Blue Macabre

by J. W. DeBrock

  Warm beckoning light filtered through Suzanne’s front window, sparkling on the snow and ice in the yard. Despite the chill temperature he inhaled the frigid air deeply several times to calm himself.

  He pressed the small round doorbell. Soon he heard footfalls and forced a happy expression to his face as she answered. “Hi!” he said, presenting her with the beautiful green house plant he’d stopped and bought.

  “Wow,” she said as she accepted. “It’s beautiful. I love plants.” She laughed and said, “Come in, please.”

  “It was just a little something I thought you might enjoy.”

  “Can I take your coat?” She closed the door behind him.

  “Thanks.” He slipped out of his coat and gloves. “I guess Jen and Andy will be warm tonight – heard it’s even colder over there, about six inches of snow.”

  Suzanne smiled. “They do seem to love it, though, don’t they?”

  He forced a smile in return. “I’m glad she’s happy. Hey! Where’s that baby I’ve heard so much about?”

  “Come this way,” she said.

  He followed her down the hall. Soft yellow light spilled from the doorway of a tiny bedroom. He looked at her as they stood in the hall, and she gestured him into the room.

  The baby was sitting in her crib, fascinated by a clear plastic teething ring. She was turning it over in her tiny hands and gumming it, the ring itself filled with cool water. He was instantly charmed; she was the most precious creature he’d ever seen, and genuine tears filled his eyes as he approached the crib. He stood silently, smiling at her, watching her play. She looked up at him, stuck the ring in her mouth and searched for her mother, then grinned adorably with one tooth shining. Chris had to wipe his eyes. He gasped a little, smiled at her mother, and reached for her. Rachel reached for his shiny blonde hair as he held her, and he laughed and said “Ow!” as she tugged and yanked. “She’s absolutely gorgeous.” Rachel cooed and gurgled baby sweet-nothings. He wiped his eyes again with the back of his hand. “Rachel.” What a tiny, precious miracle.”

  “I didn’t know you’d be this taken with her.” She took the baby from him and set her gently in her crib, laying her down and covering her with a quilt, tucking a couple of small stuffed animals in the end of the crib. As she reached to turn on the night light she added, “I guess I shouldn’t be so surprised. You did do quite a bit of bonding that one weekend at Jenny’s.”

  They shared a light supper, and talked casually about a variety of subjects. The evening was drawing to a close as they sat in her living room with coffee and cheesecake. A gas fireplace blazed with gentle flames, flanked by a pair of unusual andirons on the brick hearth. She asked, “Do you think Andy and Jen might try to come over next weekend? When is Andy’s house escrow supposed to close?”

  He set his dessert plate on the coffee table, nearly dropping his fork. “I’m really not sure.”

  “I think I’ll drive up.”

  “Even if they don’t come, I’ll be there.” He sipped his coffee. “Jen was talking about doing something else to the condo soon – painting, or some such. I guess from what she says it’s really nice, some new furniture and all. I need to go over there and see it.”

  “You should. I’m going myself as soon as I can.”

  She closed her door behind him, and watched through her window as he warmed the car and drove away.

  The hour prior to his arrival, Rachel had napped while her mother meditated. Suzanne had been asking repeatedly for guidance about Chris and Jenny, and she’d actually set him up by having him in her home that night. Being close to him and having him in her territory confirmed her own intuition, along with messages of guidance she’d been receiving. His aura was currently very skewed – a nasty gray with slimy green. It had taken all of her resolve just to be able to stay in the same room. She was proud of her unrealized acting talent.

  The suspicions she’d had and the strange vibrations she’d picked up on from Silver Lake were confirmed for her. Spirit concurred with the feelings of her own that she must somehow intervene to be sure Jenny was safe. His essence was disturbing and her worst fears were somehow materializing, within his realm, she was certain. What form they might take was another matter.

  The next weekend, she sat behind the wheel of her sedan in front of Jenny’s house, her expression reflecting disgust and disappointment. She’d made the round of both houses, all the doors and windows she could reach. She’d called for Rebecca with no response, noticing the pet dish she’d bought the last time lying behind the back door steps, dirty and moldy.

  Frustrated, she backed out. When she reached the highway she headed toward Castle Rock, stopping at the store on top of the hill. She called her mother from her cell. “Hi Mom, everything going okay?”

  “Just fine, dear, we’re having a ball with her – she’s napping right now. Are you okay? Was anyone there?”

  She sighed. “I’m fine, just frustrated. No sign of Karin or Chris at the house. I’m going to give Jen a call in Yakima. I may head over there, I’m not sure. Something just isn’t right around here, but I can’t figure out what it is! It’s making me crazy! If they have time, maybe they could meet me halfway. I really want to see her in person. I’ll keep you posted.”

  “You do what you need to do, love. We’re just fine on this end.”

  She looked in her contact list and dialed Jenny at the condo. She frowned when the voice mail answered. “Hi, Jen or Andy, it’s Suzanne. I’m in Castle Rock and just came from Jen’s. I need to talk to you. No matter what, I want you to PROMISE me that Jenny, you won’t come over here without Andy. Neither one of you are to come alone. Don’t forget! And call me!” She punched the pound button to send the message.

  She’d driven back to Portland, unhappy, and picked up the baby from her folks. She kept the phone by her side at all times, and tried to call Jenny several times more, leaving messages on both their cell phones as well. The baby settled in her crib and nestled in for the night. Suzanne fell asleep on her sofa.

  In a very realistic dream, she felt that she had awakened to find a woman sitting in her chair, right across from her in her own living room. The woman did not speak, and as Suzanne watched her in some wonder a little boy materialized in her lap. The woman smiled and caressed the boy, and he reached up and kissed her cheek. The woman raised her eyes to Suzanne and smiled, beautiful and radiant. Although she did not speak or move her lips, Suzanne knew who she was – Chris’s late wife Donna. Suzanne did speak to her, asking what she could do.

  The message was clear.

  He’d allowed evil into his life by doing it to others.

  STOP HIM.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Early morning on January 12th, Jenny kissed her husband goodbye. Their breath frosted and hung in the air as they embraced. She set out on the long drive to Silver Lake alone, driving her SUV, planning to work that afternoon packing it with Andy’s possessions from the lake house. She was to call him as soon as she arrived at his house, hopefully by noon. He was working the day shift but getting off about one o’clock, taking off to join her. She’d spoken with Suzanne and had promised to be wary but with the excitement of closing the sale of the house, it was relegated to the back of her mind. The winter day was cold, sky blue, air crisp.

  Making good time, she pulled into Andy’s driveway around eleven AM, the highway passes cleared of snow and ice and the roads dry. She got out and took off her sunglasses, looking around. She was pleased the lawns of the two houses were clean and neatly trimmed, grateful Chris had fulfilled his promise to tend both yards. A thin ribbon of smoke trailed from her old fireplace. She pulled out her cell and sent a text to Andy that she’d arrived.

  He watched from the kitchen window as she slipped her phone back into her coat pocket, unloaded cleaning supplies, and carried them up onto Andy’s deck and around to the door.

  Conscience was no longer an issue.

  She came back out and crossed the yards to her old back
door. His crooked grin appeared as he answered her knock. “Hey!” He reached to hug her and pull her inside. “Good to see you.”

  She hugged him tightly in return. “Good to see you too, little brother.”

  “Is Andy with you?”

  “No, he won’t be here until around six or after. I’m going to get started packing up some small stuff and cleaning – you know, get a head start. The house closes soon.”

  He stood at the kitchen counter and stared at his sister. She looked back at him and laughed a little. “What?” she said.

  He sighed, heavily. “There’s something I want to show you before you get working over there.” He took her hand and led her around the corner into the living room. She saw Karin on the sofa, her head bent over as she curled up with a large stuffed bear.

  “Hey girlfriend,” Jenny said cheerfully.

  “Honey,” Chris said from behind his sister, “there’s someone here to see you.”

  Jenny looked at Chris, her eyes questioning, and then back at Karin, who still had not moved. She walked over to the couch and stood in front of Karin, confusion etching her face. Karin remained motionless. Jenny reached out and touched her on the shoulder. “Karin?”

  Her old roommate finally raised her eyes, and Jenny gasped and stepped backwards. Her old friend’s beautiful green eyes were a brilliant, luminous blue. “What . . .” Jenny’s voice faded.

  Chris sat down on the couch opposite his wife. “Karin, dear, why don’t you stand up and greet our guest?”

  She finally moved her head as if she’d been prompted by a puppeteer. She lovingly smiled at Chris while Jenny’s mouth hung open. “Chris,” Karin said in her soft, childlike voice, “is this a friend of yours?”

  Jenny’s eyes widened in disbelief as Chris laughed. “Yes, dear one, Jenny’s an old, old friend.” He reached over to Karin’s lap and took the animal away. “Now, Karin, do as I asked and stand up.” He pointed at Jenny. “You, I strongly suggest, sit down.”

  Jenny obediently sat in the recliner; her face registered her surprise at the strange tone of her brother’s voice. With an uncertain glance toward Chris, Karin rose and stood before Jenny, close enough to touch. Jenny sucked in her breath at the sight of the mound of pregnancy. Her eyes slowly pivoted to her brother.

  “It’s mine,” he said smugly. He guided Karin back to the couch. “I just couldn’t take losing Donna and the baby! It all became so clear to me! Everything has worked out for the best, you’ll see.” He grasped his sister’s hand and raised her to stand. “Everything’s clear.” His blue eyes were wild and vibrant.

  Jenny barely whispered. “This is wrong. What have you done to her? What happened to her?”

  “Oh, she was willing. More than. I even married her – so I can keep the baby afterward.”

  Jenny shrank from him. “After what?”

  “Why, after he’s born.”

  “What in the hell is wrong with you? I don’t know what’s going on. Why is she so different?”

  “Let’s just say it’s the way things are for now. I’d call it coaching.”

  Suzanne’s warning suddenly flashed in front of Jenny’s eyes. “Oh, my god,” she said. “You’re crazy.” She bolted for the back door but he foiled her escape.

  “No, I don’t think so,” he said calmly.

  “NO!” she screamed as he held her, struggling. He caught her in his arms, holding her tightly, her back to his front. He held her fast, and kissed the top of her head. “I love you, Jen, with all my heart,” he said calmly. “But I can’t let anyone stand in my way this time, don’t you see?” He tightened his embrace. “I AM KEEPING MY BABY!” He wedged her neck in the crook of his steeled left arm, crushing her windpipe, and with his right hand grabbed her chin and brutally yanked it sideways. Her neck snapped and she was dead in his arms.

  He let her slide to the floor.

  Karin turned her eyes slowly and looked down at her friend’s body. A single blue tear welled in her right eye.

  He bundled her body into a sleeping bag.

  Andy returned home around two that afternoon. He came in, walked back to the patio, and let Trooper into the kitchen. Trooper sat down immediately at Andy’s feet. Andy looked down at his pet and frowned. “What’s wrong with you?” The dog did not respond to him, just continued to stare. Andy shook his head, picked up Trooper’s bowl and ran fresh water into it. “Water?” He set it down on the floor in the usual spot. The dog stayed put. Andy said, “You’re being weird,” and left Trooper sitting in the kitchen, heading for the bedroom to change out of his uniform. He picked up the phone and dialed Jenny’s cell.

  It rang without answer and went to voice mail.

  He pulled off his boots, and dialed Jenny’s old house number, listening to the ringing. He loosened his tie and unbuttoned his shirt, irritated when he heard Chris’s recorded voice. He hung up again and removed the rest of his uniform, dressing in warm clothes and hiking boots.

  He went to the kitchen and turned off the lights, making sure the back door was locked. He noticed the dog had not moved from his previous position and he paused. “Ready?” said. He raised his eyebrows as the dog stayed put. “Come on, let’s go,” Andy said. He reached down, picked him up, and patted his head.

  They went out to the garage, and Andy put Trooper in the passenger seat.

  Trooper looked at his master, an intensely mournful expression in his eyes.

  He arrived at his old place about ten that night. The only vehicle in either driveway was Karin’s little compact. Andy got out, the dog following, refusing to leave his side, a black shadow in the night. Lights were on in his house but Jenny’s was dark. He slipped into his professional mode, his ears sensitized for the blanket of quiet. He reached into the truck for his service revolver.

  Stepping up onto his own deck, weapon drawn, he stole around the corner of the house, peering cautiously through the windows. A couple of steps further and he saw the note taped to the glass door.

  “Come meet me at Pete’s as soon as you get this, if you want to find out what’s really going on.” Chris’s handwriting.

  Looking around, he whistled for Trooper. The dog did not reappear and he sprinted for his truck.

  Pulling beside Jenny’s SUV in the parking lot, he saw Chris behind the wheel of it, Karin in the seat beside him. Chris smiled and waved to Andy, motioning him to get out and come over. He rolled down the window as Andy approached. “Thanks for coming. Get in.”

  Andy glanced through the windows of Pete’s. “Where’s Jenny?”

  Chris reached over and patted Karin’s leg. “We thought you might be upset that Jenny wasn’t waiting for you – she’s waiting for us somewhere else. She has a kind of revelation for you. She said she’d rather not talk at home – and not here, either. If you want to see her, get in. And by the way, leave your gun in your truck.”

  Andy looked across Chris at Karin; she stared out the front windshield. He put his gun in his pickup, locked it, and climbed in with them.

  They drove east on the dark highway. Andy attempted to speak with Karin, but Chris helpfully pointed out she wasn’t in the mood to talk just yet either. After several miles of strained silence, Chris turned off onto the road that led past the Sediment Retention Structure. He pulled up and parked in front of the deserted gift shop, and cut the engine. “Get out,” he said toward the back seat. A lone halogen lamp cast a white circle of light over the far end of the gravel parking lot.

  Andy climbed out of the back. Chris went around to Karin’s side and opened the door, leaning in across her to unfasten her seatbelt. She stared blankly, her eyes unmoving, unfocused, her face serene. Andy came around the side. “What the fuck is the matter with her? What have you done?”

  Chris replied, “Nothing that matters much. She’s been having quite a time with this pregnancy. Rough on her, first time and all, shit happens.” He grasped her arms and helped her out. She was bundled in a warm full-length coat and tall boots with fleece lining.r />
  Chris pointed to some picnic tables tucked beneath sheltering trees, out of the halogen’s reach. He took Karin by the arm, leading her. “Come on.”

  He seated her at one of the tables, then turned to Andy. “Say, stay with her a minute. Got to take a leak, then we’ll talk.” Karin sat unmoving, hands in her lap, eyes unfocused. Andy waved his hand in front of her face.

  “Damn.” He crouched in front of her and clasped her hands in his. “Karin? It’s me, Andy.” He reached to touch the side of her face.

  A twig snapped behind him, and he jumped and whirled around. Chris and he stood face to face, inches apart. Andy’s skin crawled as he saw the pulsating glow of the light particles entwined in Chris’s hair.

  “You know, Andy,” Chris said with an effusive wave of his hand, “I could have just finished you off tonight when you got to your house.” He grinned his little crooked half-smile. “I’ve already done that with one person today – and,” he declared as he raised an iridescent finger, “that would have been too simple. I do love a challenge.” He pointed to Andy. “Please, sit.” He indicated a spot opposite Karin.