Never Forget (Haunted Series Book 15)

by Alexie Aaron

  “Yes. I think if I tell you both, then somehow the horror will diminish. I do worry that I may be scaring the diaper off our son though.”

  “Ah am ah am, pblsst!”

  Mia and her husband looked at each other. Brian was cussing again.

  “I think he’s telling you he isn’t afraid,” Ted said.

  “Do you think swearing is genetic?” Mia asked.

  “Well, he didn’t get it from me,” Ted lied.

  “Anyway, where was I?”

  “A Wanderer ran into you,” Ted supplied.

  “Tripped over me. You would think a ghost would just pass through you. But I’m made up different than most people. I was a small but dense… Watch it, Martin,” Mia warned Ted before he could comment. “I think he thought I was a fleshy stone of some kind. He turned around and cast his empty eyes upon me and picked me up. I stayed curled in a ball, hoping to be mistaken for an aardvark or armadillo or something.”

  “How would you know of such things?” Ted challenged.

  “Amanda gave me an encyclopedia to read. It was A through AS,” Mia explained. “Maybe I couldn’t read or know the names of these creatures, but I saw the pictures and pretended to be one,” she explained.

  “I think you’re exaggerating, but for the sake of the story, I’ll accept your explanation,” Ted said.

  “How gracious of you,” Mia grumbled. “May I continue?”

  “Please.”

  “I squirmed. I couldn’t help it. This surprised the ghost, and he dropped me. I landed on my bottom, but it still knocked the air out of me. I looked up and saw the Wanderer for the first time. To my young eyes, he was an old man, but I’m sure he wasn’t any older than your father or me. He was dressed in what looked to me like pajamas. His eyes were different. I wouldn’t know for a long time, but this Wanderer was the ghost of a Chinese man.”

  “Had Amanda given you the CA thru DE encyclopedia, you would have known,” Ted teased.

  “Most certainly,” Mia said and promptly ignored the comment. “He knelt down and spoke to me. Try as I might, I didn’t understand him; his words were blown away the moment they exited his mouth. I remember hearing something about trains and exploding mountains. He must have known how to speak English when he died. He reached his hand down, and I took it. My mind was bombarded by his memories. It was too much for a six-year-old. I can still see his last moments of being buried alive in an avalanche of rock and earth. The other Wanderers moved in towards us. They reached out, and as each one touched me, I was given their death scenes. Horrific images that I won’t describe, for obvious reasons, filled my head, and I mercifully passed out.”

  “What happened?”

  “I imagine the storm moved on and with it, the Wanderers. I was carried by the Chinese man two miles from home. The groundskeeper of the Big Bear Lake golf course found me under the awning at the twelfth tee.”

  “Why were you carried so far?” Ted asked.

  “I think that I would have been carried further, but the energy of the storm had played out. I have a faint memory of a man telling me to rest and be safe. But I could have dreamed it. Amanda was furious. Not because I had taken a long walk to the golf course, but because Social Services were called in. She had to endure weekly checks to make sure she knew where I was. I think this was the first time my parents shipped me off to Grandma Fred’s and took a vacation from me.”

  “What happened to the Wanderer?” Ted asked.

  “I don’t know, but occasionally, I do see them. I know better than to be out when a storm is brewing. I’ve never seen the Chinese man again.”

  “What does Murphy say about them?”

  Mia scrunched up her face. “I never asked him.”

  “You’ve known him for half your life, and you’ve never discussed it?” Ted asked.

  “Murphy’s not much of a conversationalist. Mostly, we hung out and didn’t say much.”

  “These Wanderers, what do they look like to you?”

  “Like a black and white photo. Grayscale. They have no color, not even their eyes. Wanderers blend in with the heavy rainfall. I wonder if Murphy sees more, but there may be the possibility that he doesn’t see them at all. He’s never mentioned them.”

  Ted’s mind focused on why Mia would only see them in various shades of black and white, but he couldn’t come up with anything.

  “Are you afraid of them?” he asked.

  “Yes,” she admitted. “I may have lucked out, and the man that carried me was a good soul, but he may have been evil too. All I know is that the energy of the storm dissipated and with it, them. They appeared to me east of the hollow. I can only imagine what the Wanderers would have picked up had they walked through that place.”

  “It sounds like the Chinese man traveled very far. What happened to him when the storm played out? Did he go back to the beginning like we’ve seen Murphy do?”

  “I wish I could answer that, Ted.”

  “I’m glad you told us about them, Mia. I’ve never read or heard of them before. I’d like to run this by Burt. He’s got all those old tomes full of lore. I wonder if anyone has written down anything about them.”

  “I’d be interested in what you find out,” Mia said. She looked down at her sleeping son. “I think it’s time to put Brian down for the balance of the night.”

  Ted got up, and Mia handed him his son. He carried him into the nursery, passing Murphy on the way. Ted didn’t see him because Murphy didn’t want to be seen. He had been listening to Mia’s story from the door and didn’t want to be thought of as eavesdropping.

  These Wanderers he’d seen before, and Mia was very lucky that the storm had played out. Only the evil walked during a thunderstorm. He had seen it for himself.

  Chapter Two

  Burt couldn't help whistling as he exited the Federal Express office. He couldn’t remember a time when he had been more proud of himself. Inside, sitting in a rather large box, waiting to be sent, were his drawings and manuscript for his graphic novel Dark World. For once in his adult life, he didn’t baulk while listening to the advice of his friends. Mia and Ted said to send it, while lauding over the contents. Mia was good-natured about his depiction of her. The only indication that Ted had a problem with Mia being the heroine of his novel was that when they were discussing it, Ted drew her in closer to him.

  Burt had already decided that he was going to publish it himself, when Jake found some information posted about a gaming concern that was interested in new multimedia projects. The computer ghost insisted that Burt check it out. Burt communicated with the group, and after a few discussions, they asked to see his work. It wasn’t time for lawyers yet, but Alan had been consulted. The PEEPs attorney had someone in mind who could negotiate the terms of the contract for Burt. With luck, Burt would be able to earn some decent money and begin to pay back Mia and Mike’s mom.

  Today, the village of Big Bear Lake was busy. Summer vacation was in full swing. The expensive summer homes along the lake were open, as were the campgrounds. The sub shop and grocery were crowded with summer visitors. Burt looked around him, taking in the busy atmosphere. Small groups of people had congregated outside the ice cream shop and the new Starbucks. He recognized Mia's babysitter. He waved at Susan Braverman who, in turn, waved him over to the group of women she had been conversing with.

  “This is the young man I was talking about. Ladies, this is Burt Hicks, one of the founding members of the Paranormal Entity Exposure Partners.”

  Burt blushed and nodded a shy greeting to the stylishly-dressed, middle-aged women.

  “Burt, this is the Big Bear Lake Chamber of Commerce Women's Auxiliary. We were hoping that you could spare a few hours and give us a talk about your business.”

  “PEEPs?” he asked, making sure he’d heard right.

  “Yes, we understand that your group has been operating in our community for a few years now, and aside from that graveyard nonsense, we don’t know exactly what you do,” one of the women
expressed.

  “I guess we could spare some time. If you could, call this number and speak to Audrey McCarthy. She’ll look at our schedule and see if we can work something out,” he said professionally, handing the speaker his card. He was surprised when she grasped his hand. “Yes?” he asked.

  “I hear you’re single.”

  He nervously looked at Susan who rolled her eyes.

  “That would be correct.”

  “The reason I asked, is that our group is having a bachelor auction. We are trying to raises funds to put in another set of bleachers over at the high school field,” she explained. “We are hoping to take advantage of the summer visitors or at least their wallets. The auction is going to be at the summer fair at the country club. Can we count on you, Mr. Hicks?”

  “It all depends on whether we have a case scheduled.”

  “I’ll call your secretary,” she said.

  Burt winced. He didn’t think Audrey would appreciate A, being called his secretary, and B, being asked to schedule him for a beefcake auction. He managed to say, “Fine,” before he fled.

  Jane Monroe watched as the handsome, large man moved quickly but gracefully towards a small car that had seen a lot of hard road through the years. The tall, brown-haired, husky man had caught her eye the moment she got out of her vehicle. He was surrounded by women. But handsome men like him were always surrounded by women in her experience. She sighed. Jane was on a mission, and her business was in the opposite direction of where he had parked his car. She would never get to know his name. The stars weren’t aligning in that direction right now. She walked towards the building housing the county sheriff and in through the door.

  Inside, she was greeted by a distracted deputy. He said for her to wait there and he would be right with her. Jane didn’t move. People moved in and out of the door around her.

  The deputy looked up from his paperwork, saw the young woman blocking the door and waved her over. “Can I help you?”

  “I need to talk to someone in charge." She withdrew a card from her pocket and handed it to the deputy, reading his name tag, adding, “Deputy Chambers.”

  “Jane Monroe, PhD, DVM, Director of Large Mammal Rescue,” he read. “Well, Doctor, what can the Sheriff’s Department do for you today?”

  Jane, pleased by the recognition of her title, smiled. “I have come to notify you about a possible hazard to the people of your community.”

  “I think you should speak with the sheriff. Please wait here.”

  He looked back and saw that she had frozen in place. Chambers smiled and said, “Why don’t you have a seat over there? Someone will be with you soon.”

  Jane followed his pointing hand and saw five chairs lined up against the wall. She walked over and sat down. She appraised the small but organized foyer. She pondered whether the five chairs were ever filled, and if so, what would have occurred to merit their filling.

  “Excuse me, Doctor Monroe,” a deep male voice addressed her.

  Jane snapped out of her musing to see an attractive, middle-aged, military-looking man standing in front of her. She took in the uniform and the name tag. “I’m sorry, Sheriff Ryan, I believe you've caught me in a daydream.”

  “Let’s start again. Doctor, what can we do for you?”

  “It’s about elephants.”

  “I beg your pardon?”

  “That’s okay. I realize I may not be making myself clear. There was an accident on the interstate yesterday. We were transporting two elephants to a sanctuary in Tennessee when the truck became disabled. The driver unloaded the elephants and lost them.”

  “How do you lose two elephants?” John Ryan asked the woman.

  “In Artie’s, that’s the driver, defense, it was pouring down rain. Our group had pulled over a few miles behind him because the rain was so strong. I doubt he could see his hand in front of his face. A gray day and gray elephants…”

  John couldn’t help himself; he laughed.

  Jane looked mortified.

  “So you were saying they were last seen where?”

  Jane gave the mile marker of the highway. “We thought, since this happened on the south side of the highway, that Bilbo and Little Suzy were heading south.”

  “Were they?”

  “No. After a thorough search of the area, we found that they had crossed the road, and from what our trackers could tell, they are headed into your county. We have a helicopter searching the air, but so far, they seem to have disappeared.”

  “I think we should check in with our resident magicians,” John Ryan suggested.

  “Could you. Oh?” Jane forced herself to smile. She noticed that John Ryan wasn’t the only law officer who found her predicament funny. She didn’t find it funny at all.

  “Do you think that your elephants pose a threat to the rural community?” he asked.

  “Yes, they could be dangerous if not handled properly. May I speak frankly?”

  “Please.”

  “Bilbo is a full-grown aging bull. Little Suzy is a high-strung young female. I’m more worried about some idiot taking potshots at these beautiful animals than either of them seeking out to hurt a human.”

  “I see your point. I'll put out an alert and counsel my deputies on proper procedure in subduing an elephant - or I would, if I knew how.”

  “I can help you there. I will put myself at the disposal of your department.”

  John looked around nervously.

  “To instruct your deputies on the proper way of dealing with two African elephants who have been traumatized by circuses and Vegas magicians,” she specified.

  John nodded, observing the efficient woman. She was of medium height, her straight, ash blonde hair secured in a French braid. She wore jeans and a blue-striped Ralph Lauren shirt, its sleeves rolled up at the elbows. A backpack was slung over her shoulder.

  "Doctor Monroe, my county is vast. We have quite a large area to cover with minimal staff. If you could pinpoint what part of the county you feel the elephants are heading towards, it would help."

  Jane nodded and set her pack down. She rooted around in it and pulled out a map. She walked over to the counter and opened it. Chambers had to rescue his paperwork as the large map was unfolded over it.

  "I looked at the geographical area, taking the flora into account. My best guess is that this area would look good to two elephants on the run. Plenty of grasses, a flowing stream, and only one farm in the five mile area."

  John looked down at the area she had circled. His stomach twisted.

  Chambers glanced at the map and said, "Sir, that's Cold Creek Hollow."

  "I'm aware of it, son."

  Jane picked up on the stress and asked, "Is this a problem? Is there something I should know?"

  "We've had a few incidents out there. It used to be a small community. At one time, a madman had fenced off the area. I'm worried that if your elephants make it that far, they may be injured on some of the hidden hazards."

  "If you could show me how to get there, I could head them off. I'm prepared to camp out if necessary."

  John scratched his head and thought a moment. "Doctor Monroe, I'm going to have one of my deputies take you to the Martins," he said, tapping the farm on the map. There you probably will not only get additional help, but a hell of a story to tell you why it's not safe for you to camp out in Cold Creek Hollow."

  "Fair enough," Jane said.

  John turned to Chambers and instructed, "Get Braverman. Tell him I need him to escort the doctor to the Martins. And after, take a look around the hollow for two elephants."

  "They have names," Jane said. "Bilbo and Little Suzy. They will respond to being called by their names. Please don't underestimate them, Sheriff. Bilbo is a very smart Loxodonta africana. He stands ten and a half feet and weighs six tons. He will not hesitate to protect Little Suzy."

  ~

  They moved quickly north. Instinctively, Bilbo followed the tall, wire-connected towers that hummed. Here, there were n
o fences, houses, and best of all, no people. Little Suzy's spells of mania were coming more and more frequently. He had to use his strength a few times to restrain her from doing herself harm. He concentrated on her needs, even though he had his own problems to deal with.

  The pain giver had not returned since the night of the storm. Although, Bilbo suspected he was following them. When the wind was coming from the south, he smelled the foul stench of his unwashed body. Bilbo managed to stay ahead of the trainer, but he was worried that, instead of escaping, he was being herded. He didn't dare share his concern with Little Suzy. She wouldn't understand, and it would only add to her fear.

  As they moved north, the roads that bisected the humming-wire trail became less frequent. They managed to find grasses to eat, although some didn't set well in their stomachs. They never made the same mistake twice, but Bilbo feared that the next digestive mistake they made, may be their last. They weren't equipped with the knowledge they needed to live outside of the care of humans in this North American environment. Their memories of the African plains did not help here.

  Eventually the need for water took them from the wire trail. A large, meandering stream provided the much-needed thirst quencher and a place to rest under the tall trees that leaned precariously over the moving water.

  He thought he heard the sounds of the hovering metal birds in the distance. He looked overhead and felt confident that the canopy of trees would hide them from its eyes. Using the humming-wire trail would no longer be safe. He and Little Suzy would work their way through the forests until he found a safe place to make their home.

  There was the scent of rain in the west wind. He didn't fear the rain, only the torment that the storms brought with them. Soon he would have to find a place to shelter. A place in which he could fight the unseen enemy that grew bolder as the sky flashed with light.

  Chapter Three

  Cid handed Audrey the hard hat he had brought her. "Put this on just in case," he said, staring at the building before him. "If it's been abandoned since the seventies, chances are that the ceilings and floors have lost, or are in the process of losing, tiles."