes to ten, I heard a car rumbling its way up the driveway. Emmy was the first one out the door to greet them, with Thor running close behind her barking a warning at the strangers. Thor was normally rather friendly once he realized that the visitors were welcome guests, or at least as friendly as his personality would allow, but he took an uncommon dislike to Jimmy. Thor wasn’t playful, but he was normally very tolerant of children. I had to raise my voice to him, which is something I rarely did even when he was a puppy. Emily tried to get Jimmy to talk to her, but there was no way she was going to get him away from his mother. Everything was new and strange, and he wasn’t in the mood to be friendly. Disappointed, she went out to find Nicky with Thor at her heels.

  Big Jim looked exactly the same as I remembered him, except for a few grey hairs at his temples. He had recently been married and was in the process of taking an administrative position so that he could be closer to home. He and Ethan struck up an immediate conversation about the repair work that was being done on the house, which gave Ethan an opportunity to share his many complaints with someone who might actually listen. Shelly and I went into the kitchen to get reacquainted and left the men to their conversation. Jimmy was hanging on his mother’s hip and refused to speak to anyone. He still shared a strong resemblance to his uncle, but his eyes were dark and brooding like his father’s. He had dark coloring like his father, but shared his uncle’s thick build, which was an interesting contrast to Emmy’s light eyes, fair skin and hair, and much leaner frame. Shelly’s appearance had changed dramatically since I’d seen her last. She’d always had a slim build, but now she was thin to the point of looking emaciated. Her hair was almost entirely grey, and she kept it much shorter than she had years ago. Instead of looking like a young and vibrant woman of thirty, she appeared to be fifteen or twenty years older. There was a dull cast to her once bright blue eyes. I watched as she buzzed around nervously to the many cakes, pies, and cookies that Ethan and I had prepared for their coming, trying to find something that was suitable to Jimmy’s tastes. After finding something that was to his liking, she immediately went to the refrigerator and began to list every beverage in it for Jimmy to make his choice. He chose orange soda pop. I handed her a glass from the cupboard, and she gave her little prince what he wanted. The more traditional “Thank you.” was replaced with “Get me some ice.” She
took back the glass and dropped in a few cubes of ice and proceeded to ask His Majesty if that would be enough for him. He inspected the glass in her hand and nodded his head in assent, so she placed the glass on the table in front of him. She would repeat this ritual at every meal and snack time. She also told me that it was their habit to have every meal approved by Jimmy prior to its preparation. I immediately made it clear to her that Jimmy was not the only person in the house, and that I refused to cater to a child in such a manner. I further pointed out that Emily also lived here and wasn’t permitted such a privilege. She was beginning to launch a protest when Ethan and Jim made their way into the kitchen. Jim heard his sister’s protests and asked her to explain how she could fight so readily over Jimmy’s interests, but wasn’t able to stand up for herself against her own husband. She chose not to argue with her brother and fell silent as she seated herself next to Jimmy. Big Jim pointed his finger at Jimmy as he spoke to Shelly. “It wouldn’t kill that kid to learn some manners!”

  Ethan tried to lighten up the sudden change in mood, and asked if everyone would like lunch and proceeded to make himself busy. “When we’re all done eatin’,” he said to Jimmy, “maybe yeh’d like to take out the canoe with Emmy.” Jimmy responded by shrugging his shoulders. We sent the children out to enjoy a picnic lunch while we adults had a much needed talk. Shelly chose to accompany the children while Jim gave us some important details.

  “I’ll have to leave first thing in the morning,” said Jim, “but once I get things settled at home, I’m going to send for them.”

  “They can stay here as long as they want, Jim. That’s not a problem for us,” I said, and looked up at Ethan who nodded in agreement.

  “I’m very grateful to both of you, but this is a family problem. You people shouldn’t have to deal with this. The only reason I agreed to let Shelly and Jimmy stay here is because someone will be here during the day to keep an eye on them. I’m not home much and my wife works during the day, so they would be home by themselves, and I don’t think that would be a good idea.”