Night Mares

by Janine R Pestel

  "Oh my god," she started to cry. "Mom." The detective took her into his arms. He had been a friend of the mayor since her two children were very young.

  "Oh Becky. I'm so sorry this happened. The whole town is. We’ll find who did this." He looked away and closed his eyes out of fear he himself would break down.

  The men placed the light blue body bag onto the gurney that was waiting at the bottom of the steps. After strapping it down securely, they began to wheel it outside to the waiting coroner's van which arrived a few minutes earlier.

  "Miss Carstone," the police captain said as he approached Belinda at the KMTN van, "They're removing Mayor Benson's body from the house, now." Belinda peered over at the small flurry of activity near the door.

  "Thank you," she said as she signaled for the group to get back into “production” mode. David picked up his camera and put it on his shoulder. As the stretcher with the body was wheeled out, David filmed everything as it happened. The crowd, which up till now had been silent, became clamorous. Some people wailed as it was painfully obvious to them. Their beloved mayor, had indeed, died.

  "She was well loved," Belinda said to the officer in charge.

  "Yes, she was," the lawman answered solemnly. "After they place her in the van, you've been cleared to enter the house. Just don't go beyond any police tape you come across in there."

  "We won't."

  The captain walked away, and the reporter turned to Johann. He came over to her.

  "We can go in when the coroner's van leaves," she said.

  "Good," said Johann, "maybe we'll find something in there to lead us to the son of a bitch." They watched as the medical examiner's vehicle started to drive away from the scene. The people pushed forward at the barricade and tried to reach out and touch the vehicle, much like people do when they see a celebrity.

  "Too much love for her here. Only a demon could’ve done this," Gunter said.

  David walked over, looking proud of himself for some reason. Johann glanced at him, puzzled by the apparent confidence the cameraman was exuding.

  "What's up with you? You look like the cat that just ate the canary."

  "I got the whole thing," David answered, "from the minute they came out of the house, to the second they disappeared down the street. And to top it off, I got some great shots of the crowd too." He glanced at Johann. "Because I knew you would want me to." Father Gunter smiled and raised his hand to give the cameraman a high five but caught himself in time. That would not be professional. Besides, how would that look? Two people celebrating after the mayor’s body was removed.

  "Good job," said the imitation producer. "I can't wait to see the tape later. Especially whatever you get inside."

  -3-

  The four walked into the modest Tudor home. Johann shivered when the cold air in the house touched his skin. He instinctively studied everyone and everything. He wanted to know, as best he could, exactly what was going on and who was here.

  "Jesus, it’s cold as hell in here," he said shuddering.

  “Hell is cold?” Robert said with a wry smile. Johann gave him a sideways glance.

  "I agree. It is cold in here," said Belinda. She wore a light jacket, and that wasn’t enough to keep her warm. She rubbed her upper arms to warm them.

  They walked up to the police captain who had also entered the house. He turned and gave them his full attention.

  "You can go anywhere on the ground floor you want to, providing the family gives you their okay," the captain said. "But if you go upstairs, you cannot cross the yellow tape. If we catch you crossing the tape, you'll either be thrown out or arrested. Am I clear?"

  "Yes sir," answered Johann. The captain's tone was heavier than it was outside when they spoke. The gravity of the situation was beginning to weigh heavily on the officer. The group walked over to where the deceased mayor's offspring were still speaking with detectives. Belinda spoke with the plainclothes officers and tried to convince them to grant her permission to talk to the son and daughter. Johann kept a keen eye on everyone in the room.

  "Anyone suspicious?" asked Robert.

  "Not yet," Johann answered. He bit his lower lip and narrowed his eyes. "But, you never know when one of those bastards might make an appearance." He tapped David on the shoulder. David turned to Johann.

  "Hey, Dave. Get some shots of the room. Pan around to show the activity," Johann said.

  "Gotcha," David answered. He knew what it was the demon hunter was asking him to do. Johann wanted David to capture on video anyone who blended in but didn’t quite belong. He turned his camera on the room and slowly panned, making sure he was able to include as many people as he could in the shot. Belinda walked over to Johann and Robert, a look of accomplishment on her face.

  "Okay. We're gonna interview the daughter first, then her brother," Belinda said to Johann.

  The crew assumed their positions in front of the two siblings. Becky was still sitting in her chair, and George stood next to her. Belinda leaned closer to the two before David turned on the camera. The newswoman covered the young woman's hand with her own and addressed both the young adults.

  "Before we start, I want to give you both our deepest condolences on your mother's passing," Belinda said. The daughter glanced up at her with tear-filled eyes. "Thank you," she said softly as she wiped her eyes with a tissue. George nodded in acknowledgment. His jaw was tight, and he swallowed hard to hold back his emotions.

  The reporter then took her position a few feet away from them and faced the camera. This time she used a hand-held microphone, so all Robert had to do was monitor the sound. After a few moments, David gave her the signal that the camera was on. She raised the microphone to her mouth and began her report.

  "This is Belinda Carstone. We're in Clemons, where the mayor of the city has died tonight in a tragic accident in her home." She began to walk slowly toward the young woman in the chair. As she approached, David zoomed the shot out to include the two siblings.

  "With me now is George and Becky Benson, the son and daughter of Mayor Christine Benson." She turned to face the young woman. "Miss Benson, first of all, we are all so sorry for your loss."

  "Thank you," Becky said, trying to hold back tears and again wiping her eyes with the tissue.

  The interview went on, and Johann became aware of a small flurry of activity at the front door. He turned in time to watch the newly inaugurated mayor enter the home with two police officers. Father Gunter could not explain why, but for some reason he took an instant dislike to the man. Perhaps it was because of the expression on the mayor's face. He almost appeared to be smiling.

  Robert, who was busy kneeling next to David and pretended to monitor the sound, took note of the expression on Johann's face. He followed his friend's gaze to find out what it was that distracted him so much. Not seeing anything in particular that would cause such a reaction, he tried to get Johann's attention.

  "Psst," he whispered. "Johann. Hey." The demon hunter looked down at his friend, a quizzical expression on his face. "What's wrong?" Robert whispered. Johann glanced back at the man who had entered.

  "I'm not sure. Something's not right."

  A sudden tap on his knee pushed the coroner off balance. As he struggled not to fall over, Robert turned back to face David. He realized the cameraman gave him a gentle kick. He pointed at Belinda, to signal the coroner to pay attention to what he was doing.

  The mayor walked up to the police captain. "I assume the body has been removed?" he asked. Surprised by the sudden voice from behind him, the captain turned to face the newly sworn-in mayor.

  "Mayor Tibbs. Sorry, I didn't notice you come in. Yes. She was removed about a half hour ago."

  "Can you show me the scene of the accident?"

  "There's a lot of blood and tissue. Not a pretty sight," the captain answered. The mayor stiffened at this last remark, almost as though insulted or angered.

  "I don't care. I want you to take me to the scene, please," the mayor said t
ersely. He gritted his teeth.

  "Yes, Mr. Mayor. This way." Captain Stahle began to lead the mayor up the stairs to the bedroom where the death occurred. Johann followed the two men with his eyes. He studied the new mayor very carefully and turned to face Belinda, who was now holding the mic in front of the son. The reporter nodded when the demon hunter mouthed to her that he wanted them to go upstairs. Belinda turned her attention back to the interview and wrapped it up. After Belinda thanked the son and daughter for their cooperation and the interviews, the crew started to walk up the stairs toward the bedrooms.

  They reached the second floor and found the door to the deceased mayor's bedroom closed. It had police tape across it, and two police officers posted outside to make sure no unauthorized persons went inside. They kept an eye on the camera crew like hawks observing prey.

  Johann studied the hallway. The only people in it were his group and the two lawmen guarding the door to the deceased mayor's bedroom. He didn’t see the new mayor nor the police captain anywhere. It was obvious to him that this meant they had to be behind the guarded door.

  Father Gunter adjusted his glasses and stroked his mustache. His mind was busy, trying to think of a way to obtain entry for himself and his crew into the room. More than wanting to know what was being said in there, he wanted a look at the death scene. He walked over to the officers and held up his pass.

  "Evening, Officer. KMTN News. Any chance of my reporter and crew getting a look inside the room?" The two officers glanced at each other as though each asked the other's permission. They turned and glared at Johann without saying a word. "I didn't think so," Johann said.

  "Take a shot of the door and the hallway," Johann said to David. The cameraman turned on the camera and took a slow pan shot of the area. After a moment or two, he turned the camera off again and nodded to Johann. The four went back downstairs, and Johann walked over to the deceased mayor's children.

  "Excuse me," he said, "do you mind if I ask you two some questions. Off the record?"

  "I guess not," the daughter answered.

  "Thanks. That guy who came in a little while ago. Everybody pretty much fussed over him. Who was that?"

  "That was Malcolm," the son answered. "He's the vice mayor. Well, now he's the mayor, I guess…" His voice trailed off.

  "Yeah," Becky said, not very enthusiastically. "Yay for the town." She rolled her eyes.

  "Why do you say it that way?" Johann asked.

  "He's a jerk," Becky answered, unapologetic. She shot Johann a disgusted, angry look.

  "Becky," George said. As was his usual way, he tried to be nice. His sister glanced up at him then back to Johann.

  "He's a jerk. He's evil. I wouldn't be at all surprised if I found out that he wasn't only happy this happened but planned it as well." With that, the young woman excused herself and ran off to the bathroom crying. Johann glanced at George.

  "I'm sorry," Johann said. "I didn't mean to upset her."

  "It's okay. She doesn't like the guy much, as you can see."

  "That was a pretty strong response. Is she right? Is he evil?"

  "No," George said. "I don't think he's evil. She does, though. Actually, a lot of people in this town think he is. But that's how some of the people in this town are. They think that because he's an outsider. He moved here about two years ago. Nobody knew who he was, but he managed to become mom's running mate in the election last year. Most people around here don't trust people who do stuff like that."

  "Excuse me," Robert interrupted. "Would it be possible that I could use your...uh...restroom?"

  "Sure," the young man said. "Right down there, first door on the left." He pointed down the hallway.

  "Thank you so much," Robert said. He walked away toward the bathroom.

  After taking care of his business, Robert stood at the sink and washed his hands. A chill suddenly came over him. He involuntarily shook his shoulders and glanced in the mirror.

  In his peripheral vision, he caught some movement in the glass. Nothing big, only the slightest motion. At the same time, a voice started talking in his head.

  "Robert," the voice said. "Robert, tell Johann to help me." The voice was female. Robert became startled that someone else was in the room with him. He glanced all around, trying to make out who she was.

  "Who...who are you?" he asked, his hands still in the running water.

  "Theresa."

  "Where are you?" Robert asked, recognizing the name of Johann's sister who was taken by a demon. He glanced around the room but could see no one.

  "I'm here. I'm always here."

  "So, Johann is right. You are always with us."

  "Yes."

  "How can we reach you?" Robert asked. He waited a few moments for a reply but didn't receive one. He glanced around the room again. "Theresa. How can we get to you?" he again asked.

  "You can't," the voice boomed in his head. This one was male. The former coroner, taken by surprise by the sudden loudness of the voice, covered his ears. In doing so, he splashed water over the mirror and counter. He caught a movement in the mirror again and glanced at it.

  His mouth dropped open, and he thought his heart would stop when the apparition appeared. He turned around and nothing became visible, but when he turned back to the mirror it was still there behind him.

  It was a man. He was older. In his late fifties. Almost the stereotypical "businessman" type: clean-shaven, balding on top, and dressed in a nice business suit. He stood there with his two arms hanging in front of him, one hand casually clasped in the other.

  "Malphas," Robert whispered. He stared at the ghostly image in the mirror. He recognized the prince of hell from an encounter he and Johann had with the demon only days before in the town of Mountainview. The coroner felt his legs weaken, and his knees felt like they were about to buckle. He could hear his heartbeat in his ears.

  "Good to see you again, too," Malphas said sarcastically. Robert clutched at his chest, the tightness squeezing the breath out of him. "Don't worry. You're not going to die—yet," the demon said. He smiled at the discomfort the coroner experienced.

  "Go out there and tell that damned priest that he might have won that last battle, but the war has started. He's not gonna defeat me. Tell him I still have his precious sister. He'll appreciate hearing that. Maybe, if he behaves, we'll invite him to the wedding."

  "I thought something took you back to hell in Mountainview," Robert said. The hair on the back of his neck stood up, as Malphas glared at him with hatred in his eyes.

  "You are naïve, aren't you? Would your leaders let war come without sending out their best generals?" Malphas opened his arms with his palms up. Robert narrowed his eyes.

  "What wedding?" he asked, suddenly catching on-to what the demon said a few moments ago.

  "The wedding between his little bitch sister and me. I can smell her wanting me every time I go near her."

  "Johann's not going to like that,” the coroner said to himself as he finally started drying his hands.

  "Oh, like I give two fucks," Malphas said. "Tell him to come see me. He turned his back on his religion. I'll take him with me like I did his sister."

  "What do you want, Malphas?" asked Robert. He tried to sound as intimidating as possible. He recognized, deep down, that intimidation probably wouldn't work with the prince of hell. Malphas glared at him. His eyes turned red, and he bared his teeth. He pointed at Robert.

  "You wanted to see how the mayor died. I'm going to show you."

  The demon laughed as the room they were in disappeared before the coroner's eyes. Robert turned his head in all directions, confused as to what was going on. A horrid face appeared only inches from him as he glanced back into the mirror. The shock of the sight caused Robert to catch his breath and jump back.

  It was a demon with pale gray skin. Its eyes were red, and its teeth were rotting and pointed. It screamed and lunged forward at Robert, who almost fell backward with fright. The coroner covered his nose from the pu
trid stench that emanated from the creature.

  "Welcome to the nightmare," Malphas said with an evil laugh.

  The creature before Robert vanished. It was almost as though the coroner were transported back in time. He found himself in the mayor's bedroom, watching her death as it unfolded before him. He cringed as hundreds of black spiders approached the unfortunate victim. They acted as though they were of one mind, all with their front legs raised in attack. He rubbed his arms as he imagined the small, hairy arachnids crawling on his skin.

  He couldn't turn away in time as the mayor began to fall backward and thought for sure some of her blood and organ tissue had covered his face when the fireplace poker pierced her skull and came out of her mouth. He raised his hands to cover his face, but he was sure he sensed the warmth of her flesh as it pelted his cheeks.

  He wanted to close his eyes and found that he couldn't. He stared at the mayor as her nearly lifeless body went into death spasms. All the nerves were dying and foam, mixed with blood, spewed from her mouth. A moment later, she lay still.

  Something above him caught his attention and he looked up at the ceiling. He could see the same creature that he just saw in front of him moments ago. Now it was on the ceiling. It appeared to be laughing at the mayor’s death.

  The apparition vanished, and Robert found himself alone again in the bathroom. He couldn't believe the vision he bore witness to only moments before. His breathing was labored, and his heart pounded so hard it hurt his chest. He trembled nearly uncontrollably. His hands shook so badly; it took him several tries before he could finally grip the doorknob to open the door.

  He walked out of the bathroom as quick as he could. Pale and sweat-drenched, he mindlessly strode over to Johann. The coroner stood before his friend, unable to speak for the moment. Johann immediately realized something was not right with Robert. Someone would have to be blind to not see that.