Hazy View: Souls of the Vanished

by Ink Blood

  “Yes that’s true. A terrible crime’s committed that took the lives of two of our residents. There’s a very big possibility that their bodies are in the lake near the rock face. Now they’re attacking anyone that comes within reach. This’s the same reason I closed it.”

  “Why didn’t you tell us about this?”

  “I didn’t want more people getting hurt. The rumors have reached the city and two paranormal investigators came to investigate and so lost their lives. Would it be wise to lure more people to fall victim to the entity?”

  “Why is Sheriff Parker in handcuffs?”

  “I’ll explain all that soon. Please I’m asking you to stay away from the lake and be patient. I will explain everything soon.”

  Martin stood up and walked to the counter.

  “Sheriff Parker what’s going on?”

  “Everything Sheriff Foster had said is true. I’m afraid that I’ve done something hideous and I’ve lost both my wife and son…”

  “He was not your son.” A man called from the rear.

  “Yes he was. DNA proofed it. I fell victim of a hateful gossip and acted on it in a way that was wrong and unlawful. I went too far and it cost lives. This I’ll pay for, but I feel sorry for the people hurt and even killed because of my actions.”

  “What did you do?” A weeping mother called standing in front of the counter her voice wasn’t sympathetic.

  “I can’t recall the details, but I can recall throwing their bodies into the lake.” Martin dropped his head.

  Brat walked closer, took Martin by the arm and led him back to his chair. Anger grew in the crowd. Their cries for justice to the full extent of the law echoed loudly. For some reason Andrew didn’t think they could understand what was really wrong.

  “Sheriff, how can we remove these things from the lake?”

  “We need to find the bodies and give them a proper burial. If we can find the bodies and rebury them they could finally come to rest and the haunting will stop.”

  A man in the group stepped forward. He looked hard and long at Martin his eyes filling with hate for him the longer he looked at him. He turned his attention to Andrew. “Would you need help finding them?”

  “At this moment I hadn’t have the time to form a plan of action. I’ll need as many abled body and strong people as I can get. We need to work together and offer each other support. It would be dangerous because the entities are strong and very angry.”

  “If it doesn’t work will the lake stay closed forever?”

  “No, it’ll work.”

  Mr. Craft walked into the office carrying a laptop and some other equipment, Tom followed. The crowd parted to let them through.

  “Please I’m asking you now, go home and give us just a little space to complete our work so we can bring this to an end.” Andrew said and waited for the group to disperse.

  *~*~*

  *III*

  Andrew sat at Yvonne’s desk as he waited for Mr. Craft to set up his equipment in his office. At least the office was quieter. Yvonne filled a large order of coffee as Andrew and Mayor Gibbs spoke. Andrew filled him in on the investigator and the report from the forensics lab.

  While sipping on the coffee Andrew used the phone on Yvonne’s desk and called Doctor Phillip at the hospital. He asked to evaluate Martin to confirm that he was fit to stand trial. Dr. Phillip expressed his shock when he heard that Martin’s arrested and back in town. Something he couldn’t believe as many in town.

  “I am glad things turn out the way they did, at least it looks like these close minded people won’t be too hard on you, but at least hear you out. Let’s hope they support you in bringing to justice a man they had respected for so long.” Mayor Gibbs said as he still sipped the last of his coffee.

  “Are you going, don’t you want to see the footage from the house?”

  “I’ll turn back later. Mr. Craft will let me know when he’s ready. He told me it’ll take a while to set it up. In the meantime you need to take Martin to the hospital? It’ll make your case stronger when people start sympathizes with Martin because he can’t remember. They’ll say because he suffered a serious shock you’re picking on him and he didn’t know what he was doing.”

  “Well I did want to get the unpleasant bits out the way first, and then I’ve got time to deal with more pressing matters.”

  “What do you think the motive was?”

  “Jalousie I’m sure and I don’t even need his drunken buddy or that woman from the trailer park. I do believe Martin’s busy making his statement as we speak.”

  “If I were you I’ll get their statements weather it’s needed or not. It won’t hurt would it?”

  “No I guess not.”

  “Have you already charged him with the murders?”

  “As we speak the deputy’s taking care of that. I’m just waiting for him then I’ll take Martin to the hospital myself.”

  “Good, then you don’t need me to stand in your way.” Mayor Gibbs said and headed for the door. He paused and turned to Andrew. “You did well.”

  He left the office and into the bright sunlight beyond.

  “Did you hear that, the mayor said I did well?” Andrew boasted to Yvonne.

  “I also think you did.” Yvonne said.

  “It was more luck then muscle or brains.”

  “Whatever it was, you puzzled crimes together that we didn’t even think happened. Do you mind if I take my desk back now. Some of us have work to do you know.”

  “Sure. It’s not like I don’t have anything to do myself.” Andrew said and stood up feeling better about him as he thought he would. At least the residents didn’t throw him with rotten egg, yet.

  “Here you can start on this.” Yvonne said and handed him a small pile of complaints that happened while he was away.

  “Never a dull moment is it.” He said.

  He took the files to his old desk now used by the deputy and glanced through them. “It looks like I can go on holiday more often. You guys can cope well without me.”

  “Don’t flatter yourself. The locals didn’t know you were gone until the children drowned, the case is there too.” Yvonne informed.

  “Ghee thanks.” Andrew remarked and started reading statements and complaints, most already resolved.

  Andrew soaked up the incident report of the attack on a group of youngsters that disobeyed the restrictions. They had dared two children, wanting to fit into a class group of wannabe popular kids. They swim in nothing more than their birthday suits. The two thirteen year olds swam to the rock face and back before they could be part of a click. Never the less it was when they had reached about halve way that they disappeared under the water, never to reappear.

  Franticly the horrified bystanders were too scared to enter the water and ran away. They decided to keep it quiet. Tom and Mr. Craft found the bodies of the two children in the early hours of this morning. A girl from the group broke down because she couldn’t deal with what they did. She felt she pushed into a corner by the other children and told her parents what had really happened. The other children involved in the initiation finally confessed. The children weren’t charges yet, although their parents would deal with them they would still have to endure lots of community service.

  Martin’s return from the holding cells startled Andrew. His finger still black with the ink used to take his prints. Still handcuffed he sat into one of the chairs at the desk.

  Andrew, Martin and Davis left the office and drove three blocks to the hospital. Andrew’s service vehicle was still at Helen’s house so he was happy to drive with Davis. Sitting next to Martin he felt the glare from passersby. Martin also seemed to share this feeling as he always kept his head down. He was clearly feeling remorse for his deeds to the point that he could not look anyone in the eye. Weather he was weeping could only be guest.

  This was about as much thought Andrew could spare him. He didn’t feel pity and was no longer saddened by Martin was appearance. He will deserve ev
erything that comes his way. It would make the suffering that Janet and Christopher had to endure like a walk in the park.

  They reach the hospital and stopped in the casualty parking.

  Andrew and Davis led Martin through the casualty department’s entrance where several Hazy View residences met them. It was clear that the word had spread like a wildfire just as Andrew had thought. People congratulated Andrew on a job well done and cursed Martin. Some outraged people threw papers at him angered that a man of his standing in the community could do what he did. An elderly woman stood up and blocked Martin’s way. Andrew tried to get the woman to step aside when she suddenly spat in Martins face and cursed him.

  “Is this really necessary?” Andrew asked.

  “Are you standing up for him?” She asked in a quivering voice.

  “No, but please.”

  “He’s a murderer who took two lovely people from us. They were like angles in this community, how could you.” She said and spat again.

  “That’s enough now, you might mess my uniform.” Andrew said and gently guided the woman back to her chair.

  “Make sure he rots in jail, sheriff.”

  Martin said nothing. He just discretely wiped his face on his shoulder his hands now bound behind his back. He never looked up, just walked as he’s led down a long passage and to the elevator. Too many people crowded the hall for his liking and he’s glad to leave. As they turned the corner leading to the elevator they could still hear the cursing and remarks from the people waiting for the doctor.

  Andrew pressed the button and waited for the elevator.

  “I know you don’t have any more respect for me, but is it necessary to drag me through as many people as you can?”

  “To the contrary of what you might think it’s necessary.”

  “Is it that necessary for your ego or for me embarrassment?”

  “No, for the case of course....” Andrew said and looked hard and Martin.

  Martin met his eyes.

  “How would humiliating me help your case?”

  “When the time comes that you feel you need to draw sympathy from these people they would’ve turned on you like a beast on its prey.”

  “How would that help you, there people already hates me?”

  “Just because they don’t know everything yet and later you can’t play the crime of passion card. It you do, they‘ll won’t feel sorry for you.”

  The elevator bell sounded.

  “That’s not my intention.”

  “What’s your intention?”

  The doors opened and two nurses and a patient stepped out.

  “To pay for what I’ve done.”

  Without a further word Andrew, Martin and Davis stepped into the elevator.

  Andrew pressed the button to the fourth floor and waited till the doors close.

  He turned back to Martin.

  “I’ve read your so called confession. I think you’re trying to play me for a fool. There’s nothing about how you did it. Only that you came home and blanked out. You later realized that your wife and son was dead and tried to conceal it be disposing of the bodies. I know you’re aware of what you were doing the whole time. You’re just trying to get a lighter sentence.” Andrew turned away from Martin.

  “No, that’s not true.”

  “The doctor will soon brake through all you nonsense.”

  The elevator gently jerked to a halt.

  The three men stepped out and walked to the nurse’s station. A group of student doctors passed but paid no attention to Martin and his escort. They were visiting from the city and this event was a regular thing there.

  Andrew reached the nurse’s station and was about to ask her to page Doctor Phillip when he exited one of the wards opposite the station. He smiled and greeted them warmly extending his hand to Andrew and Deputy Davis.

  “I’ve called for the psychologist. He’s waiting for you in the ward.”

  “Thank you, doctor.” Andrew said.

  Andrew followed the doctor down the passage to the psychology department. Deputy Davis and Martin followed close by.

  “What happened to Bobby?” Andrew asked looking at Phillips briefly.

  “After hearing that his father died of the infection he had a nervous breakdown. We kept him here for a few days and then transferred him to the psychic ward. He’s still there, but I must say he’s doing a lot better. He battles to deal with the ghost. I assume it’s the ghost that attracted them.”

  “Yes. I’ll have to make a turn by Bobby soon.” Andrew says in almost a whisper feeling deeply saddened for the boy’s loss.

  “I think he’d like that, I don’t think he’s getting much visitors.” Phillip informs and walks through the reinforced glass doors.

  “Do you know what’s going to happen to him once he leaves here?”

  “He would probably go home, but I don’t think he has any other relatives. Because of his age he will go into foster care till he’s eighteen.”

  “That’s so sad. He’s such a great kid.” Andrew replies softly.

  “I think you’ll be here for a long time, his father’s death really hit him hard. It doesn’t look like he’ll recover overnight. I feel so sorry for him though.”

  “Yes it is but I’m glad to report that we’ll soon put an end to the attacks.” Andrew assured.

  “Please, we don’t want to deal with any more of her victims, it disturbs the staff and the other patients.”

  They walked in silence.

  “The doctor’s waiting for you. You can just go in, he’s expecting you.” Phillip said and returned the way he came.

  Andrew knocked on the door and an old voice invited them in through the closed door.

  Andrew entered while Davis and Martin remained outside seated in the waiting area in front of the office door.

  “Good day doctor.” Andrew greeted.

  “Good day sheriff. What can I do for you? Doctor Scotts just told me you wanted to have an evaluation done. Are you going to stand trial for something?” The doctor asked and seemed truly confused.

  “No doctor. It’s not for me. I’d like you to evaluate one of my prisoners.”

  “Thank goodness, I’d hate to think that our new sheriff is buckling under the pressure already.” The old man replied laughing.

  The office was your typical small examining room, instead of a bed there was a long couch for patient to lie on and the chair nearby for taking notes. An old pine desk stood against the far wall with just enough space to move in and out. There’s no computer or any modern phones, only the type with a wheel on that you could stick your pen or finger in and then turn it to the number you required. Once you leave the wheel it ran back with a grinding clicking sound. An overlarge desk calendar decorated the desk and a penholder held a few pencils. The nameplate on the desk worded: Dr. Harris Psychologist. A small wire bin stood in the corner of the office and some files piled on the desk.

  Two large pot plants stood in the corners and a few chalk drawings decorated the walls. Besides that, the room’s so outdated that it’s depressing. There wasn’t colorful and it resembled one of those clinical rooms in horror flicks. The doctor always wore long white coats and a large mirror on the forehead. The room wasn’t as clinical but closely resembled one of those torture chambers. Mad patient’s taken there to get the devil draw out of them. Martin should feel right at home.

  Andrew shook his head and the cold chill that wrapped around his spine coursing him to shiver.

  Dr. Harris was the kind of person who looked pleasant and welcoming. He’s elderly but still strong. He showed his age only in the gray hair with the bold patch on his crown. Pleats that mapped his face deeply. He seemed like a thinker in his youth and someone who often frowned. His expression and body language was inviting and friendly. Yet he seemed very stern and didn’t seem the person, people could walk over. He wasn’t short or skinny but well-kept firm muscles for his age. He’s dressed in a three-piece suit, something you d
on’t see often anymore. Neither he nor the office had changed in twenty years.

  Dr. Harris stood up from behind his desk and walked around to face Andrew.

  “If you want me to evaluate one of your prisoners it would take a while. I’d have to keep him here for a few hours. There are several tests and therapy that I’d have to perform to see it him is truly fit to stand trial.”

  “I can imagine that.”

  “I hope you have things to do I can’t rush the work.”

  “I understand.”

  “Good. You may bring the prisoner in.”

  Andrew walked to the door and called for Davis and Martin to enter. Davis sat Martin in one of the chairs and returned to the waiting area.

  “Could you please call as soon as you’re done?” Andrew asked.

  “Sure. With this I take it the Deputy will be responsible for the prisoner?”

  “Yes but I don’t think Martin would be any trouble.”

  “I’m sure he won’t. Thank you, we’ll be fine from this point on.” The doctor said heading back behind his desk.

  Andrew left feeling kicked out of the office as the door closes behind him. The doctor’s uninterested in idol chats. Andrew had other things to do and couldn’t sit in the hospital all day.

  *~*~*

  *IV*

  Andrew returned to the office and found Mayor Gibbs had already returned from his office to view the footage recorder by Mr. Craft and his son’s. Mr. Craft had shown the Mayor the first set of footage including the voice recordings from the incident in which he had lost his sons. Now they took a break and waited for Andrew to arrive and engaged in idol chat in Andrew’s office. Yvonne entered the office to refresh their coffee.

  The large window behind the desk’s blinds kept the sun out. Although it wasn’t hot and there were signs of rain in the later parts of the evening, it was breathable. The wind was energetic and swept through the clean streets with nothing to sweep except for some leave freshly plucked.

  Mayor Gibbs left the office to make a few calls leaving Andrew and Mr. Craft to catch up.

  “I hope Janet didn’t keep you too busy these last few days?”

  “Luckily not, she appeared in the house twice and was tearing up the forest and lake a bit. Unfortunately I couldn’t get too close to her.”