Hazy View: Souls of the Vanished

by Ink Blood

  “Can you tell the sketch artist with she looked like?” Andrew asked after a moment of thought.

  “Sure, maybe it’s not her.” Dillon said and fell asleep, the medication had taken effect.

  Andrew left the hospital confused and angry. He reached his vehicle and looked around for the first time.

  Birds have settled in the big trees at the edge of the parking lot. Clouds were heavy and denser. The sun headed lazily for the horizon and the wind was brisk.

  Andrew stopped at his vehicle and looked around again. The day was gone and he was questioning everything he knew. He had too many questions that needed answers. He wasn’t a heavy drinker, hardly touched alcohol, but tonight he needed to settle his mind. He walked to the pub a short distance away.

  *~*~*

  *VIII*

  Helen heard a noise that came from Olivia’s room. Olivia was playing at her feet. It was a muffled shoveling sound. Someone moved heavy furniture and scattered toys across the carpeted floor.

  She got up fast.

  Someone moved fast through the upstairs passage and darted into the bathroom.

  Olivia didn’t react to the noise. Little footsteps echoed through the silence, a door slammed shut. Helen moved to the archway between the lounge and the dining area.

  She stopped.

  She continued to the front door and opened it midway. If there was a small quitter upstairs and she manages to chase it down the stairs, she would want it to leave the house.

  “Honey, I need you to draw me the best picture with the most colors you can then I’ll look at your drawing when I get back just now.”

  “Yes mommy.” Olivia called back.

  Helen noticed the noise had stopped. Silently she stood at the bottom of the stairs one hand rested on the rail as she watched the top. The quitter upstairs started again. It sounded louder than a small creature that had crawled in through an open window.

  Helen walked up slowly. Nervously she took them step by step, gaining her balance before shifting her weight. Her back firmly tucked in against the wall. In the bathroom to her left the sound echoed loudly. A ghostly moan she had heard on the lake and in her basement slowed her down. Something’s thrown against the wall, glass shattered and falling pieces clattered loudly.

  Helen glanced through the passage, it was empty.

  She heard a soft thump against a door. She swung toward the bathroom door ready to yank it open and stopped.

  Her heart pounded, she felt weak and dumb founded.

  The door stood wide open and nothing seemed damaged or even out of place.

  The doors off the passages were wide open. All the rooms leading into the passage’s covered with a thick beige carpet that would’ve absorbed any sound from an unexpected fall or moving of furniture. The bathroom might possibly offer the sound as the floor and walls were tiles.

  Helen heard sounds from Olivia’s room, something moved fast.

  She peeped around the corner. Paper and crayons laid scattered across the floor. Scattered clothing from the closet and chest of drawer lay across the carpet. Toys were out of the old wooden toy box and heaped on the floor. The closed window was still intact.

  She stepped into the room cautiously.

  Someone pulled the bedspread from the bed and left it near the toys. It looked like someone had sat under it. The curtains pulled from the railing. The hooks still dangled on the railing. A dropped pillow fell on the side of the bed. Strange marking mapped the wall, written with colorful crayon.

  Helen didn’t go further.

  The room was neat when she left moments earlier. Olivia was with her downstairs since her bath. She could see that nothing was as she left it only moments ago. Someone has turned the room upside down in a rage fit.

  A soft weep echoed from behind her.

  She turned slowly.

  A small boy stood in the doorway. He’s arms stretched out in front of him. His eyes were cold, gray and urgent. His hair and clothes were wet. A small puddle of water darkened the carpet at his feet. His skin was the color of ash. He was still weeping and he had only one shoe on his foot.

  He pointed to the marking on the wall.

  The word ‘help’ that marked the wall seemed written with great difficulties. Helen turned back to the boy.

  He was gone.

  Helen rushed into the passage. She saw nothing.

  A loud thump came from her bedroom. She rushed forward and paused.

  The passage grew cold.

  Another thump made her jump.

  She inched forward.

  Something moved in her room.

  “Who’s in my house? What do you want?” She called in a cracking fearful voice.

  Helen reached the door as the chill worsened.

  “Where’s he?” A strong angry voice called from within the room.

  “I don’t know who you’re looking for.”

  “Find him and make him pay.” The voice called screeching and moaning softly.

  “Who must I find?”

  “Find us, find us soon.”

  The door flung open and something came out.

  A soft weep came from the passage.

  Someone was forcing their way down the passage.

  Someone knocked Helen down and she’s held as she fell. Fear overwhelmed her as the image of a woman appeared in front of her.

  “Find him.” She screamed angrily.

  The image faded and finally disappeared. The atmosphere calmed and returned to its previous state. Helen remained still too weak to move or think.

  *~*~*

  *IX*

  Ivan and William Craft had traveled from the city on the first word of a haunting. Finally they reached the lake and the small boat they had rented earlier. They cast off before rowing to the middle of the lake, their flashlights lit their way.

  William mounted cameras to the outside rim so they could capture a three-hundred and eighty degree angle around the boat. Ivan set up heat-sensors and recorders on the nose cone to record sudden changes in the temperature and to record sounds the human ear couldn’t hear.

  Rain started to fall. A light drizzle posed no threat to the waterproof equipment. The brisk wind was cool, cutting through any light clothing. Ivan cupped his hands and blew hot air into them before rubbing them vigorously.

  After four hours on the lake they felt the cold. Ivan pulled a flask of hot cocoa from his bag and hugged it gratefully for its heat. He swept around his head a few times. He was always aware of bugs and flies around him. His brother ignored him. Ivan reached into his bag again and produced a large can of bug spray. He’s spraying started to annoy William.

  “Would you stop that?” William scolded.

  “I can’t, these bugs are carrying me away one drop of blood at a time.” Ivan defended and sprayed again.

  William grabbed the can. “There’s no bugs, when are you going to grow up?”

  Ivan tried to grab it back, but he was too slow.

  “Just because you don’t hear them, doesn’t mean they aren’t there.”

  “Please stop it. There are no bugs. It’s raining for God sake.” William shouted angry.

  “How do you know?” Ivan challenged.

  “Bugs can’t fly in the rain. Now please be quiet or I’ll throw you overboard myself.”

  A flash of light appeared and moved in their direction flickering in the darkness. Ivan zoomed two of the cameras in on the light, without changing their cone of vision.

  “What’s wrong, bugs again? Trying to record them now?” William teased sarcastically.

  “I know you think you’re funny, but you’re not. I just saw some strange light on the water. Maybe it's nothing but I would like to get it on camera.”

  “Stop fiddling with the cameras. They’re set up to cover everywhere. If there’s activity the cameras will record it. Maybe the bug spray’s going to your head. Have you even given thought to the damage you do when you spray your brain cells away like this?” William asked an
d corrected the settings on the cameras.

  Ivan returned to his seat. “Fine, I don’t want to lose anything.”

  “Drink up your cocoa. Soon something’ll happen, and then you can play with the equipment. You never take anything seriously. Why were you born first?”

  Ivan jumped up excited. “Towards the rocks, just above the waterline, don’t you see that?”

  “What are you seeing, I can’t see anything?”

  “It's coming this way, don’t you see it?” Ivan said and pointed into the darkness.

  William frowned, still not seeing what was making Ivan so excited.

  The light disappeared under the water.

  Irritated with his brother’s excitement William collected his flashlight from the bottom of the boat and shone into the darkness where Ivan was pointing.

  “Listen.” Ivan said frozen like a statue.

  “I hear that, what’s that… a child screaming?” William replied inspecting the equipment.

  “Is there something recorded, please check?”

  “The temperature’s dropped and something’s captured on the audio recorder. We’ll check the cameras later. Keep them recording, don’t change them, and just let them run.” William commanded getting a little excited.

  “Keep your eyes open. I think something’s getting close.” Ivan said scanning the water.

  “Finally, something’s happening. If we’re lucky it’ll be the tape that would make us famous.”

  “I told you this wouldn’t be a waste of time.”

  Ivan scanned the water for anything that moved. Without the moon to help them, he reached for his flashlight.

  A moan echoed across the water, followed closely with a hiss, water splashing sound. Mist started to cover the water around the boat. Reducing visibility to arm’s length. A sudden knock from beneath, jerked the boat violently, dipping it to one side. The two men scramble for the opposite side and stabilize it before water overwhelmed it.

  “We’re here to help you, who are you?” William called out.

  The knocking became louder.

  “Why are you attacking people on the lake?”

  The drawn out moan became louder and deeper.

  “Who did this to you?” Ivan called.

  A loud hiss, moaning scream echoed in the air.

  “Please come out and face us.” Ivan invited.

  The hissing, humming, moaning and knocking stopped. A sharp light overpowered the brother’s lights and moved closer to the boat. The mist parted to allow the light a clear path to the boat. The light slowed down and stopped four feet in front of them, revealing a person in its center. She stood for a brief moment, arms stretched out in front of her.

  A child’s voice echoed from behind her. She was speaking, but no sound came to hear. She stopped with the image of a young child entering the light. She stood silently staring at the two men in the boat. Suddenly she released a horrifying screech and rushed forward.

  Ivan and William stood up and tried to flee. With nowhere to go they grabbed for the oars but didn’t make it. She scooped them up and pulled them overboard with a large splash and a thump. Their screams silenced as they hit the water and silence returned to the boat ones more.

  The flashlight shone through the rain and the mist subsided. Cameras still recorded, echoed a soft beeping sound as their alarms warned that something’s captured.

  *~*~*

  Chapter Four

  *I*

  The mayors’ office was big, well furnished with a glass top desk and a lounge suite for relaxing. Large crafted oak bookshelves held a collection of law and reference books. In one corner a small bar fridge held drinks. Oil paintings decorated the walls and a large window admitted enough light. A large Persian rug covered the center of the floor while parquet tile shone in the bright sunlight.

  Mayor Gibbs had a face like a potbelly pig. His looks would never win an election, but his wits and brawn always excelled. He was the type of person you would find attractive only once your vision’s impaired through heavy drinking. He arrived at the crack of dawn and let himself into the town hall with his own keys.

  Gibbs looked up over his glasses as Andrew walked into his office. “Does this visit mean that you don’t want to be sheriff?”

  “No it doesn’t sir. I just need to impose a few limits for a while. I believe you heard about the drama we’ve had at the lake over the last couple of days. I’d like to find out more and stop the attacks.” Andrew jumped right into the conversation.

  “You want to take away the only attraction this town has to bring tourists here. That’s like taking away the air and letting the town suffocate, why?” Gibbs asked surprised.

  “I feel the lake’s not safe, and I’d like to close it for further investigation, just to be safe. It won’t be for long anyway.”

  “What investigation? The rumors of ghosts or the heart attack of Robert Wilson, rest his soul. He was a good friend of mine.”

  Gibbs stood up and walked briskly to the oak table near the window. He poured two glasses of scotch and returned to his desk, holding one to Andrew. He scratched in the drawer and turned his attention back to him. He handed him a new sheriff’s badge.

  “Martin told me a couple of days ago that he’s planning to give up the job and leave town. He suggested that you take over his job. He also said you’re the best person we’ve got. You’re eager I’ll give you that. He said that you’ve got a good nose for it, and that you always look at every possible angle in every case. We can use someone like that. Meanwhile I had this made and left it up to Martin to give you the good news.”

  Andrew removed his old badge. “Thank you.”

  “Tell me. Closing the lake temporarily, this one of the angles you’re looking at?”

  “I’d rather look at it as a precaution, taking in to consideration the events has now become hostile. Maybe it's nothing, just some kids playing their stupid games, but it's better to be sure, and at the same time I’ll keep as many people safe as I can.”

  Gibbs raised his eyebrows and glanced over the rim of his glasses.

  “Is that what you believe, kids playing pranks?”

  “I believe someone committed murder somewhere around the lake…” Andrew declared.

  “What murders?” Gibbs interrupted shocked.

  Andrew placed the case files on the desk, but Gibbs didn’t take them.

  “It's starting to look like someone murdered two people and dumped their bodies into the lake. I think the attacks are a result of a supernatural entity. Witnesses reported strange events and sightings of a woman and a child that’s haunting the lake.” Andrew continued studying the mayor’s reaction.

  “I’m not convinced about these ghosts. I heard the stories and I believe they’re made up. Do you have any proof of these murders? Do you have an idea where the crime scene is, missing person, a suspect or witness, anything?” Gibbs asked with his palms opened on the desk.

  “No sir.” Andrew admitted softly.

  “Well how do you know there’s a crime?”

  “I’ve been reading witness reports and all of them points to the same sighting. Something in the lake’s clawing its way out using visitors to do it.” Andrew pointed out and sipped his drink nervously.

  “What attacks, a drunken hallucinating young woman or someone scaring Robert into a heart attack, its gossip. Did any of them witness a murder?”

  “No sir.”

  “These stories are nothing more than misdirection and the incidents pure accidental. You’re just stepping into the sheriff’s shoes. I understand that it's overwhelming to say the least. Why don’t you take a short vacation to adjust? Nothing major, let’s say from Monday to Sunday. Rap your mind around your new duties when you get back. That leaves you with three days to get everything you need in order before you go on leave. You’re not new to this town. You’ve spent most of your life here. How many times have rumors kicked started business, especially around this time of the year?” Gibbs
pointed out.

  “I don’t need time off sir. I’m aware of all the rumors overtime, but nothing solid were ever proven, not like this. There’s something in the lake hurting people. Someone who knows nothing about the town is also reporting events. I’d rather like to stay here and do my job.” Andrew protested.

  “Go for a short holiday. It’ll do you good. Once you get back you won’t get this chance often.” Gibbs repeated more adamant.

  “But Sir I…”

  “I insist. Let’s talk again when you return to duty.” Gibbs interrupted.

  “Yes sir.” Andrew agreed disappointedly.

  He collected the untouched case files from the desk. He left the office with a heavy heart. He was hoping that he might’ve been more successful than this. All he managed to do was to look like an amateur and that what wasn’t the image he wanted to start with as the new sheriff.

  *~*~*

  *II*

  Andrew walked into the office angry. He headed to his office and stopped at Yvonne’s desk to collect the paperwork from the night past.

  “I’m so sick of hearing about rumors and misdirection. Why’s everyone in this town so obsess with rumors and business? Why are they so blinded to anything that’s slapping them in the face, I will never understand?” Andrew ranted and raved.

  “Did it go that bad with, Gibbs?” Yvonne remarked, and handed him the morning papers and night reports.

  “Worse, he put me on leave.” He took the files but didn’t even look at them.

  “Well nothing ever happens here, it's a safe place. People around here don’t want to believe otherwise.”

  Andrew headed to his office and paused. “Probably, but that doesn’t mean I’ll give up on this.”

  The phone on Yvonne’s desk rang. She held her hand out to Andrew in a gesture to wait. He turned to Yvonne waiting for her to finish her call with folded arms. Yvonne replaced the receiver.

  “Tom needs to see you at the lake. Some people went missing last night. He found the boat they hired floating a distance from the rock face.” She informed.

  “Great, what’s it with the rock face, more trouble I’m sure.”