Evil Agreement

by Richard L Hatin

  “Morning, Judge, Reverend,”

  “So, what’s in the news?” asked the Judge.

  “Not much, Judge, not much.”

  “Why don’t you join us?” said the Judge.

  “Thanks,” said Ed as he put the newspaper down and moved his coffee cup and saucer to their table. He slid in next to the Reverend.

  “Today is our day,” said the Reverend.

  “Indeed it is,” said the Judge.

  “Obviously, you guys haven’t heard the latest,” said Ed.

  “What do mean?” asked the Reverend.

  “As I told you last night, the Fecteau brothers are both dead. Shot last night over at the church.”

  “Yes, we know, but you reported all this to Samuel. What did he say, what did he do?” said the Reverend.

  “It’s simple. Our ‘know it all’ leader continues to screw up. First, he sends a couple of fuck-ups to guard his sister. Did he warn them to be alert for intruders? No, of course not. Has he made a move on this Powell character, you know, pick him up, and see what’s ticking? No way! Samuel keeps saying everything is under control. It’s not, thanks to this boneheaded, stubborn asshole. This whole thing just pisses me off. The little wise ass is going to screw it up for all of us. Mark my words gentlemen, he’s totally incompetent.”

  The look on his face spoke to his seriousness.

  “Well, Ed, it seems you have laid out a strong case that Samuel must be removed, wouldn’t you agree, Reverend?” said the Judge.

  “Why, yes, of course. Ed is a man of great loyalty to our cause. He’s proven it beyond reproach. I think he’s made an excellent point,” said the Reverend in a hushed tone as his eyes darted back and forth.

  “Would you gentlemen care to order?” asked the waitress. She had just arrived at their table and stood ready with a small note pad and pencil in hand.

  “Reverend, why don’t you order first,” said the Judge.

  “Thanks. Well, let’s see, I’ll have a large cup of coffee, and a small glass of orange juice, two eggs scrambled, wheat toast and hash browns.

  “And you, Judge?”

  “I’ll have a small cup of coffee and a three egg vegetarian omelet. Ed, will you have breakfast with us? It’ll be my treat.”

  “No thanks, Judge. I’m not in the mood for food right now.”

  The waitress left to take care of their orders. In a moment she returned with the two coffees and the orange juice.

  “Have you formed any ideas about how one goes about removing Samuel?” asked the Judge.

  “No, not really.”

  “Well perhaps we can be of some assistance in that matter.”

  “Go on.”

  “Well, first of all, I don’t think any other members of our coven could be relied upon to join in, or support a coup. On the other hand, I likewise don’t expect they would interfere either.”

  “Okay, then if that’s so, it should make it easier.”

  “Perhaps. But Ed, timing is going to be very important in this affair.”

  “Timing and the element of surprise.”

  “Yes.”

  “How about at the coven meeting this morning?” asked the Reverend.

  “Too soon,” answered Ed. “We need more time to plan this. I think we should look to taking him out just before or during the calling ceremony. His entire focus will be on the ceremony.”

  “I agree with Ed,” said the Judge.

  “How about we get together after the coven meeting this morning and think this through?” asked Ed.

  “Sounds good to me. Let’s meet then,” said the Judge.

  “Wait,” said the Reverend. What about the saboteurs that killed the Fecteau brothers and now have Kelley?”

  “Yeah, you’re right,” said Ed.

  “I am sure that when the coven meets this morning, we will decide what to do about those matters. If there is to be an assignment to either of us to address this, then we shall postpone our business meeting until after. I feel confident we shall have enough time to set our plans in order,” said the Judge.

  “I agree. Look, I’ve got to get going. I need a shower and shave. I’ll see you over at the meeting,” said Ed as he slipped out of this seat.

  Just as he left their waitress arrived with their breakfast orders.

  They both enjoyed their breakfast.

  ***

  Kelley decided she was tired and needed to take a mid-morning nap. She went up to Miss Beacon’s room to lie down. Aaron decided he needed to shower and shave. He left the kitchen, and headed up to the bathroom.

  Korie and Miss Beacon were now alone in the kitchen. Miss Beacon started to wash the breakfast dishes, and Korie picked up a dishtowel and began to dry.

  “Can I ask you a question?” asked Korie.

  “Now dear, with everything we’ve been through you should know you can ask me anything you like.”

  “The pistol you gave me to use last night.”

  “Yes.”

  “You said that it once belonged to Aaron’s mother.”

  “Did I say that?”

  “Yes, you did.”

  “Yes, it did belong to her.”

  “How did you get it?”

  “She gave it to me.”

  “Why?”

  “Why is this so important to you?”

  “Just answer my question, why did she give it to you?”

  “She knew I was Aaron’s guardian angel. I was known at that time as old Mr. George Garrity, Aaron’s neighbor. Aaron used to mow my lawn for me, do small chores and sometimes run to the store for me.”

  “So, how did she spot you as Aaron’s guardian angel?”

  “Because her own guardian angel told her about me, in fact, she introduced us to each other.”

  “She?”

  “Yes, her guardian angel back then was a pretty young thing. She was an aerobics instructor at the gym where Aaron’s mother was a member. Aaron’s mom was a big believer in fitness. Worked out almost every day. Her guardian angel’s name was Bethany Hunter.”

  “So why did she give you the gun?”

  “She had a premonition about Aaron. She said she believed Aaron was going to receive help from the woman he loved and without that help he might not succeed. She said she had been given this gun by her own mother and she somehow knew it had to be given to the woman that Aaron loved.

  “That’s it?”

  “I believe so. What is it dear?” said Miss Beacon as she started to drain the water from the sink.

  “Last night, at the church, I shot the gun five times. I’m certain of that. Later when I was in the bathroom, I shot the gun three times, yet, I hadn’t reloaded it. I am sure of that. Now the gun is fully loaded. Look for yourself. Now how could that be?

  “And your point is?” asked Miss Beacon unsure of what Korie was getting to.

  “Look,” said Korie as she picked up the gun. “I told you its fully loaded. It only holds six bullets. How did it get reloaded? Did you do that?”

  “No, I didn’t.’

  “Then explain to me how it keeps reloading?”

  “I see your point.”

  “What’s going here?”

  “Let me be as candid as I can be. I really and truly don’t know. Remember, I only have the powers and knowledge God gives me. I just don’t have an answer for you on this.”

  “There’s got to be a reason, a purpose, something I’m supposed to understand. I wish I knew what it was. I have a feeling it’s very important,” said Korie as she looked over the gun from end to end.

  “If you’re right, I hope you figure it out soon. We’re running out of time here and we can’t afford to miss a thing.”

  Korie didn’t say another word. She slipped the gun into the waistband of her jeans and pulled her tee shirt over the gun concealing its presence.

  ***

  The coven members had all arrived at Phyllis Atkins’ real estate office.

  Samuel sat down at the conference table an
d the others took that as a sign that their meeting was to begin.

  “Has Powell contacted you yet today?” asked Walter Yandow.

  “No,” answered Samuel.

  “Shouldn’t you try to contact him?” asked Josephine Lawless.

  “No! He said he would contact me and I fully expect him to. We know where he is. In case he changes his mind and tries to leave town, Ed’s arranged for some people to keep track of him.”

  “Reverend?”

  “Yes, Samuel. I want you to head up to the mountain right after this meeting and get the altar ready as required by the covenant. Bob, I want you, Chucky, and Ed Foley to go along and help the Reverend. I also want two crosses set up, one on each side of the altar.”

  The Reverend shot a sideways glance at the Judge then asked,

  “How big are these crosses supposed to be?”

  “Big enough to hold a man.”

  The Reverend swallowed slowly as he heard those words.

  “Chucky, make sure we have enough wood for several bonfires.”

  “About the same as always?” asked Chucky.

  “No, make it twice as much.”

  “Will do!”

  “Shirley, it will be your job to bring the sacred cup and knife.”

  She nodded her agreement.

  “What about your sister?” asked the Judge.

  Everyone in the room immediately tensed up upon hearing this question. Now all eyes were squarely fixed upon Samuel.

  “Judge, I want to thank you for bringing her up. I believe she, too, will show up at the calling. We know she’s with Powell, right?”

  “Yeah, we’re pretty certain she’s hiding out at Miss Beacon’s place,” answered Ed Townsend.

  “If Powell comes to the meeting without her, we will know it’s because we’re watching Miss Beacon’s place. Once he leaves there, we will go in, grab her and bring her to the calling.”

  “Very well,” said the Judge.

  “Does she still belong to Moloch?” asked Judy.

  “Yes.”

  The meeting continued on for several more minutes as coven members conferred with each other on their roles.

  Finally Samuel spoke again, “Chucky, make sure you get the announcement out on the radio this morning. I want all of our faithful to be aware of tonight’s long awaited calling ceremony. The word must be spread to all to join us in the greatest celebration of our time. Our efforts have prepared the way. Tonight begins a time of reward for our loyalty.”

  Instead of his usual wise cracking rhetoric, Chucky answered with a sense of seriousness, “I am honored and grateful to have this privilege.”

  “Thank you. Now go and do your jobs well. Remember, Moloch is counting on all of us.”

  The coven members all rose from the table and headed for the exit. Samuel stayed behind, still seated at the table. He seemed deep in thought. Phyllis Atkins was about to turn the lights out when she noticed Samuel was still sitting at the table.

  “Samuel, is something wrong?”

  “No.”

  “Do you need a ride somewhere?”

  “No, thank you. I just want to stay here for awhile, if it’s okay,” he said in a tone that was more like the young boy that he was.

  “Sure.”

  “Please turn out the lights.”

  Phyllis did as she was asked. She closed the door to the conference room leaving Samuel alone in the semi-darkness.

  Outside the offices, on the sidewalk, Ed Townsend was speaking in a hushed tone with the Judge. The two men nodded and then separated. The Judge went over to the Reverend and whispered something into his ear. The Reverend responded with his own whispered response. Now the two of them separated as well. The various coven members began heading for their vehicles.

  From inside the real estate office Samuel watched intently through the slightly parted window blinds, the group dynamics of the coven members. He took notice of the small group meetings and whispered exchanges. He smiled at what he saw. He closed the blinds and left the conference room. Soon he left the building. All the other coven members had already left. Now alone, he turned onto the sidewalk and headed home.

  Moments later the local radio station interrupted its regular programming for a public service announcement.

  “The Church of Everlasting Faith of Sutton has scheduled its homecoming barbecue for tonight. All members are invited to attend. Again, that’s the Church of Everlasting Faith of Sutton has scheduled its homecoming barbecue for tonight. All members are invited to attend,” said the radio announcer. “Now, back to our regular programming. Today’s farm report is brought to you by Valley Hardware.”

  As the radio announcer continued his presentation he gave a wave to Chucky Trainor, his station colleague, who was standing just outside the broadcast booth. Chucky acknowledged his gesture with his own thumbs up signal.

  The radio announcer noted that the announcement bulletin indicated the public service message needed to be read six more times throughout the late morning show. He stuck it up on the broadcast announcement board and checked his watch.

  ***

  As Samuel walked down the sidewalk he noticed the tall, slender boy with oversized baggy pants skateboarding towards him on the sidewalk. He recognized the boy. The skateboarder pushed off with his right foot to maintain speed. The two boy’s eyes met only briefly as they passed each other on the sidewalk. Samuel never yielded any space. The skateboarder deftly avoided contact as he skated past Samuel. It was the same young boy who had met Aaron Powell the day before.

  ***

  Kelley was lying on the bed. She needed the rest. She had drifted off to sleep tossing and turning on the bed. She kept rubbing her arms, and running her hands through her hair, as if to rid herself of the spiders that had tortured her in the church basement.

  After awhile, calmness seemed to settle in. Her sleep became deeper, more relaxed. Her breathing was now more rhythmic and slower.

  She had drifted off into a dream state. In her dream, she noticed she was wearing a wedding dress, a black wedding dress. The veil was black and she was carrying a bouquet of black, half-dead roses. She glanced up and saw that she was standing at the back of a large gathering. There was a path through this gathering, which led directly to the stone altar, which she recognized.

  Many faces were turned towards her. She recognized these faces as fellow church members. The people were smiling and speaking, though she could not hear what they might be saying.

  Interspersed in the crowd were faces she didn’t recognize at first. These faces were hideous and disfigured. Blood and mucous draining sores seemed to dominate these faces. Their hair was matted, or missing, and teeth, where present, were stained green, or black with rot. Kelley could barely stand to look at these monstrous faces. Gradually some of the grotesque figures changed into those of regular church members, while some regular church members took on their own hideous characteristics.

  Kelley felt someone pulling on her left arm. Startled she looked to her left and recognized her own father smiling down.

  “Kelley, this is the proudest day of my life. Your mother and I want you to know you have always been special to us, and we love you very much.”

  He was wearing a black tuxedo with a black carnation in his lapel.

  “Daddy, I don’t want to do this. How could you and mom let Samuel do this to me?”

  “Don’t be so ungrateful,” he said with a slight expression of anger in his tone.

  As Kelley looked at her father, his face began to change. His lips turned black and blue in color. They appeared cracked and withered. His skin sagged and turned gray. Lumps appeared under this skin and seemed to move about on his face. Dark purple veins tracked across the top of his head, as his hair seemed to disappear.

  Kelley couldn’t let herself continue to look at him. She looked away. Her eyes dropped down, and it was then, she noticed his hand, which gripped her arm. It was greenish black in color, and scaly, too. She tried
to pull away from his grip but he was too strong. He took a step forward pulling at her arm as he did so. She immediately spotted his cloven feet. She let out a scream. Only in her dream, this scream was silent. No one could hear her.

  The more she struggled the tighter his grip seemed to get.

  “Kelley, it’s time,” said her father.

  “No, no,” she protested.

  He pulled her along the aisle towards the altar.

  She looked up and saw her brother, Samuel, standing in front of the altar. He was smiling. Standing to his left was a very tall creature. It seemed to stand seven feet tall. Its skin was a scaly dark green and black. There were pulsating red veins bulging everywhere beneath the surface of his monstrous skin. He stood on two cloven feet. On top of his head were two horns. His widely set eyes looked at her with a power that seemed to burn right through her. The eyes were bright yellow in color with black, snake-like, irises. Large stained teeth could be seen as the creature smiled down on her. Beneath his arms, she could make out large folds of skin, membrane-like, which seemed connected from his wrists to his underarms and along his sides. They were wings. A snake like tail swished back and forth behind him.

  She knew who it was. It was Moloch.

  She tried to look away for someone to help her. Then she noticed the two blackened crosses, one on each side of the altar. Hanging on these crosses, were the charred remains of two people who had been burned to death. The sickly, sweet smell of burnt human flesh still hung in the air. She felt a strong urge to heave.

  “Won’t somebody help me, please?” she pleaded.

  Samuel reached out and took her left wrist firmly in his grip.

  “Welcome, Kelley. Moloch and I have been waiting for you. Now the ceremony can begin.”

  “Samuel, please, for God’s sake, I’m your sister. Please don’t do this.”

  She sobbed uncontrollably as she thrashed about, trying to break free from his grip.

  “Help me!” she pleaded.

  “Kelley, Kelley, wake up. You’re having a bad dream. Wake up” said the somewhat familiar voice.

  Through the deep fog of her dream, Samuel began to loose his grip on her. Everything began to quickly fade, and in another instant she sat up, fully awake.