

I admit: my general knowledge is not the best. I am not an egghead with a high IQ. Rewrites are endless for me anyway-my grammar average. Smashwords rules: unknown rejected authors have a great opportunity to let themselves be read or heard, easing the rejection burden. I am grateful Smashwords lets people update their works and upload again, that is handy to many of us including me.

SUSANS ENCOUNTERS
CHAPTER ONE

The blood of Judy Hagen, a pleasant indulgence for the creature in pursuit of Susan Stark, capable to transform the attractive middle age woman into a vampire of great beauty.

A warm spring evening, Judy staggers onto the high-rise terrace, no idea her lover is sprawled out in the bedroom dead on the queen size bed. Holding a bottle of wine, she gazes at the other high-rise buildings in the city of Brisbane, the lights below a tiny blur.

Here's...to you...B...Bris...bane.'

She takes a swig when a cold breeze hits her in the face that felt like ice on her flesh. She stumbled backwards, grabs a chair to hold herself upright able to hold the bottle. Judy cussed able to slowly stand upright despite her dizziness. She turns away from the view, not able to see into the apartment: a giant shadow stands before her in the moonlight. A tall being in black, she assumes is her fiancée Augustus lorry.

'Gustus. How did you...get so...tall?'

She chuckled and staggered, unaware this was not her partner.

'Augustus?'

The creature Saul appears with thick white smoke circling the tall being and covering the Terrace. Through the smoke reveal two red blazing eyes, she cannot see the face, just eyes and fangs.

Saul snarled; Judy screams at the stranger with his cape held out. Saul walks over to the girl, covers her in his cape and drains her to the last drop.

Typing away on her laptop, top story of the two-bedroom house in her office, Susan Stark over fifty could pass for thirty or twenty-eight, author of two bestsellers: Night Cult, a novel about a private detective hunting for a killer werewolf. Her second novel: Jennifer's Torment shot Susan to the bestseller lists. Night Cult made good money and Susan was able to stop renting and buy a house but kept working. Jennifer's Torment made Susan a millionaire and after working various departments in the same supermarket for longer then thirty years she gave up the day job; now an author.

Night cult was made into a movie to Susan's satisfaction. Jennifer's Torment might follow. Jennifer's Torment is about a girl aged nineteen, burdened by Satanists. The novel dealt with witchcraft and Devil worshipping with sexual orgies, mostly lesbians. Lots of male readers enjoyed Jennifer's torment.

Susan never married is bi-sexual, sometimes she would sleep with married couples or just one person. She had shared a bed with various lovers going both ways since high school; no relationships or commitments for Susan which suited most people she had slept with, mostly men.

Magazines and local Brisbane newspapers scattered over her desk with headlines:

SUSAN STARK. BISEXUAL WOMANISER AND MAN EATER.

53-YEAR-OLD BEAUTY PROVES AGE IS LIMITLESS.

SUSAN STARK. AUTHOR AND SWINGER

Susan an avid book and movie fan; on her bookshelf were books by favourite authors: Anne Rice. Elmore Leonard and most important Stephen King. She also had all the Ian Fleming James Bond books. She is a big Bond fan, loving the male leads and all the Bond Girls. Night Cult in paperback and Jennifer's Torment in Hardcover also on the shelf. Her next novel due for release in forthcoming months: Flower Demon will be on her shelf and hopefully other people's shelves. Susan looked at a picture of herself on the top Brisbane newspaper:

LIFE BEGINS LATE AT FIFTY FOR SUSAN STARK. Susan smiles with a closed mouth; not much of a grinner being the strong Silent type older than fifty,

Susan had often been told she looked like film star Kate Beckinsale, one of Susan's favourite actresses. Susan saw a slight resemblance, so did her sister and mother.

Susan types away looking outside her top floor window, she jumps when her swivel chair is pulled back and younger sister by two years: Katy Stark sits on her older sister's lap, Planting a kiss on her cheek.

'Morning sis.'

Susan grinned. 'I told you not to do that.'

'You loved it when we were kids.'

Katy stood up in her North Queensland Cowboys football Jersey with the surname Thurston on the back and autograph of Katy's favourite player. The sisters up in Townsville some years back met the players and got autographs. Katy is a Cowboys supporter first and Brisbane Broncos second, Susan, vice versa.

Katy Stark who had short brunette hair since seventeen. Katy was one of these women who looked better with short hair instead of long hair, she preferred that. In early fifties the sisters blessed with youth that made them look thirty. Anyone who says Fifty is the new thirty, well Susan and Katy are the perfect example, though the sisters are members of a beauty parlour.

Katy Stark had been married twice. First when she was twenty; that marriage lasted six months, they separated, knowing they were too young and not in love like they thought. Second marriage Katy and her lover were early thirties and together for a year.

The couple used to fight; he wanted to live on the western side of the country while Katy stayed on the east side for her family. The guys family moved west for business reasons and he put work ahead of love for his wife.

Susan had never married or even come close, she had been bi-sexual since high school where she only got to grade ten and entered the workplace with no goals at the time. The sisters used to argue Susan wanted one lover after another: one-night stands. Katy believed in commitment until her failed second marriage. Now Katy like Susan stays out of relationships and does one-night stands. Susan never been in a committed relationship, just a few casual ones. The Stark sisters liked freedom and variety. Susan went both ways; Katy: men only.

The parents never criticised their daughters, respecting their privacy but told them to be careful, like any parent would. Susan's father passed away before she entered the workplace to help with income, there were some debts to be paid after the funeral and Susan who flunked every subject in school, including English did not mind leaving to enter the workplace.

Katy took a picture magazine from last year off the bookcase with Susan on the cover in a bikini, sat down in a spare chair and flipped through the magazine. Inside Susan showed her breasts. The magazine writes about Susan being an ambassador for male perverts. She said she enjoyed variety of lover's male and female. She let guys hit onto her; the response would be a friendly yes or no.

She had a legion of male fans. How many read my books? She wondered. She occasionally got women, most the opposite of Susan: commitment. family and motherhood, Susan no desire for those responsibilities, I am not selfish, she had said in interviews.

Susan saved her work and switched off the computer. Katy put the magazine aside; she laughed and snorted. Before Susan could ask, Katy kissed and told.

'Not the first time, sis.' Katy said sis a lot. 'The guy had a glow in the dark condom. When he got a boner, it looked like a lightsabre from Star Wars. Just think if I had two men, they can both wear the glow rubbers get a boner and have a Star Wars lightsabre battle.'

Susan laughed silently, not a big laugher. Katy snorted and made lightsabre sounds, best she could.

'How did you go last night with that couple sis? You were all in bed when I got home from Bowling last night. I heard a car leaving this morning.'

'The guys wife is bi-sexual. I was able to score with her as well as him.'

'You oblige the common male fantasy sis. I accept men like you better then me.'

'I don't know. They were lovely but not gorgeous like Melanie Williams and her husband Ian.'

'True, he is a handsome man sis.'

Melanie a publisher here in Brisbane rejected Susan, before she accepted Night Cult, the money from the book and film allowed Susan to buy a home. After Jennifer's Torment, Susan gave up working. Susan used to manuscript rejections didn't know how to act when acceptances and lots of money came her way, she would have kept writing until she was a hundred if required.

Katy had lived in several apartments in the past, with two ex-husbands and female mates. Susan a loner lived in three apartments before getting a house. Katy was invited to live with Susan or have a place of her own, Katy lived with Susan while the mother lived north up on the

sunshine coast, a place she enjoyed. Success came late for Susan but not many people would realize that: Susan maintained her youth. Katy, her mother and even grandmother were beautiful for A long time.

'it's my fantasy to have a threesome with Ian and Melanie. I will never ask for it. They are committed parents.'

'True sis. I think Ian might enjoy it.'

'Only in my dreams.'

Susan stopped to think, Katy asked what Susan is doing after she went silent, looking at the screen: typos to fix.

'Are you thinking sis?'

'Yes.'

'I will think too. What are we thinking about sis?'

Katy snorted.

'I'm thinking about what I need to edit with my manuscript and wondering about how to Kill you.

Katy chuckled and snorted.

The vampire Saul wrote to Susan.

Fan mail on a table and packages in the lounge sent to publishers and sent here unless Susan picked it up herself. Most fan mail friendly, some religious fanatics saying Susan will burn in hell. Many offers for sex, Susan had accepted some mostly from men, not many women.

Katy helped herself to some Turkish delights from a male admirer until Susan slapped her hand. Katy put the item down.

'This is interesting.' Susan said.

She read a letter from Saul, the vampire she would eventually meet, for now she assumed a weird fan.

"My darling Susan. I can enlarge your desires despite wealth. I can give you Ian and Melanie

Williams for sexual satisfaction."

Whatever, Susan thought.

Who the hell is Saul? Some mad fan who knows too much about me.

Katy had chocolate on her lips and fingers after Susan read the message.

'What?'

'Hope you get pimples glutton.'

Susan forgot about Saul for now.

Early afternoon Susan and Melanie Williams relax in a sauna at their beauty parlour, only

women allowed, how Melanie likes it. Susan, sits naked in the sauna while her attractive mate

is wrapped in a towel. Susan admires Melanie very discreetly, she loves being naked in front of Melanie, she wished she could have Melanie's Husband Ian or better both, Susan refuses to ruin a relationship or marriage and create soap opera disaster.

Melanie informed Susan, her next book will be in stores early to middle of next year.

Flower Demon. Melanie is Susan's best friend. The Stark sisters helped Melanie and Ian. Babysitting the couple's two daughters during busy routines. Two daughters, Susan owed Melanie who got her published accepting Night Cult. Melanie turned down Jennifer's Torment. Susan rewrote the novel with changes and after Night Cult, it is accepted. Susan had made good money and paid off Ian and Melanie's house and made contributions for the children's school, though both children went to public schools, parents not bothered with private schools due to cost mostly. Melanie and Ian refused to accept the generosity. Susan demanded they accept slowly building up to great persistence. Susan refused to have them pay her back because Susan owed Melanie and Ian who read Night Cult and told his wife this should be published. He enjoyed Jennifer's Torment, Susan

loved both these people as family, she wished the married couple could be her lovers.

'You hear about Judy Hagan and Augustus Lorry?' Melanie asked.

Susan could focus on talking to her half naked friend. She masturbated this morning. She is focused on Melanie. Susan wondered if she would ever learn the secret to why she has raging hormones like a young person in her middle age. Katy and other Stark females wondered why they had youth at an old age. They get exhausted and have illnesses, so do youngsters. They wondered but stopped caring.

'I know. Not a drop of blood on the scene.'

'I knew someone who was friends with Judy. Never met Judy, but I spoke to her friend who is shocked about the death. Judy partied and drank a lot but never hurt anyone. This friend of

mine asked me if I had lunch with Kate Beckinsale. Ian notices a slight resemblance between you and Kate. I do too.'

'I love Kate Beckinsale. I am happy to be mistaken for my favourite actress. You watch Game of Thrones?'

'Yes. Ian likes it more than I do.'

'Katy thought my name is like Sansa Stark: same initials and surname. One of those rare occasions when Katy has a brain.'

Susan is having lustful thought of her and Melanie making love to Ian. She keeps herself under control. She took her mind out of the gutter; not polite to have lustful thoughts and think about these parents who lost a child. Melanie Williams is good at minding her own business. She once asked Susan and even Katy will they get married or rather asked Katy will she get married again. The sisters comment they are single for life, she asks no more.

Eliminating lustful thoughts Susan found her mind wandering to Saul again.

Late evening, he drops the annoying girlfriend of at her house. They argue in the car. Chelsea and Andrew had their occasional spats.

'Goddammit Andrew why do you make a big deal when I talk to other guys?'

'I saw you with him, laughing and smiling when he put his arm around you.'

'He has a partner. Jesus you are jealous. I never saw this side in you.'

'I am not Jealous. I- '

A shadow zoomed by the passenger's side of the vehicle like a brisk wind, no sound of footsteps.

It appears in front of the vehicle. The lights capture a tall figure in black clothes and cape, with a bald green head. The ears long and pointy. Red eyes blaze.

Chelsea screams. Andrew steps out to confront the weird looking man. He falls under the spell of Saul the vampire into a trance.

Saul has sharp fingernails that make a vertical slice across Andrews neck.

Screaming, Chelsea slides over to the driver's side. The driver's door is ripped off and tossed into the

Street. Saul does not care who hears, he will be gone soon. Chelsea is grabbed by one hand round her neck, bringing her out of the vehicle then held up off the ground. She is strangled then drained.

Susan naked on her bed thinking about Melanie and Ian, she has a picture of them by her bed

is hearing the voice of a pleasant stranger calling for her to join. I will make them yours. Susan

enjoys the charming voice unaware that the telepathic communication is from outside.

Saul stands outside the house. He can see up to Susan's room; not inside. He can take her anytime, there is no rush. Saul disappears back to the empty house he occupies, where his young evil smirking accomplice is outside about to let the monster in.

'You will have Susan my friend. I know her so well.'

Apart from writing, Susan did work on her suntan, real or fake. She sunbathed in a bikini in the backyard, not caring who caught her. When she dressed and got back inside, Katy was in her bowling gear on the recliner. She had been reading about two recent murders. She handed the paper to Susan who sits on the sofa.

'Shit hey.' Katy said. 'Two bodies drained of blood, no traces.

'The news is always goddamn terrible Katy.'

Susan went through the paper and looked at Katy.

'I wish you wouldn't put numbers in the crosswords and letters in the sudokus.'

'That's nothing sis. One of my old lovers thought he had a condom and it turned out he bought a packet of balloons by mistake. What an idiot.'

Katy snorted.

'Takes one to know one.'

Katy poked her tongue at Susan.

'Anyhow sis. How can you remove all evidence of blood; maybe the killer had a straw he stuck into the person's body and drank, then he got a vacuum cleaner, found an outlet and cleaned the

leftovers. Would suction get all the blood?'

Katy laughed and snorted.

'That wouldn't work but it makes a great plot for some weird fiction. I might research it.'

'Serious? How?'

'I kill you and see if I can remove all evidence.'

'You, kidder.

'What is interesting, the bodies had two puncture marks on various parts of the body close together. Sort of a vampire killing.'

Next day Susan and Katy met another demon. A human being but monster.

This evening Saul had killed an aerobics instructor after her class left. He appeared in smoke in the gymnasium dressing room and attacked before she could scream.

The middle-aged man helping Saul is called Ramsey who sits on the floor meditating in the circle of a

Satanic pentagram drawn in blue chalk.

Saul offered great riches to Ramsey if the man would bring him Susan Stark.

Saul claimed another two victims: a couple walking down a suburban side street to their motel. The vampire struck before they could scream or fight.

Susan and Katy left Brisbane city before the schools let out and met Harold Nesbit on the platform, where commuters stepped on and off trains.

'Don't look now but it's Harold.'

Harold grinned as he approached Susan.

'get fucked Harold.' Susan said.

The sisters when it came to bad language: take it or leave it.

Katy thought Harold was clean cut and somewhat handsome, but the smirk implied; please

bash me up, not that people who smirked wanted to be beaten up, they without thought asked for it.

'Come on Susan. You know you lust for me.'

'Fuck off Harold. I wouldn't care if you died.'

'Wow.' Katy said.

Insults flew off Harold. He had no emotion.

'I am into terrorism and support workplace bullying. I want women to be hit. I think the poor people should be assassinated. I admired or still admire terrorist organisations.'

Katy felt traumatised, wondering if her heart is going to stop beating. There are no people near them, but Harold did not seem to care if someone heard or not. He told the sisters that he is wealthy, and money saves people from trouble all the time according to Harold.

'Harold. Are you serious?' Katy asked.

'Dead serious. You maybe?'

'None of your business, so fuck off.'

The train pulled up, Susan and Katy boarded, when they looked outside, he was gone. Susan told Katy She met Harold outside her publisher's office: Vikers. She thought Harold was a fan, but when he spoke, he said what was on his mind. If only we could organise a Ku-Klux-Klan or terrorist organisation the world will be a better place. Susan wondered if it is a joke, then he mentioned baby deaths and child cancer, he wanted it to happen more often. Susan was about to walk away, she

is about to tell Harold he needs help, or be arrested, but the man vanished as though he was not there. Susan gave up.

'He has vanished again Katy.'

'Made a dash for it, sis. He must be a fast mover. The things he said I tell you sis. Harold Nesbit will

come undone and money will not save the guy. He better piss-off fast.'

Susan stares looking outside her bedroom window of a warm evening naked not caring who saw her, even Saul, but if it is Harold Nesbitt then she will hide. Susan loved her body, her fifty-plus year-old figure like the body of a supermodel. She worked on her body of course with tummy exercises not to

mention fucking and masturbating, that is good exercise too.

Susan and Katy had often been told they are like the women from Sex and the City: middle aged and beautiful. Katy liked the show, Susan did not mind a few episodes, she was attracted to Samantha played by Kim Cattrall.

Susan did not believe in vampires and still did not but went shopping, nevertheless.

Katy walks into the kitchen after seeing a man off, who said a quick hello and goodbye to Susan. He was Katy's one-night stand.

'Damn! I forgot his name already sis. Men are sex freaks but lousy with commitment. Most women hate that but not us.'

Susan had some objects on the bench: wooden steaks. A mallet. A crucifix and some garlic cloves.

'Fucking hell.' Katy said. 'What's with the garlic.'

Katy covered her mouth.

'Garlic doesn't stink Katy.'

'You think. Smells like a gorilla farted.'

'Jesus Katy.'

Susan told Katy that somehow there is a real vampire at work. Her female instincts and whatever facts she could come up with while Katy stood at the counter observing the steak. Susan faced Katy standing leaning on the bench.

'Saul sent me telepathic messages and offered eternal youth. Also, all victims were drained of blood.'

'Vampires?'

Katy did not believe Susan and felt a chuckle coming on and stopped. Susan spoke serious, though like her younger sister, she cannot believe. None of them have phenomenal beliefs, both sisters since childhood are both atheists that believe everything has a logical scientific explanation.

'I am a sceptic like you, but I sense a monster drinking peoples blood. All victims had every drop of blood removed from their bodies. In some vampire films and books the creature is not supposed to

Drain the body because the creature will die too. That is fiction.

'Look at it this way sis. Maybe the killer pokes a big straw into the body and drinks most blood and

Uses a vacuum cleaner to suck the rest of the blood from the body.

Susan waved the garlic in front of Katy grinning.

Susan told Katy that Harold Nesbitt phoned while she was out, both sisters had no idea how this guy got their number. Susan wondered if Harold could be connected to the killings.

'The stupid fucker Katy wanted to take me to Italy to see the Marriage of Figaro: an opera.

'A wedding and an opera. Do we know anyone named Figaro sis? Is Figaro a relation to Harold who lives in Italy?

'What? No, Katy.'

'Figaro must be a mate and he has invited Harold to his wedding. Figaro has some awful friends' sis.'

Susan shook her head.

'The Marriage of Figaro is an opera Katy. Not a mate of Harold's.

Susan did not know much about opera, except from films based on true stories. Katy knew less about opera then Susan.

'The Marriage of Figaro is an opera written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.'

'I see sis. They are going to the wedding too or just the opera?'

'Who?'

'This Mozart and Amadeus and this wolf fellow.'

'Katy. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is one man.'

'I see. Have you met the guy before sis? Is he related to Harold? Is Harold Italian.'

Susan sighed, she felt laughter coming on that passed.

'I think I got this sis: Figaro invites Harold to his wedding and later everyone including this mosquito- '

'Mozart.'

'Yeah him will all go to the opera after Figaro is married.'

Susan covered her face to laugh forgetting about vampires until next morning.

Before dawn Susan awoke, dressed up in one of her sexy dresses grabbed a backpack of weapons that she showed Katy. Susan knew where Saul lived: she dreamed Ian Williams was fucking her then

When Susan opened her eyes to look at the man it is an ugly creature: Saul. She sees the house and it is walking distance. Also, she and Katy lived in this house when they were children.

Susan might be making a mistake going there falling into a trap or Saul might be making it unaware that Susan will kill him.

Dreams are bullshit according to Susan but this recent one is not.

If Susan made bad timing running into a cop or something; she would say it is a morning walk, last night she was ill and is out at dawn to clear her head that is almost better. If her bag were searched, well the garlic she could cook up somehow to help with a head cold and the weapons, she was having a blitz in her garage seeing what she used and did not. She would say she had the wrong backpack from home, the one with her water bottle left at home. She would tell them what a scatterbrain I am like my sister. The skills of a creative writer are to make up stuff. Susan met no one.

She looked at the house, it had a sign out front for sale. Susan went around the side and to the back door, no one saw her-thank god for the high fence, still she played cool and would say she lived here.

I am sexy and smart. She thought.

Susan had a bobby pin to unpick the back lock. This trick she had learned from an old boyfriend of Katy's: the hero in her book Night Cult had to do this so Susan had the guy help her with research.

She got it in under a minute, it was a small lock, if it had not worked Susan would have to break a window out back without too loud a noise.

The sun slowly rises as Susan enters through a laundry and walks into the house. She has a flashlight with her with little need for it. She parts the curtains. She has turned on the lights and looks up a flight of stairs.

Memories of living here eons ago in a house that looked different and all new. She remembered her and Katy as children running through the house as little girls playing and parents calling out to them for dinner or asked the sisters how their homework was coming along. Susan and Katy often slackened off when it came to homework; yet managed to pass tests with low grades. Lots of memories, both good and bad.

Carrying the backpack in one hand and a crucifix in the other; Susan walks up the stairs to the top, where the bedrooms are. Susan looks around and is grabbed from behind.

She dropped the crucifix with the backpack. Her arms held up locked in a full nelson, powerful cold hands on the back of her neck, thankfully Susan can breathe but cannot free her arms. Saul has his fingers locked standing behind Susan, who can just breath in the monster's grip.

'Good morning Susan.' A voice sounding friendly speaks.

A man dressed in casual black attire walks out from a bedroom and faces Susan. He produces a weapon from a pocket, a switchblade knife.

Susan knows the guy well. The man's name is Ramsey and he was Katy's first husband. After the divorce, the sisters only ever bumped into the guy once or twice with short hellos before he left Brisbane and transferred to Sydney as he told them. Now he is back.

He is older, yet simple to recognize, he looked fine except for some grey hairs.

'Ramsey?'

'Saul is the one who wants you Susan not me. I see you dress the same.'

He stood close to Susan touching her face then put his hand up her dress feeling the leg. He activates

The switchblade and is running it across Susan's inner upper leg. Susan feels a sharp pain, does not scream just grits the teeth.

Ramsey makes a horizontal cut on Susan's flesh making tiny blood drops.

Susan is let go: a ray of Sunlight burst between some window drapes from downstairs and Saul shields his face letting Susan go and falls backward down the stairs.

Ramsey drops the switchblade staring at Saul then looks at Susan clutching her wound. She stands, a treacle of blood running down her leg.

Ramsey moves in and Susan kicks with her left foot, being a lefthander connects between Ramses legs with her own hitting in the groin. Susan placed little power in the blow, but it worked. Ramsey fell to his knees and gasped.

'My heart.'

The man struggles to breath clutching his chest.

He fell to the floor. She killed him. Susan is still, feeling shock killing this man once her brother in law. Stunned, Susan focuses on Saul at the top of the stairs again and unharmed. Susan kneels and grabs the crucifix she dropped. Susan rises, holds the cross in front of the monster's face standing. Saul shields his eyes. The monster falls back and down the stairs for a second time. Susan grabs the steak and mallet from the backpack and runs to Saul about to stand up.

Saul's arm reaches up and grabs Susan's leg where Ramsey cut her touching the wound that bleeds. The touch of Saul made the blood dry up and disappear. Susan pulls away and points the stake.

Susan sits on top of Saul's chest, pinning his heavy weight under her lightweight body. He is powerful, but Susan being the little one manages to use what speed she can muster.

Mallet in left hand and steak in right hand, Susan hammers, able to hit the top of the stake that enables the sharp jagged edge to rip through material into the monster.

Susan hits and hits, a few times she missed, the mallet hit the floor instead. Susan pounds the mallet down into flesh. The creature howls making an agonized howl then goes silent.

The monster's eyes close and Susan getting her breath stands and watches Saul fade away into dust like in old horror films. Susan is stunned unable to move but she has too. First, she rushes up the stairs and sees Ramsey dead then the body disappears into nothingness.

'What the fuck?'

'Leave Susan.' The sweet female voice speaks in her head like telepathy

'Who?'

'Go you are free.' It said with sweetness.'

Talk about eliminating a crime scene, Susan thought.

Nothing here, no Saul, no Ramsey.

'I'm not tripping. I'm not a lunatic.' Susan whispered to herself.

Susan got it together gathered her gear and calm and cool walked out through the back and away from the house with no interruption.

Later in the morning Susan sat beside Katy on a sofa and told Katy everything. Katy is not upset about her ex-husband and does not poke fun at Susan's story that she does not believe, well most of it.

'Saul touched blood and made it disappear. That explains no drops of blood. Good cleaning up.' Katy commented.

'You came across two madmen and killed them sis, but you say no one can trace you because bodies vanished, well you made Saul vanish and this woman whose voice you heard makes Ramsey vanish.'

'A great campfire tale. I never learned why your former husband was aiding Saul. We never will.'

'I remember he had some oddball friend's sis, but not killers. Oh well.'

A knock on the door and a voice.

'Susan it is Harold.'

'Not him again.'

Katy smiled. 'Let him in sis.'

Katy got up and moved around. Susan stared at Katy and went to answer the door.

Harold wore a suit, no tie and there was that evil smirk that implied punch me in the mouth.

'Get fucked Harold.'

'Pleased to meet you too.'

He walked in getting past Susan. As he faced her Katy had discreetly placed cut garlic down his trousers, then she had a bottle of Susan's diet coke with her thumb over where the lid was meant to

be and shook it.

'Hey Harold.' Katy said.

Harold faced Katy and soft drink sprayed his suit.

Harold screamed like a little girl, Susan tripped the guy making him fall to the floor, as he was

about to get up, Katy unknowingly to Harold reached into a jacket pocket and removed his expensive leather wallet.

Harold faced both sisters; the smirk came back. Susan I will not stay mad at you, or your sister. We will meet again.

Both sisters told Harold to fuck off and commit suicide.

Harold said good day, after he was gone the sisters went through his wallet and pocketed his money

and cards.

'Let us go spend his money sis before he cancels his cards.'

'Don't know if we can use the cards, but there is a thousand dollars cash in here. Well take that.'

'Cool, miss vampire slayer,' Katy joked.

Susan went out with Katy. Susan forgot Saul the vampire and the sweet voice of her unknown fan or foe. She forgot about all demons, but they would remember Susan.

CHAPTER TWO

From time and space to now, a red flame sphere capable of assuming demonic forms ended up on the same flight as Susan Stark.

Katy Stark always wondered why seats on planes always filled up, never an empty. Bums on seats she would joke. The Stark sisters had travelled all over Australia over the decades, been to every state and territory even before Susan became an author. The sisters and sometimes other family members would holiday at the same time and journey somewhere. They had even been to both islands of New Zealand. Today they fly to Sydney: a friend of Melanie Williams: Susan's book publisher had a friend who had a daughter needing an operation to stop one of the cancer cruelties, Susan couldn't remember which one, but voluntarily paid for the operation. Katy went along for moral support.

Susan and Katy wait at the airport to board another full flight. Katy whispers to Susan as they look at the pilots and cabin crew ready to board.

'What about the pilot sis? I'll give him a free cockpit tour.'

Katy laughed and snorted. Susan slightly amused as always.

'Control yourself Katy.'

Susan turned her head another direction. Katy saw why: Harold Nesbit is here. Susan went to confront the guy. He is here to see Susan. They stand away from others passing. Katy remembers Harold. A terrible person who admitted to liking terrorism and death of unfortunates, something along those lines. She remembered stealing his wallet and cards.

Susan and Harold whispered, especially Susan.

'What do you want? Go fuck yourself Harold.'

Same Harold Nesbit smirk that implied punch me in the mouth.

'First of all, you didn't get to use my cards your sister stole. I was able to make phone calls and cancel cards, go to banks and change account details.'

None of the sisters cared.

'Katy threw them into the school yard up the road from us Harold. Anyway, now fuck off.'

'I know you lust for me. Hopefully, there might be a terrorist attack and a plane might blow up here or overseas.'

It made Susan sad to hear this. The hate in her is more powerful.

'Harold. I do not care much for name calling but you are a cunt. I would never say that about anyone but you. I hope when I tune into the news, your death will be on. Now go fuck yourself.'

Susan walked away and told Katy about their short discussion.

'You should have made a scene sis. Have Harold arrested?'

'Didn't think of that. If Harold keeps talking the way he does, especially this day and age, he will be in god knows how much trouble.'

Less than an hour later everyone is settled on the plane. A child commented on Susan being pretty and Susan returned the compliment. Katy asked, "What about me?" She got a 'You too."

Katy took a magazine out of her backpack, one of those magazines with nude men.

'I don't know if you should be reading that on a plane, Katy.'

Katy looked up from the mag to Susan.

'What sis?'

'Put that away.'

Susan thought someone might complain if they saw pictures Katy is looking at.

Katy turned the page.

'Wow. Look at the size of his donger sis. I can visualize him erect.'

Katy laughed and snorted.

The person close to the window, paid no attention to Katy on the isle and Susan in the middle, they had earphones and an I pad. Susan is thankful.

'Put that away.' Susan said.

Katy agreed with Susan, she better not let anyone see a naughty magazine, though some female passengers would like to get a look.

Susan reads a Stephen King book. Katy reads a Sue Grafton mystery. Not a big reader except for the Kinsey Millhone alphabet series by Sue Grafton. Katy keeps reading and Susan dozes.

Susan wakes minutes later. Katy and everyone else are gone. Susan rises, no one except her and two others: a teenage girl and the child who told Susan and Katy they were pretty.

The child calls for her mother, while Susan and the girl look at each other. The girl checks the time on her phone.

"We only took off twenty minutes ago. What happened?'

Susan thought of the supernatural but did not say in case she was wrong and get mocked. Three passengers left, there was not anything on the seats or in the overhead compartments.

Susan had not been tripping, she is clear headed, just like the time she met the vampire. This is no walking nightmare. The other two know they are awake. They look scared, mostly the child.

Sarah the eighteen-year-old girl off to Sydney to enrol in a university, did not say what. Susan did not approve of people who gloated about their education, she had been a high school dropout. If they could figure this phenomenon, Susan and these girls might be able to gloat about this but would realize they would get taken away.

The child looked at Susan who grinned at the girl in tears saying "Mummy"

She settled making eye contact with Susan and informed Susan and Sarah she was nine and going to Sydney to see cousins. The schools were out being late November. Jody is the girl.

All three look out a window. The plane is on its flight path, so it seems.

Susan clutches her head: a sweet female voice speaks inside her. She looked away.

'Help us, Susan. It's me Veronica.'

'Hey you with us?' Sarah asked.

The voice faded, Susan gained focus, while remembering she heard this voice sometime back after she defeated the vampire Saul. Whoever this Veronica is, Susan has fallen in love with her. She has never seen this woman but knows that the stranger is her age and senses the woman full of love and emotion.

Susan focused: did not want the other two to see her look like she was distracted in thought.

'What do we do?' Sarah asked.

Jody stays close to Sarah. She is silent. The three remain standing, leaning on seats.

'Why are we the only ones here?' Sarah asked.

They had checked the time, and nothing had changed, still the same day date and time.

Sarah looks around the plane, no one hiding.

'I think we should try the cockpit, but first: you two should try to go back to sleep.'

'What are you talking about Susan. Do you know something?'

'I believe we are in a twilight zone situation.'

'Twi what?' Jody asked, sounding in better spirits.

Sarah looked like she did not know what Susan was on about.

These girls are too young to know what the Twilight Zone means. They would not have any knowledge of that tv series dealing with phenomenal encounters.

'I believe.' Susan said. 'If we fall asleep, we should return to our normal whereabouts.

'I don't want to go to sleep.' Jody said.

'Me neither.' Sarah agreed. 'We could pass out and wake up somewhere else.'

The thought of Veronica Vikers that struck Susan as a guardian angel. Susan sensed the woman now.

'I believe you two will be fine.' Susan said. 'Go and sit together. You should drift off and wake up, among others.'

Sarah and Jody exchanged looks; Susan noticed.

'Please trust me.' Susan said.

'What about you?' Sarah asked.

'I want to check the cockpit. This situation is more for me then you two.'

'Be a waste of time if Jody and I are meant to be here and we don't do anything.'

'I know, but I might learn why we are here and no one else is.'

Susan is lost but walks up to the cockpit door and knocks. Sarah and the child walk over but Susan advises Sarah to take a seat and watch the child.

'Do you know something?' Sarah asked.

'I think I might. Call it weird female instinct. I have a bad feeling something is behind this door.'

'Susan lets all sleep together.' Jody said.

The child looked shaken but slowly gets herself together.

'The child is right Susan. Let us pass out together and if what you say is true, we will be back in the present we are meant to be in.

Susan wanted to join them, but Veronica appeared to be in trouble and Susan wanted to help that lovely stranger she hoped to meet in the future. She could not tell the other two this.

Susan reaches out to embrace the two who meet her back, trust in Susan.

Sarah took the child and sat down, they both dozed off.

Susan knocked on the cockpit door.

The door opened itself. Susan entered.

Susan felt frightened, someone is in the pilot's seat. Not a someone but a thing.

The plane is on correct flight course, Susan did not suspect terrorists, she had the supernatural hunch and is right.

The cockpit feels cold, Susan shivers looking at the red person behind the controls. Susan makes herself seated in the co pilots chair.

The being has no body, a red person with no facial features except black eye sockets the rest of its figure is red with no features. looks like a mannequin too Susan.

'Susan. I crash this plane with souls aboard unless you accept my deal.'

The voice sounded pleasant yet full on serious at the same time with masculinity. Susan believed this monster meant business.

The thing did not turn its head or move its body, not a twitch. There is no mouth yet able to provide a common sound of someone with a powerful frightening voice.

Susan has observed the being, who does not even budge, not even a red finger in perfect still condition.

'What are you?' Susan asked.

The being refused to explain itself. It did talk, with a masculine yet even somewhat soothing voice.

'I kill everyone on board and your friend's friend will not die from cancer. If you say no to my offer, then I kill the cancer victim and let everyone live.'

Susan wondered if she had taken any hallucinogenic drug by mistake. She knows this is real.

'Why are there three people left?'

'Random choosing Susan. I know all and when people pass out, I can bring them into another dimension, this time three of you slept, everyone else is awake. I can take people in their sleep Susan. If you three are to return to regular society, you will not remember each other. It is like waking up from a nightmare and immediately forgetting. The deal Susan?'

A rock and a hard place, Susan thought. She wondered if she would live to write again. Susan thought as she gazed at those two black holes with no face.

'My offer is...'

'Why put me in this position? Explain yourself.

'The being will not talk about itself.

'I can kill the cancer victim and you Susan and everyone on this flight lives. I kill you and the cancer victim is cured and the passengers live. I kill everyone and let you live. The decision is yours Susan.'

Afraid and somewhat confused, Susan remembers her options barely. She has heard enough and refuses to make any choice.

Susan used two index fingers and poked the being in the eyes and green blood poured down the empty facial feature.

'Get behind thee and never return.' Susan whispered.

The fingers went into the eyes and there was a splat. The being did not raise arms to fight back, did not yell when Susan blinded it, just a mess of green goo trickled from the bare face down the body into the lap of the faceless being. Some goo on Susan's fingers. Susan wiped her fingers on the arm of the seat beside her.

The being vanished into nothingness. There were no green blood traces as though it had not been here. Susan is alone in the cockpit.

No harm to anyone. Susan did not make a deal.

She wanted to sit here and think, but while not sleepy wanted to pass out and did.

Susan woke up next to Katy. The plane has landed.

'Your awake sleeping beauty.' Katy said.

Susan felt relief being back on the crowded public plane again.

Passengers moved about attending to overhead compartments. The plane has landed, and Susan had not noticed until Katy woke her up.

'When I was asleep, did I speak or move about?'

'You ok sis?'

'Yes. Did I do anything?'

'No, you just slept with the book on your lap.'

Susan remembers the red demon offering all these deals and she poked it is eyes out. She looked at her fingers, no trace of goo, thankfully.

Passengers departed. Susan is distracted but keeps focused. The sisters make it to baggage claim. Susan has Katy wait for luggage. She notices Sarah and little Jody who moves around the airport with her mother telling her to stay close. The two girls do not remember Susan as they go about their lives without remembering.

Sarah meets up with what looked like her parents and her brother while Jody with her parents waited for luggage, giving a pleasant smile to Susan and Katy as she runs around, her mother telling her to be still.

They do not remember, Susan thought. I remember, the thing let me keep the memory even when I took the eyes out. I will not know why. I killed it, but it made the other two forget while she remembered.

Thoughts running through Susan's head.

'You okay sis? You look distracted.

'Fine. Had a weird dream while I slept.'

'Was it wet sis?'

'No.' Susan snapped, getting her grip on reality.

Susan next day met Melanie, and one day later her friend was a hundred percent, the cancer caught and destroyed, though of course the woman would be on medications and have check-ups.

Susan and Katy in a fancy hotel with a viewing area from the roof top where they could see Sydney Harbour and surrounding CBD.

The sisters sprawled out and Susan spoke more of her flight.

'I refused the demon deal Katy and that brought his downfall. Easier than Saul. A telepathic message from this Veronica who hasn't contacted me back.'

'You not ill are you sis? You do not lie. I somehow think you speak truthfully, yet I need to see that for myself.'

Susan agreed, one day Katy might have an encounter

'Figuring out my situation with monsters.' Susan said. 'Veronica Vikers, is more difficult than trying to figure out how to say: Peter Piper Picked a Peck of Pickled peppers. I think that's how it goes.'

'Oh sis. Anyone can say that. Peter Peck pickled. Peter Picked pepper. Peter Piper picked a pickled peck. Peter Porker piped a pickle.'

Susan is amused.

'Smart ass.' Katy said.

During their week here the sisters socialised with Melanie Williams and her friends visiting places while Ian Williams stayed at home with the two girls. They visited attractions and ate various foods.

On the flight home to Brisbane there were no disturbances.

CHAPTER THREE

Three gorgeous women; two brunettes and a blonde with long wavy curly hair and matching sleeved long dresses down to their ankles, with red boots that matched the dresses they all wore. Gabriella, the blonde and two brunettes: Rhianna and Sascha, have arrived in the Brisbane suburb of Indooroopilly walking down the street and enter a gymnasium: Hadley's on a weekday.

When guys looked, they turned away. Women felt threatened, not by beauty but the fear they were casting off. This is not a common fear of certain someone, it is beyond that. Even the toughest macho guy felt chilled by these ladies who were decades older than they looked. They have killed when needed.

They walk side by side not clearing a pathway. People are glad to oblige stepping out of the way of these attractive sinister beings with look of ire hatred. If anyone did not oblige then look out. They walk into the Gym up to the front counter. The girl there looks frightened soon as they enter.

'leave and we will not kill you.' Gabriella commanded. Her voice same as the other two powerful and could strike any nerve.

The girl early twenties obliged. The witches walked through the gymnasium scaring everyone. People stopped what they were doing and packed up equipment-some did, others just grabbed their gear and left, not clearing up after themselves.

Two young guys are immune when the three witches walk into the sauna where they rest. The guys are sweating but the witches do not. They do not break a sweat. The two blokes do not notice enjoying the attractive company.

'Well hello ladies.' One said. 'He's, Derek. The other guy: John.

'Get out!' Rhianna snapped.

The guys grinned, unafraid. There are some people who need to be scared the hard way.

'We aren't going anywhere.' John said. 'We could all leave together and go back to your place.'

'Get out!' Gabriella snapped this time.

'I think we will stay right here.' Derek said.

Both guys chuckled until the burning sensation enveloped them: blue lightning volts blasted both guys pouring outwards from the fingers of all three women. The sauna boasts blue light as Derek and John are burned by bolts of lightning.

The entire Gymnasium deserted, no one hears the screams of John and Derek whose bodies are entirely black, burned to ashes that scatter the sauna.

The three witches have the gymnasium to themselves.

'Fuck! Fuck!

Susan Stark uttered these words, she had stopped writing on the computer and moved to the kitchen past the lounge where Katy sits watching an episode of Game of Thrones, both sisters are big fans. Susan likes the series better than the books. Katy has not read the books: she does not read fiction, except the Kinsey Millhone mysteries. Susan sips cold water to relieve pain that is minor and leaves for now.

'Could we fuck later sis, I have a headache.' Katy joked and snorted laughter.

'Whatever Katy. Goddamn tooth started to hurt again. I think I'll get some tooth drops soon.'

Susan had felt a pain yesterday ignored it, then it returned today. Katy stood up leaning over the counter watching Susan sip water.

'You ok sis?'

'Yes.'

Susan and Katy had not been to the dentist in years, before Susan hit the big time with her debut novel: Wolf Cult, the sisters only visited the dentist when they only had a toothache. They could not afford work and their teeth were crooked and broken in several places. After sales of Wolf Cult, Susan had made enough money not to retire even after the book was a film but plenty to buy a cheap house and get dental work, both sisters needed almost ten thousand dollars of dental work. No surprise to either Susan or Katy people never visited the dentist: the bloody costs.

Throughout the day the pain passed; Susan focused on her beauty parlour treatment in Brisbane's CBD. She met her friend and publisher Melanie Williams. Susan loved it when Melanie kissed her cheek, she fantasised about Melanie and her husband Ian kissing her elsewhere. She had masturbated over them before getting up this morning. After their massages they were in the sauna, Melanie in a swimsuit while Susan sat naked focused on reality but having lustful thoughts being discreet.

Melanie told Susan about her cousins, Brad and Tina: friends both her age received a scare.

'It happened at Hadley's: gymnasium in Indooroopilly. They use the gym on a weekday, no one is there but doors are unlocked and wasted food on the table. Equipment not wiped down and towels everywhere, even some personnel belongings. They get there and leave after three women scare them away. The women are in the cafeteria while they look around and Brad tells me: their eyes change colour.'

Susan's lustful thoughts fade. She thinks demons again, remembering the vampire Saul and the red demon on her last flight some weeks ago. Susan is interested. She wonders if someone will enter the sauna. Women move around outside, no one enters.

'Anyway.' Melanie continued. 'The women beautiful scared the couple and they left. People who live in the area claimed that lots of Hadley's members walked out one evening, and next morning, someone claimed the place was opened all night, not a twenty-four-hour gym Susan. People went in then went out seconds later. The next day no one goes near the place. Residents living in the area report this. You think people would have something better to do than loiter for a long period of time.'

'Interesting.' Susan said.

'Brad and Tina live close to Hadley's they were going to return, but they told me, when they got within ten yards of the place they were scared. Brad and Tina are not likely to make up nonsense. My husband is joining us for lunch if you would like to join us.'

Susan would rather join them both in the bedroom but did not say so.

'I'm there.'

Ian Williams with movie star good looks met Susan and Melanie at a food court, in a shopping mall. He hugged Susan quickly, that Susan wished could be longer. Ian reminded Susan of a film star from the old black and white film era: he had short dark hair and a small dark moustache.

Ian seated Susan and Melanie.

'What a gentleman,' Susan said.

'Don't I know it.'

'Always have the time to aid the damsels.' Ian said.

'A noble man Melanie.'

'I know it.'

Susan wondered if her tooth would give grief, not yet.

Ian decided to shout lunch. Melanie asked about Katy. Susan said Katy is playing ten pin bowling with her friends. Katy rarely bowled strikes, but lots of the time she could knock down eight or nine pins and several times knock down remaining pins.

Susan and this couple had a great friendship. She had paid their house off and helped with Ian and Melanie's two daughters, that Susan believed liked Katy better than her, not that she minded, Katy provided laughter to people better than she did.

Ian told Susan what he saw in the suburb of Indooroopilly. Ian had a meeting there and we see these women walking towards us, we stepped aside and let them use the whole footpath. The weird thing is, we felt scared, we sensed they were casting fear around. Other people crossed the street, a few jaywalkers, quickly looking left and right then running across the road. We felt better after leaving Indooroopilly.

Susan wanted to check this out. The next day she paid a visit to Hadley's. Katy thought of going but had a lunch date with her bowling buddies.

Detective work unless the police came along and sent her out. Not going to happen, the gym is deserted.

Susan entered the gymnasium, the closer to the entrance, she felt her body go cold on this hot Brisbane day. The place deserted but cleaned up, so whoever took over this place had it looking tidy. Susan did not see anyone. She went behind the counter then checked the rest of the gymnasium out. No one anywhere.

Susan wondered if she strutted around nude, would people turn up? She had one of her sexy dresses on, so it never took her long to dress or undress, especially in front of people she loved like Melanie Williams.

Susan went into the dressing rooms, clothes had been picked up, lockers closed except one. Susan looked in and found nothing. She slammed the thing and turned to face three women. They looked pissed off. Susan has no idea what to do, she was not going to poke their eyes out like the demon on the plane.

'Susan Stark. I am Gabriella, this is Sascha and Rhianna.'

Susan nodded as her body shook. It is a hot day, but her body felt ice cold with fear.

The visitors walked around Susan and stood still.

'You defeated the vampire Saul. Rhianna said. 'A friend of ours but we don't despise you for it.'

'You came here to find us.' Sascha said.

'I...heard the gym was...abandoned.' Susan managed.

Unarmed and unprepared, Susan did not want to battle, she would lose, nothing thought out.

Susan did not care how they knew her name. Anyway: supernatural demons know everything; in fiction they do and in real life like right now. Susan felt the three beauties older than herself casting off fear and feeding on strength of the weak, reminding Susan of horror films she enjoyed.

'I have to be leaving.' Susan managed.

Susan made a break walking away fast as she could. She made it out and away, no one followed.

After dinner at her house Susan and Katy were watching the Paranormal Activity films. Susan loved this film franchise. Katy liked the first one average but not the others. Halfway through the film Susan got up cause her tooth hurt, a mild pain.

Susan paced the lounge as Katy watched.

'Do you want me to run out and get you something sis?'

'I think it's a curse Katy.'

'I think its common pain sis.'

'No, the common pain is you.' Susan joked.

'Ha. I won't go out for you now.'

'I don't need anything.'

The pain passed and Susan woke up the next morning, with the daylight making first appearance in her room. She saw on her dresser a crucifix beautiful gold. Susan climbed out of bed naked and looked at the weapon with a note beside it.

USE THIS SUSAN. I PROMISE IT WILL KILL GABRIELLA. SASCHA AND RHIANNA. LOVE VERONICA

Susan, two months back remembered Veronica talking to her by telepathy, after defeating Saul. The sweet lovely voice, she would never forget.

Jesus Christ Veronica. Susan thought. What is your deal and why choose me?

Susan went back to Hadley's next evening. Her daytime filled up with book signing at a shop in the city. Susan bonded well with fans, no one questioned her lifestyle of freedom and variety. If they did Susan would say, please and no comment. Some of the male fans didn't look intelligent and were buying her books to get laid with this man eater, some guys asked Susan for a quick fling and today she had a lover for two hours, she wanted to focus on Hadley's gymnasium. Her tooth has not given grief...yet.

The gymnasium still deserted with the creepy atmosphere, Susan surfaces in the swimming pool, two-piece bikini on her youthful fifty-year-old plus body. Susan back floats, she is not a great swimmer, widths were her best efforts.

Susan decides to battle if it came to that. Another demonic encounter: Saul and the red being, now these three. One day at a time, Susan believed.

Susan back floated and thought.

Demons no longer frightened her, she has been made to do battle and is fine with that. Yes, there is fear, but it no longer interferes with train of thought. She believed these three beauties would show up. Susan also believed she was helping a woman called Veronica out and Susan wanted to do that.

She had never seen Veronica, but has sexual fantasies wishing the woman were here now making love to her. She had the same lustful thoughts for Veronica as she did Ian and Melanie.

The three witches stood looking into the pool facing Susan.

Susan stands, the water up to her shoulders.

'You come back to us.' Rhianna said.

'How is the water Susan?' Sascha asked. 'Actually. How is your tooth?'

Susan felt light pain in her tooth.

'We gave you the ache Susan.' Gabriella informed her.

The three women raise arms upwards and Susan feels the tooth hurting. Witchcraft on her tooth.

The women lower their arms and Susan's toothache passes.

'Not my tooth!' Susan snapped. 'Kill me instead.'

Susan not afraid of death, is not in a hurry to meet it either.

The witches stand side by side facing the pool, watching Susan hand on her jaw, staring at the women afraid.

Susan does not get to speak. The water in the pool ripples into waves and Susan is hurled backwards. The witch's eyes blaze. The water turns into clear waves hitting Susan in the face. She is swept backwards into the deep end.

The waves that hit Susan came up to her face and crashed down splashing the concrete and walls around the pool. Susan who had been in the ocean felt like the ocean had come to this pool, made by these three witches.

The ripples are powerful and Susan in the deep end tries to swim for the surface. Susan breaks through. Ripples rise and hit Susan from behind now and she goes under. The three witches blast lightning from all fingertips pouring blue volts into the water. Susan sees from below and swims over to the edge of the pool and reaches into her bikini briefs to retrieve the crucifix from Veronica Vikers she comfortably hid, tucked into the side. She trusted this Veronica she had never met before. She hoped this would work not thinking positive.

The lightning bolts stopped, Susan surfaced catching air and pitched the crucifix at the three striking Sascha on the neck. Rhianna and Gabriella at the time were about to fire more volts towards Susan, who went under another wave. The weapon that struck Sascha made all three screams.

The water in the pool has gone still, Susan moves to a shallow end and plants her feet.

The three women clutched their heads screaming and fell to their knees. Susan wondered if they would fall into the pool; they fell back the other way. Susan did not remember which one was Sascha, Rhianna and Gabrielle, but they had combined power and even weakness: when one went to her knees, the other two collapsed against the wall same as their friend.

An explosion, not grotesque thank god, Susan is glad about later, but a blue explosion where blue smoke appears and vanishes into atoms.

Gripping their heads, they exploded into nothingness, vanishing, they are gone.

No one is here, just Susan, who looks at the area where three witches stood, now there is not a trace of anyone being here, just the crucifix that dropped to the ground making no damage. The curse of fear left the gymnasium, Susan is relaxed as she exits the pool gets dressed and goes home keeping the crucifix. No fear in the area of Hadley's or outside.

The tooth gave no trouble. Susan did visit a local dentist for peace of mind, they found nothing wrong, though they charged lots of money for a visit the mongrels. Susan and Katy wondered if dentists would focus on poor people for a change; that would be supernatural.

Susan walked in the door; Katy came out of her room in her bathrobe.

'How did it go sis?'

'No damage but the pricks take your money.'

'Dentists are assholes sis.'

'What are you up too Katy?'

Katy did not have to answer.

'Katy. You coming back? A male voice said.

'Katy come back another voice said.

Katy grinned at Susan. Then looked at two masculine men, a white guy and a black guy in speedos built like gods with eight pack abs. Standing outside Katy's bedroom.

'They came over to play with me sis.'

Susan sighed: she could not tease Katy: she had had lots of men in her room before not to mention women.

The men looked at Susan both being fans. Susan indulged their presence. They offered her shoulder rubs and Susan took them upstairs while Katy remained at the bottom of the stairs.

Susan welcomed the company of these two guys as Katy stood at the bottom of the stairs.

'Hey guys. We have not finished yet. I haven't had my spanking.'

Katy jumped up and down on the spot. 'Someone, pay attention to me.'

No one did.
CHAPTER FOUR

The charming millionaire killed three women over two weeks. Women had been suckers. He is a rich killer but could be vulnerable.

David Borden picked up women in bars and clubs. Early thirties, rich and good looking, the women came easy when you had those two things. David invited one woman after another to his Melbourne penthouse apartment and suffocated them.

David Borden has supernatural power, when he kisses women for a long time, they cannot breathe, seconds later they die. He takes the bodies late in the evening in body bags and destroys all evidence leaving no traces of himself. He did not want corpses in his apartment. People he had killed were investigated to no success; missing persons cases unsolved you could say.

Female beauty gave him powerful youth and each woman made him stronger. He is young and will stay that way like another woman who is fifty something but blessed with athletic youth.

David looks out at the city of Melbourne in the night at buildings and shops, then picks up a book of a coffee table, sits and gets comfortable reading Flower Demon by Susan Stark.

The Melbourne heatwave continued. Christmas is over but holidays and activities remain all over Melbourne, where the Stark sisters are due to an invite. Katy and Susan were okay visiting some places like Melbourne but stayed away from other places like The Gold and Sunshine Coast near to where they lived in Brisbane, cause the school holidays are still in effect.

David Borden woke up to the naked beauty beside him, who rolled over and smiled.

'Hi.' He said.

'Hi yourself.' Susan Stark responded.

Susan arrived earlier in the week after receiving an invitation by mail. Katy was invited and had an apartment to herself on another floor. Susan unable to figure out how this guy got her address. Katy reminded Susan of the phonebook and supreme computer technical options.

Susan forgot to ask how he located her.

Susan stepped out of bed naked, peaked through the drapes, to a glorious view of Melbourne city in a distance from the suburb of St Kilda in a high rise accommodation apartment building, where one window looked out at the high-rise buildings in the CBD of Melbourne. Another bedroom window in the building on the top floor offered a view of St Kilda Beach and surrounds. David Borden: allowed individuals of his choosing from anywhere in Australia, all the time attractive women, who are now a missing persons case, all around the state of Victoria.

Susan has no suspicions of David, she was hesitant about his invite mailed to her address, never heard of the guy, he had informed her he was a big fan who offered to pay her expenses.

Susan stopped looking at the morning view of a day that looks to be great, but Melbourne is the city of four seasons in one day, weather could change back and forth, she has been here before and enjoys Melbourne despite its weird weather that cannot make up it's mind.

David wearing a robe had merchandise for Susan: Melbourne Demons AFL gear. Susan is a Queenslander but barracks for The Demons and the Brisbane Lions in AFL. Susan modelled shorts and Jersey; she did a turn for David.

'Well, what do you think?'

'You look better than the men.' He said.

David and Susan held each other standing.

'I have a conference today, but tomorrow why don't we go to the Botanical Gardens for a picnic, your sister is invited to join us.'

''Great idea.' Susan agreed.

'I know some of the Demons players. I can introduce you. Three of them know you and like your books. One of them asked me if you would consider being president of their club.'

'I am not presidential material David. I love Melbourne but refuse to be here in Winter.'

'I will make you hot Susan like last night.'

'I bet you will.'

As David went about his business, he became a millionaire working in stock and share companies. Finance is his business he had told Susan. Susan had no idea he is a killer.

Susan went to visit Katy two floors down, riding the elevator down from the top floor to a middle floor, where Katy had her own apartment accommodation. Katy had panoramic views of Melbourne high rise buildings, and the windows on the other side a view of St Kilda beach. The apartment like others came with two bedrooms, bathroom and kitchen, she kept neat.

Katy eats potato chips while watching an episode of The Walking Dead on pay TV, a repeat. Susan and Katy both fans of this show, with awesome zombie kills.

Katy admires Susan's get up.

'Taken up football sis?'

'A gift from David.'

Katy did not like AFL but liked to joke about the sport.

'Did he kick a few goals? Hey sis? Let me guess. He kicked a goal and got a behind.'

'Everything has to be dirty with you doesn't it?'

Katy smiled and nodded.

Two blonde women both twins and nineteen with a terrible rude attitude problem enter Katy's room. Susan had left the door ajar. The sisters got a slight startle when they saw the twins walk in. They face Susan and Katy next to each other. The twin sisters stand next to each other; the four, look like they are in a standoff. Helen and Hannah both blonde and beautiful let it be known to Susan and Katy straight away they do not belong here.

These two invited themselves in and spoke in a rude tone when they said: 'You two need to leave.

Katy: We know you two?'

Helen: 'We saw you both arrive. Susan and Katy. We do not want you here. You think Mr Borden wants two decrepit old hags plastered in make up like you two.'

Susan and Katy saddened and shocked by two girls who appeared to have rude attitudes. Susan and Katy think, and insults are traded as the Stark sisters feel somewhat upset by these two who appeared to not know right from wrong.

Helen: 'He doesn't want to fuck any of you. It is our young blood he lusts for.'

'Hannah. 'So why don't you two grannies take a hike back to bingo or lawn bowls and let us young folks take over.'

'Susan: 'It appears you two weren't taught manners or respect for your elders.'

''Hannah. 'No. It is a young person's world and you are both ancient has been sluts.'

Katy: 'Hey! If no one will teach you respect for your elder's, then we will.'

Helen: 'What are you going to do?' Beat us up with your knitting needles.'

Female laughter, Katy thought of them as laughing canaries.

Hannah. 'We live in a society where violence becomes obsolete now unlike ancient history.'

Helen: 'You two old hags know about that. You were both around during barbaric times.'

Susan: 'Would you two like a history lesson on barbaric times.'

Katy: Yes, you two blonde airheads. We will give you a lesson on barbaric times.'

Katy faces Susan. 'What does barbaric mean sis?'

Katy could even be amusing in any situation, but Susan told the younger sister that barbaric is violence.

Susan and Katy faced the twins. The blondes appeared to be cheerful as they giggled at the insults they made. The Stark sisters; felt more hurt and less rage. The Stark sisters had made enemies.

Susan: 'If you are trying to piss us off. We can do some real damage and give you a history lesson on violent times.'

Helen: 'You both be out of here by nightfall. He does not like you two. He wants young girls.'

Susan: 'You may be young girls, but we are the women.'

Hannah: 'Why don't the two of you fuck off.'

Susan: 'Funny you say that because David has already done that to me.'

Susan did not mind people knowing she refuses relationships and is bi-sexual, though she prefers not to kiss and tell.

Katy laughed and snorted. 'I haven't had the pleasure of David, how about you two airheads.'

Helen and Hannah were silent.

Susan: 'David would rather fuck real women then little girls Katy.'

Hannah: 'Get fucked the two of you.'

Katy: 'I'm still waiting for my turn.'

Susan laughed silently and Helen and Hannah walked out both reminding Katy and Susan to be gone before this evening.

Katy and Susan went around Melbourne on the hop on hop of bus and ate some exotic foods, though both sisters are more comfortable with a McDonalds or Subway treat anytime. They went to the Eureka Skydeck building where the lookout offered spectacular views of Melbourne CBD and even beyond from East, South, North and West, and the weather helped provide spectacular photograph opportunities.

Susan kept her Melbourne Demons AFL gear on and got a few wolf whistles. The sisters handed over some money to homeless people on the streets, being discreet in a public place as possible.

The Stark sisters had been to Melbourne many times before and visited all the attractions, yet they did not mind doing some sport tours and visiting The Ned Kelly Gaol again.

Katy liked to visit The Rod Laver Arena, she had played Tennis when she was a little girl and remembers winning a trophy. In her early teens she gave up tennis. Katy had been better at Sport then Susan who was average but always picked last on a team. The Stark sisters liked some sport better than others, Cricket being their least favourite, though both enjoyed the big bash cricket and one day games, but not test cricket that can be slow. No matter how many times the sisters had been to Melbourne, there would always be something to do, even if they had done it before.

Katy and Susan took the elevator to their rooms, late afternoon, saw some other female guests wondering around, one even asked Susan to autograph her book Night Cult.

Katy went to her apartment as Susan wanted to see if David was back. Susan had no apartment of her own: she shared with David, the bedroom, shower, kitchen and even spa bath late evenings on the top of the building. It had been a great week, well few days anyway.

Susan went back to David's apartment went in with the spare key and found David on the bed with a dagger through the heart. The blood on his shirt dried, he is stiff, Susan wonders if he is out cold, with a small wound, but that is not meant to be. Susan is stunned and speechless, sheds light tears and looks around the room and at the window is Harold Nesbitt dressed in an expensive blue suit and does not break a sweat, Susan cannot say the same for herself.

Harold turns with traces of blood on his hands. He smirks at Susan, his favourite person, who wishes him dead. No one ever smirked the way Harold did: his smirk is huge. Susan wondered if the guy really wanted to be punched in the mouth. Susan agreed with Katy, that people who smirk are implying they want to be punched in the mouth.

'Look at him Susan.'

Susan looks at the corpse on the bed, it is vanishing turning to dust making her think of Saul the Vampire. He has vanished into nothingness. No corpse, no clothing or DNA trace on the rumpled bed where a person has been erased out of existence like the three witches some weeks back that tried to drown her. The dagger remained on the bed, an old silver relic.

Susan went to pick up the dagger and pointed it at Harold walking over to the guy who liked to smirk. He is not afraid. The silver dagger is old, yet a great deal of money.

Susan's eyes no longer pour tears, but anyone can tell she had been crying. She had no emotional commitment to David, yet she still lost a great friend, she had known for a short period.

Harold remained where he is as Susan stands before him with a dagger pointed at his neck, the tip of the blade an almost close to poke flesh. Harold continues to smirk.

'A person who smirks Harold Implies they want a punch in the mouth.

'Listen Susan. Join me. We can rally forces of the Ku-Klux-Klan. Terrorist organizations and leave no traces of our crimes. When people die; they go to a place somewhere better than their pathetic lifestyle.'

Susan agreed with that.

'He was responsible for the death of young women. He kissed them and they die from suffocation. I killed him Susan. David took breath to gain youthful appearance. Like a vampire. He appeared to be a regular looking man, but he is another demon with a mysterious past.'

Like the demons I met. Susan thought.

'What did he do to you?'

Susan sat on the bed where this man had been. Harold paces.

'We both cast off charm, killer charm and we have killed. We were in cahoots, but I want the fame and glory Susan. David did me no harm, I just want people dead so I can hog the glory for myself.

Harold says what he feels too much, Susan thought. She gives him some credit for speaking his mind, not afraid to use free speech.

'Did you meet Saul or Ramses Harold?'

'I did and knew Rhianna. Sascha and Gabrielle Susan.'

He sat on the bed next to her. Susan slid to the side and he did not move close to her, just the smirk that implied bash me up.

Susan grips the dagger, no intention using it on Harold yet. She wanted him to speak. She is not going to mention Veronica, not wanting that lovely woman to be harmed.

'You a killer killed a killer.'

'Couldn't say it better myself.'

'How many of you are there. I have killed demons before. I would like it if you were dead.'

'Not a polite thing to say.'

'You should talk.'

Rudeness did not bother him, never had and probably never will.

Harold had killed this man who would probably have killed her.

'Harold. Go fuck yourself shit face.

Susan plunged the dagger into the neck of Harold. There is no struggle. Harold lets out a scream that sounds like teenage girl victimised in some low budget horror film. The weapon hits the neck. Harold is not here. He is gone, nothing remains. Susan is alone in the room with a dagger in her hand.

Like demons in her past he disappeared out of existence as though he had never been on planet earth before.

Two people dead and now disappeared, so much for autopsies and cleaning up. No blood. Harold had vanished as the tip of the blade started to pierce the neck flesh.

Susan snaps out of her stunned turmoil and washes her fingerprints of the dagger and tosses it in the trash-someone might discover it and use it. Susan grabs her gear and takes the elevator down and visits Katy who is dancing to an old rock song on a music channel. Her dancing average but not worthy of talent competition. Susan herself is no dancer.

Katy stops what she is doing, turns down the volume after seeing a stunned expression on Susan's face. Susan sits down and explains. Katy can tell Susan is serious refusing to mock.

The sisters sit on the sofa and Susan tells the truth. Katy believes though she cannot grasp it, yet knows Susan is not lying.

Susan and Katy packed their stuff and decided to find some other CBD accommodation after events here. Did not want authorities questioning them. The sisters would play dumb and cooperate at the same time, but no enquiries were made during investigations of female victims and the disappearance of David Borden, that made Susan and even Katy wondered if he was a descendent of Lizzie Borden, an alleged killer from another century.

The sisters had their luggage aside in Katy's apartment.

'We can stay in Melbourne while longer katy.' Susan said.

'Cool.'

'Not cool.' The voice belonged to Hannah walking into the room with her sister Helen. Susan and Katy stood face to face a second time today with the blonde twins, making Susan think of showdown shootouts in western movies.

Hannah and Helen did not hear everything Susan said. They turned up when Susan mentioned leaving.

Hannah: 'Why are you two old cretins still here? Your walking canes and wheelchairs in the shop being repaired?'

The blondes giggled. Helen noticed Katy moving around leaning sideways looking into Hannah's ear.

Helen: 'What the fuck are you looking into her ear for?'

Katy: 'I wanted to see the other side of the room and I did.'

Susan chuckled lightly already over her ordeal.

Helen: 'You two get the fuck out of here now.'

Susan and Katy smiled at each other.

Katy: We went passed you kindergarten today.'

Susan: 'Yeah. Why weren't the two of you there not learning anything?'

Helen: 'Teasing us cause were blonde, are you?'

Katy: 'Just wondering how your IQ rates to kindergarten children.'

Susan: 'The kindergarten children are more advanced than you two.'

Hannah: 'You two want to get it on? We will gladly fight you two grannies.'

Helen: 'We will go easy on you, after all you are both so old.'

Katy: 'You two airheads want to fight; we will show you two what us oldies can do.'

Susan: 'Why Katy, didn't we promise these airheads a history lesson.'

Katy: 'I believe we did sis.'

Hannah and Helen told Susan and Katy to bring it on.

Susan tangled with Hannah. Susan punched Hannah in the stomach and kicked her ankle and punched her tit with a closed fist. Hannah lied on the floor gasping.

Katy slapped Helen in the face with the back of her hand then did it again. She even grabbed Helen's nipple and gave a firm squeeze; she even poked the blonde girl in the eye with an index finger. Helen screamed and Katy tripped the girl with her ankle knocking Helen to the floor. Susan grabbed Hannah by her hair, the blonde stood, Susan let the hair go. Hannah fell to the ground leaning on a sofa.

The Stark sisters grabbed their gear then stood facing an exhausted Helen and Hannah, gasping for breath. Helen managed to speak first.

'You can't leave us like this?'

Susan: 'You'll both live. Do not forget to tell your friends you were beaten up by two grannies. Wish we could stay but were late for bingo and lawn bowls.'

Katy: You do not have to get up. We must do this again sometime, if any of you two airheads want to be beaten up by two old grannies.'

What a day, Susan woke up beside a handsome man who later is murdered by an enemy, she manages to eliminate for now, and on top of that the two blonde girls, needing a lesson in manners.

Hannah and Helen had asked for their beating by Susan and Katy, who feel proud and hopefully they taught those two bimbos a lesson in manners.

Susan and Katy left. Throughout the week Susan wondered about her encounter with Harold than one night while she slept Veronica spoke in her head. David killed three women by stealing their breath to retain youth.

'If I go to the funny farm for being a nut sis, you can join me by telling authorities about your past encounters.'

Susan agreed. She and Katy wanted to meet this Veronica. Now Katy still wondered about Susan and her supernatural tales, she did not believe them and if the situation was the other way around Susan would not believe Katy.

Susan never had David Borden figured for a killer in conjunction with Harold Sterling. David was not only a handsome millionaire but a liar who never had any conferences, who knows what he got up to. Susan didn.t hate him, but maybe she would have had to do battle with the man. No need to worry about that now: Harold Sterling took care of David. David might have suckered women, but Harold suckered David. Susan sensed no good in Harold, but she did sense some good in David.

Susan somehow believed Katy's turn to face the supernatural would come and she would meet Harold Nesbitt again when she returned home.
CHAPTER FIVE

The old timer had to stop and lean on a railing: memories of Iraq come back and burn images in his head. Gerald Brady early seventies had been a medic for a short time in Iraq with other Australian allies. The image of his murdered brother that had happened decades ago felt like yesterday.

'Hey you ok?'

A female voice. He turned to face a woman in a tropical dress late thirties.

'Yes. Thanks love.'

Susan Stark had met Gerald before, they lived in the same street and said hello in passing. He once saw Susan wearing a bikini while mowing the lawn, he did not lust or care. He knows she means well. Susan spoke to the guy as they walked down the street. He invited her in, she is impressed by his fast recovery. Susan thought he might get grumpy checking on him; Gerald is the opposite. She noticed the man getting off the train and he looked fine, then he stopped moving, Susan hesitated, she believed someone would attend him, she happened to be closer. Gerald invited Susan in for iced tea and a game of chess, that Susan had played on her computer a few times and lost, it felt good to be playing up against a fellow human instead of a machine.

Gerald told Susan he had a brother in the military who had been murdered but not in combat, it happened in a bunker, several suspects all cleared but Gerald remembered some young guy probably in his twenties and boasted a mean smirk. Susan thought of Harold Nesbitt, she stabbed two weeks ago.

Gerald appears relaxed when telling these stories then changes the subject. He is into puzzles, Susan is impressed by books all filled out, involving the regular crosswords, the sudoku and cryptic puzzles, Susan could not do any of those except the occasional crossword.

'I like to exercise the brain.' Gerald said. 'I am no scientist but puzzles easy and especially hard boost the brain with great knowledge. Subjects can go in one ear and not come out the other. A few anyway I forget. Puzzles are like fish Susan: brain food.'

'I should tell my sister that.'

'Was that the one I saw last Halloween wearing a purple dinosaur suit trick or treating with children?'

'Yes. That was Katy last Halloween.'

Susan made a move and he uttered checkmate.

'Well done.' Susan said. You are terrific at this. You stopped one of my Pawns getting to the end of the board and captured my Queen and Rooks. You even have six pawns left; I have one.'

'It's in the brain love. I am always looking for ways to feed my brain. I only went to grade ten in high school.'

'Me too, though my sister graduated high school, god knows how.'

He chuckled and they played another game of chess. Susan did better but lost. She kept her Queen on the board and managed to capture Gerald's Queen, but he got it back later when one of his pawns made it to the end of the board.

'The pawn Susan is not really that different from the others including the queen and king. It is the sacrificial lamb; yet it rises above the task and overcomes the greatest of threats.'

Susan looked at his movie collection of DVD War films old and recent from all decades. Gerald mentioned to Susan not many are accurate to real life but fascinating, nevertheless. Susan had seen all these films, though she preferred horror and thrillers. She could not get over the puzzle books filled out and no mistakes had been erased and filled in again. He had even done cryptic crosswords, Susan could never figure those out, hell she had never even completed a whole crossword puzzle.

'You have a fantastic general knowledge.' Susan said.

'Sure, your more than just a pretty face Susan. I cannot believe you are over fifty. You have proved fifty is the new thirty.'

Gerald had not read Susan's books; he was into war and some of the war books both fiction and non-fiction books he had, Susan had read some of them before and enjoyed several of them. He had some of the classics including Red Badge of Courage. He had books by Tom Clancy, Jack Higgins, Alistair Maclean and even Ernest Hemingway.

'Some people exercise their bodies Susan, but the brain is the master and needs as much exercise as the heart or any part of the body. There is a lot of great brain food up at the newsagents Susan.'

'I must tell my sister this.'

Susan got home it is mid-afternoon. Susan wondered if Gerald wanted her to run an errand, she would if she had too, even if she had to ride the train with loud school students, she always avoided that. Katy had been picking up beer cans off the floor, some had spilled on the carpet and red rug in the lounge room. Potato chips had been scattered everywhere. Susan paused and gave Katy an ire look.

'Hey sis.' Katy smiled. She had been drinking. She staggered but not drunk.

Susan walked toward Katy who walked backwards away from Susan smiling knowing her older sister mad but not a threat-hopefully.

'What have you done to my lounge room?'

Katy laughed and snorted as she kept backing away from Susan. 'It's really hilarious sis. One guy burped and beer flew out of his mouth at the same time.'

Susan looking pissed walked towards Katy who kept retreating smiling at Susan.

'Don't be mad sis. I have had people over before. These ones were different. One of them was a fan of yours and wanted to see your bedroom.'

A greater look of anger hit Susan, Katy saw and told her to relax. 'No one went up sis, but one guy took a whizz on the bottom step.'

Susan stopped moving and looked at the step where the guy had taken a whizz like Katy said.

Susan kept walking towards Katy who kept walking backwards managing to watch where she is going.

'You have a good day sis? How is Melanie and Ian.'

'You will fix this.' Susan ordered. 'Don't care how, just do it.'

'Of course, sis. I was going to do that now.'

Katy is good to her word, next day, she cleans up and next day pays a cleaner to fix up Susan's lounge, she vacuumed up the broken chips and removed beer cans. Susan has stopped working on her manuscript and is impressed.

Katy stands in the lounge room. 'Ta Da!'

'Damn it, Katy. I was getting ready to kill you and you do the right thing.

Katy sits down to read a Garfield the Cat book, both sister's fans, mainly Katy who is told that someone is coming over today.

'He's name is Clive and the guy has information for me. Do not know what. He got my address from Gerald Brady down the road. Clive is Gerald's neighbour. Gerald stopped by, he could not stay long, he had plans elsewhere. He told me Clive wanted to speak to me about a matter and though I had plans with Ian and Melanie, I rescheduled.'

'Must be important cause you love Ian and Melanie.'

'There will be other days.'

'Ian is handsome sis. I don't blame you for having a crush on him.'

Katy had met Gerald and got along great, though he reminded Katy of some old guys that used to smack her on the butt when she had once been a waitress at a pub. Katy did not mention that.

Clive Verhoeven; arrived after lunch, Katy is at home and admires Clive's physique, she wonders if he will give her a one-night stand. Susan told Katy she better not to interrupt, Clive. Katy made no promise.

Susan had been organising some of the house while Katy sat in the backyard reading an entertainment magazine. Katy is a constant film buff and reader like Susan, but she only read books with pictures except the Sue Grafton Kinsey Millhone mysteries.

Clive is late twenties, tall and good looking, black Jamaican; huge muscles with six pack of abs, he wore trousers and tank top. He was like a masculine comic book superhero for Susan, who is attracted to him but will not hit onto the guy: Clive is married, only just recently. Gerald had informed Susan yesterday: Susan and Gerald had said hello to Clive and his wife. He also had dreadlocks like the wife and excellent teeth with a big smile. Lucky wife Susan thought. He is handsome as Ian Williams.

Susan and Clive sat on the sofa. They had an unknown friend in common they had not met: Veronica Vikers.

'I thought I was having a nightmare then I realized I was awake when the female voice spoke to me. The wife is asleep, only I hear it. I don't want to trouble her...'

'Hey sis. What's...' Katy interrupted, then her roving eyes were on Clive. She placed herself on the couch beside Clive.

'This Clive is my real-life nightmare: Katy Stark.'

Clive smiled. He had not met her before.

'You are a big boy.' Katy said. 'You play basketball or football?'

'Basketball. I plan to coach near future.'

'Well I have a basketball court in my bedroom. Want to shoot for my hoop?'

Clive laughed; Susan gives Katy a mad look.

'Katy. Clive and I have business to discuss. Don't butt in!'

'I'll stay here with you and Clive sis. I will make sure no one bothers you.'

Clive smiled amused at Katy, then back to Susan.

'I have to admit Susan. The voice did not startle me much. It sounded sweet and told me she knew you.'

'My bedroom is upstairs.' Katy interrupted. 'Not upstairs but downstairs. We can go down on each other. Want to slam dunk me, see if you can shoot it into the basket?'

Katy laughed and snorted at her basketball humour.

Clive is not bothered by Susan's pestering sister. Susan stands up and grabs Katy by the ear.

'Back soon Clive. I have a pest control problem, name of Katy.'

Katy followed Susan as she is dragged by the ear; escorted out of the lounge room.

'Bye, Clive.' She said.

Susan and Clive are alone, he tells her that outside forces have stopped Veronica communicating with Susan and she contacts him. Clive was told that Susan's cousin and his neighbour are in danger unless she visits the house of Harold Nesbitt. Gerald has no idea what is going on, neither does Susan and Katy's cousin Nicole the same age as Katy, little younger than Susan. The sisters never got along well with Nicole Stark now Nicole Bowen mother of two, could be in danger.

Susan and Katy met their cousin Nicole Bowen, who did not get along well. When they were children the sisters and Nicole would fight as children do, but it happened all the time. The families got along, but the girls hated one another. As they got older, they matured slowly, but never socialized, just the common hello. Sometimes everyone got along, but most of the time Nicole saw Susan and Katy as interfering sluts whereas the Stark sisters saw Nicole as a snobbish bitch, who knew little about suffering cause her family was better than everyone else cause they had more money. Last time Katy and Susan saw Nicole was at their father's funeral, and even then, they snubbed each other.

Susan and Katy's dysfunctional relationship is another story for another time, well maybe, according to Susan.

Susan had tracked Nicole down and asked for a meeting. Nicole chose the time and place at an expensive Brisbane city restaurant. Sisters and cousin had not seen each other in years, yet it felt only like yesterday.

The restaurant is busy due to lunch, Nicole is in Real Estate, now sits opposite her two old enemies.

'First I am not shouting you two.' Nicole said.

'Fine with us.' Susan said.

'I agree to meet you Susan, you said it's something to do with a matter of life and death. A woman with a nice voice spoke inside my head as I slept last night, I thought it would be a nightmare, but it spoke to me this morning after I woke.'

'Hope it didn't catch you or your partner having a morning root.' Katy said. Laughed and snorted, some diners looked then turned away.

Susan covered her mouth, so she could not laugh.

Nicole is not amused by Katy.

'How she graduated high school Susan, needs to be investigated.'

'I agree, but she has had her shots.'

'Not with a gun unfortunately.'

'I wouldn't do that Nicole.'

'Good on you sis.'

'Getting a gun licence is to much of a burden.'

'You two finished.' Katy spoke.

'The three of us have not been the best of friends.' Nicole said. 'However, we are adults, well I am.'

Katy continues to read the menu and interrupt the other two.

'There is nothing under five dollars here. What the fuck are these long words?'

'The name of the meals. Will you shut up Katy?' Nicole said.

'Sis, can she talk to me like that.'

'Shut up Katy.' Susan agreed. 'I will sum this up. Veronica Vikers has spoken to me by some telepathy. She said I need to speak to you and others who are in danger.'

'I had a weird telepathic experience, but I can let go.'

'I think we need to unite Nicole. Veronica is under threat and we are pawns, well I am, like the game of chess, I must use my brain and defeat an enemy. You can stay at our house and we use our brains together.'

'Better be your brain and not Katy's.'

Katy flipped Nicole off.

Meals came to their table, a light lunch, that was pleasant, and the wine.

Each paid their own.

'Thanks for lunch Nicole, even though you didn't shout.' Susan said.

'I seek no protection Susan.' Nicole said. 'I thank you, but I am going to forget this Veronica. We are all sceptics and atheists, there is a logical explanation. We hear voices in our heads, because we either watch to many films or we are stressed about something. There is no telepathy or Veronica Susan. If we believe there is, we are mentally challenged. I advise you two to do the same thing.'

Nicole left before Susan and Katy without a goodbye.

'That was a complete waste.' Katy said.

'I offered her help, though I don't blame Nicole for not believing us, I wouldn't. She has always been stubborn. Well Katy, tomorrow I will call on our enemy.'

Susan wanted to warn potential victims but instead the next day she went to Harold Nesbitt's house. He had contacted her by email, though god only knows how he got Susan's email details, not to mention the horrid things he said like support terrorism and murder: how does he get away with it?

Harold's house is on a hill. A big house well maintained and furnished, looking down on the city of Brisbane. To be let in, she must speak into an intercom, not today, before Susan is about to buzz Harold opens the door and invites Susan in. Harold escorts Susan around, Susan is impressed.

'I don't want to be here.' Susan said. 'Let us get it over with.

'Practical. I respect that.'

Susan looked at the expensive high house. On the outside it looked like a haunted house from a horror film, on the inside the house looked like a millionaire's mansion, no furniture under a thousand dollars, Susan could tell. Harold even had a massive giant screen TV with expensive set up.

The house is well looked after. Susan walks beside Harold admiring his yuppie home, very well maintained.

'Your servants do great work.' Susan said.

'For free. Instead of paying them, I murder them and have their bodies burned in the secret room you will be visiting. There you will face your test. If you win, Gerald and your cousin will live if you fail, they die.'

'Fucking killer Harold. You have no emotion.'

'Guilty as charged.'

'Guilty of killing.'

He smirked. Anyone saw that smirk; most people would aim to punch him in the face.

Past bedrooms and kitchen and dining room into a room painted red, that Susan admitted is cool, red is her favourite colour.

Harold reaches into his jacket pocket and produces a switchblade knife like the one Katy's ex-husband used on her some months back.

'Remove your clothes. That never takes you long.'

Susan obliged and shielded her breasts and vagina. He smirked without an erection. She did not mind him taking a shot at her.

'I hope we don't have to fuck Harold.'

'Not today. Walk in, there is a costume for you inside.'

Susan, naked entered the empty red room, that made her think of the red room from The Amityville Horror original film. Walls and ceiling all painted red, except the floor is black and white squares like a chessboard.

Susan is alone, she tries the door, it is locked. She hears Harold pacing on the other side.

Susan picked up the clothing: a red one-piece thong bikini. Susan put it on. There is no peephole on the door. The room is lit up by red glowing. Red is a cheerful colour; Susan did not feel cheered up.

A tall woman emerged; she had come up through the floor without a sound. Susan leans back against the door watching the woman in the middle of the board move to the other side of the room. Susan stared at the being in a green body suit, tattoo of a skull on her neck, she had brown beady eyes that made her look frightening along with the neck tattoo.

She had a prickle cut blonde hair style, her body masculine, Susan believed this woman had more muscles than Arnold Schwarzenegger.

'Susan.' She said, her voice scary and loud. She walked toward Susan who felt like a pipsqueak beside the woman. 'Make it to the other side. I will leave and no one dies. You are the pawn and I will stop you reaching the other side. I am Behemoth.'

Susan found that funny but remained hushed. 'Is that a nickname?'

'Yes. You do not need to learn my full identity. Make it across the room. That is your task Susan.'

Sounded simple. Susan wanted to bolt but had to do this. In a thong bikini. She loved having no clothes on; but wished she did not feel vulnerable now. She remembered Gerald telling her the pawn is important much like the king and queen.

Susan moved to the left then the right only to have Behemoth blocking her path making the same moves as Susan. Susan moved forward less then a food stepped to the left then yanked by Behemoth's powerful hand that grabs her hair lifts Susan off her feet an inch above ground and throws her towards the door. Susan is fortunate she did not lose any hair. Her back and rear end hit the wall. Susan managed to rise battered and faced the woman again. She staggers with a sore body.

Susan punched Behemoth in the stomach then the neck, her fist going into the air just able to reach the neck. The woman stood there. Susan is punched in the stomach and falls backwards onto the black and white chess floor. She knows brains are required here, thinking back to Gerald, as she gasps for breath.

Susan stands, she is sore. She clears her head as Behemoth walks toward her. Susan makes a run to the right. Behemoth moves the same direction. A woman of height and muscle loses to Susan summoning up speed while sore at the same time. Susan jumps into the middle of the room, then does another jump halfway across the board both feet leaving the ground. Susan lands and runs to the end. The pawn that is her has made it to the end of the board.

Susan stands against a wall and faces Behemoth.

Screams from Behemoth, not normal woman screams, this one sounded like a screaming wounded animal, being eaten by a crocodile, from one of those interesting yet terrible tragic documentaries; that is how it sounded to Susan. The tall woman lifted her arms upwards within the loud scream. Behemoth exploded into green atoms and is gone, just like many past demons Susan she had encountered in under a year.

Jesus Christ, more exploding atoms, Susan thought.

The door ahead opened. Susan left the room. She saw her clothes left where she dropped them. Susan got dressed, decided to keep the thong. She looked for Harold. She even calls him; he is nowhere to be found. How does he hide? Bloody good at avoiding trouble.

Susan leaves the house, gets home with no dramas. No one has been killed cause Susan managed to pass some weird test. That was the weirdest encounter ever, even more weird then a red demon flying an aeroplane. Susan feels like she has been in battles over the course of her many encounters while at the same time, her battles with demons feel like she is fucking around with demons.

She hoped Clive, Gerald and the ungrateful Nicole were safe.

Susan and Katy sit out on the back porch where it is cool and play chess. Katy had not played this since she was a girl and never understood it. After Susan told her about the pieces, Katy did remember the different directions each piece took. They had each made five moves, it is Susan's turn.

Susan told Katy about the big woman: Behemoth.

'I was a pawn, she was another peace, so to speak. Whatever peace she was, even a pawn, the woman is a threat. I made it to the end of the board as a pawn. When the pawn gets all the way to the end, it is taken out of the game and replaced by another peace. I became something better and Behemoth went down.'

'Jumping Jesus sis. Sounds made up but your tone of voice tells me you are not lying.'

'Have to see it to believe it Katy.'

Susan made a move.

'Well sis. I think I might be able to move in and trap your king with my rook. Brain power in work sis.'

Katy used the Rook to trap the King. Susan grinned at Katy. She captured the Rook with a Queen.

'Checkmate.' Susan said.

'Oh, Poof and Double Poof. Reminds me sis, I have a rendezvous with two poofters who are also bi-sexual. See you sis.'

Katy left and Susan wondered what is more insane: her battle with demons or her sister.
CHAPTER SIX

Even in the tropics a demon would follow Susan Stark.

Susan met Bertha Baker at a book signing in Townsville, North Queensland. Bertha is a policewoman, tall and masculine, no one would challenge this woman unless they had a death wish.

This woman could wrestle a grizzly bear and prevail, Katy thought. Susan believed that. This woman is huge. The Stark sisters, not tall felt like little pipsqueaks beside this policewoman.

Susan with Katy had a late lunch with Bertha at a restaurant in a suburb where Bertha lived with her husband and two sons. Bertha offered Susan lunch at the signing showing identification.

Bertha picked the Stark's up from their hotel on the Strand with still saltwater, small beaches, a view of the Port of Townsville and Magnetic Island, a short cruise from the mainland. Recreational parks, cafes and pools made for a long enjoyable stretch of Townsville's beauty. Susan enjoyed it here, so did Katy, not much as Susan. Last time the sisters were here was years ago where they watched the North Queensland Cowboys and met Johnathon Thurston, football great. The sisters often came here, even with family before Susan made the big time.

The restaurant is back from the beach, close by to the CBD area where lots of places are still up for lease and had been for years. Katy made Bertha laugh and it is a loud laugh for the big black woman that can be heard; no one would criticise, people had gotten on the wrong side of Bertha and not made the mistake again. Bertha is courteous; do not cross wrong paths.

Susan met Bertha outside her Hotel on The Strand, with plenty of places to dine here, but Bertha is a fan of the restaurant close to where she lives. Katy appeared and met Bertha then looked across the street and wolf whistled masculine young man with no shirts on.

'That is the thorn in my side Bertha.' Susan said.

'I know you love me sis. She does Bertha.'

'You might arrest me for killing Katy sometime Bertha.'

Bertha drove the two sisters to her suburb about five minutes inland. They went to the restaurant and Bertha's treat. She wanted to speak to Susan.

Bertha a big tall woman is more comfortable in a bigger car, like a four-wheel drive. Susan sat up front while Katy in the back looked out the back window, barely able to see the water as Bertha drove them into the suburbs where they had a view of Castle Hill, an attraction with walking paths and lookout. The sisters had walked Castle Hill once when they were children, Katy whined, and Susan did to their parent's disappointment, the second time was during work holidays before Susan's first book was published.

Katy embarrassed Susan who thought Bertha might not like Katy's misbehaviour, instead Bertha laughs, in silence with a tear in her eye. Susan slightly grins.

Susan is not nervous about socializing with Bertha, she had hung out with fans and slept with fans before, but Bertha had no naughty intentions; she is married. The woman is a fan of Susan and has had a supernatural run in before.

Bertha made the friendly invitation to buy lunch, Susan and Katy said yes, did not want Bertha to pay, but the big woman insisted. The restaurant is only five minutes even less from where Bertha lives.

The women are served by an Indian waiter Katy finds good looking and says so.

'Waiters get younger and cuter sis. You can heat me up until I'm well done honey.'

The young man looked nervous and went speechless, so Susan spoke and made orders. After he left Susan kicked Katy on the shins under the table.

'What are you kicking me for?'

'If you get us into any trouble, I will throttle you.'

'Relax sis. Bertha here will protect us.'

'True then Bertha will arrest me for killing you.'

Another waiter served them, not attractive to Katy as the last one.

'Where did the other guy go?' Katy asked.

'You probably scared him.' Susan said.

'I probably made him horny sis. He probably had to go and pull himself.'

Susan kicked Katy's shin again grateful she talked soft while speaking naughty. Bertha kept her laugh tone down.

'I think I have a bruise on my leg sis.'

'Behave yourself or I will make it bigger.'

Susan hoped Katy would not make trouble for Bertha who is kind enough to invite both sisters to lunch and shout. Bertha has a good sense of humour.

Bertha told her story.

'I spoke to a woman by telepathy after an assignment. Name Veronica Vikers. I was having lunch at a park; my children were with me playing on swings. Work finished. I kept cool and listened too the voice. She said one day you might be assisting Susan Stark against an evil foe named Harold. Susan will tell you more and that is it. I managed to stay focused; but the voice haunted me as sweet as it sounded.'

Susan told Bertha about her past encounters, not fully specific.

'Wish I could tell you more baby girl but that's all I have.'

'Well.' Katy said. 'It is a pleasure to meet you Bertha.'

'Same here.' Susan said. 'One day and moment at a time.'

Bertha often called people names like baby girl or doll, or hon. Susan got called baby girl a few times and Katy doll.

Susan and Katy were dropped off back to the Hotel and would meet Bertha again before going home. Susan had her own room and Katy had hers on another floor.

Susan enjoyed Townsville a lot, it is late summer; rain comes and goes but this place is always glorious for Susan. Katy enjoyed Townsville, not much as Susan. She thought the Strand area with beaches and playgrounds and dining areas magnificent, but the CBD of Townsville needed to grow, get all these for lease signs out of shops and get jobs up and running.

Susan is woken up that evening by a female voice not sweet sounding as Veronica's.

If Harold Nesbit could not have Susan Stark, then he would have Susannah Stark. She entered Susan's life one evening with great offers. Susan had been woken up by voices in her head, not Veronica's sweet-talking voice, but a demanding voice, that woke Susan up just after one am.

Susan sat up in bed, her naked body under the sheets as she stared at her visitor. She almost screamed but held back. The woman looked like her, in a black dress and long brunette hair. Susan knows she is awake.

The woman stands at the foot of the bed, her arm stretched out.

'Come Susan. Take my hand.'

Susan felt she had to oblige, her instinct telling her this is a priority. She stepped out of bed put on a nightgown and walked over to the woman taking the offered hand.

'Susan Stark I am Susannah Stark. You killed three female friends of mine. Three witches.'

'They were trying to drown me.'

Susan is not scared, she is anxious.

The bedroom and the Hotel are gone; they are in a bedroom. This is the house where her publisher and husband live: Ian and Melanie Williams. They are involved in sexual activity and Susan Stark herself lies naked on the bed next to Melanie. He is fucking his wife then next is Susan.

Susan looks down at herself then to Susannah both still holding hands.

'I can give them both to you Susan.'

'What's the catch?'

'Rule by the side of Harold Nesbitt as his queen. You defeated Behemoth, not by physical strength but by your mind outsmarting her. She lives. No longer queen. I offer you riches Susan. You will never have to write another book.'

'I enjoy writing books.'

'You can enjoy other pleasures on other worlds. All you have to do is love Harold Nesbitt.'

'No!'

The bedroom disappears and Susan and Susannah appear on a cliff looking out to the tropical seaside resort with magnificent brick high colonial houses. Susan knows she has stumbled into another dimension. The second in less then a year after that ordeal flight with the red being.

'It is all magical Susan. No drought. No sickness. No incurable illnesses. No aging.'

'I am not here Susannah.'

'I know your feelings Susan. No one from earth or any outside world will enter. I can make you a queen. I am demon shapeshifter, not the devil, but anyone's doppelganger I chose to be.'

'You are not the queen here?'

'I am empress of other worlds Susan and have communication with Harold Nesbitt who is not human.'

'I already know that.' Susan scoffed.

'Harold has love for you Susan and with you as his queen, you are the commander of worlds. You have been touched, so has your sister Susan. You look young and have remarkable strength. You remember your birthdate Susan.'

She did: sixth hour of the sixth day of the sixth hour, sixth month like the kid in The Omen, a horror movie she and Katy enjoyed. Katy also was born on the sixth day of the sixth hour of the sixth month. Both sisters had been the butt of jokes involving their birth dates, people wondering if they had demonic powers. Susan had some witty comebacks; Katy had way more.

'Your sister.' Susannah continued. 'Can join, I haven't brought you here to kill you Susan. I am making offers you must consider abandon the outside world. Throw away emotion like Harold Nesbitt.'

Susan is one of these people who gets emotional and believes emotion affects judgement, but she refused to be uncaring like Harold Nesbitt.

'Is Harold here.'

'No. Think Susan. Goodnight.'

Susan woke up next morning, she had her nightgown on, remembering the visit from her off world doppelganger. Susan stayed close to the Hotel that humid day. Her sister Katy went out with some guy. When Katy arrived back, she went to check on her older sister. Her door ajar and she walks in. Susan Stark is making out with Harold Nesbitt in her Hotel room on the small terrace of the early evening.

Katy went to talk about her time with a guy whose name she had now forgotten about what a good day she had and what they did, except private details, not all the time she did that. The door to Susan's room left open.

Katy knocked and entered without word and there she was with Harold Nesbitt. The two are making out. It is Susan. Katy knows, she appeared to have a different dress on then this morning. Katy did not care about clothes. She wants to know what the bloody hell her sister is doing making out with a man who loves terrorism.

They both look at Katy. Harold's smirk and Susan, who smiled showing teeth, Susan is not a big smiler, but she is now.

'Susan what the fuck are you doing with this bozo?'

'I am not Susan. I am Susannah.'

It is Susan's voice.

'Yeah right. I am not Katy I am the queen of England. What the fuck is going on here?'

Before Susannah can answer Susan Stark, who has come in from the beach changed now into shorts and a tank top pushing against her breast's stares at her two uninvited guests. Susan has closed the door behind her wondering why it is open, then figures it out: people in her room.

Susannah and Harold step inside facing Susan and Katy. Susan is not surprised, but Katy looks lost.

Susan and Katy stand next to each other in the big room, though four people in here can become cramped. Susannah stands as a smirking Harold watches these three attractive women get acquainted.

'I came by to see the two of you.' Susannah said.

Harold turned the air conditioning on as Katy and Susan stood facing Susannah who looks Susan up and down. Susan is doing the same thing to Susannah, that she met last evening.

'A look alike of me Katy. Susannah Stark my doppelganger. I had a hunch you would show again but not with fuckhead Harold Nesbitt.'

Katy would normally laugh at that; but her mind is in confusion.

Susan planned to tell the two too leave, then Veronica crossed her mind and an object appeared in Susan's hand: an amulet amber pendant a small red circle. Susan held it in front of Susannah. It glowed reddish light. Susannah and Harold shielded their faces. Susannah screams, Harold loses the smirk. They disappear. Susan holds the amulet still in front of her and puts it away.

Susan had forgotten Susannah today and like Katy she went out and got laid too: another feel fuck and forget with a man, like in the past. She only thought of Susannah when she got back to the hotel.

Demonic beings appear and disappear, story of Susan's life, that Katy now believed.

'My encounters with the supernatural feel like they end on a whimper instead of a bang in a short climax.' Susan said.

Katy sits down speechless on the bed. Susan relaxed checks for her enemies who came and vanished in short time to her shock. She sits next to Katy and tells the younger sister she met Susannah last night.

Katy stunned. Did anyone see Harold and Susannah enter?

Katy keeps her wits intact as she comes to grips with what happened.

'I wouldn't take her offer sis unless I knew the whole deal.'

'Agreed. You saw the supernatural. I don't think we will tell our friends or family.'

Susan informed Katy that Susannah Stark did not exist, this was some demon that is called a shape changer and take any form it wanted too.

'Wise idea not to share our supernatural sightings with anyone sis.'

Katy agreed with Susan: one supernatural encounter at a time. Katy now found herself believing Susan had met a vampire. Three witches and all the others over the past year.

'Whatever is in store for us Katy. We will face it when the time comes.'

'What about this Veronica?'

'I am hoping she and I can meet up soon.'

'Well sis. A doppelganger of you. I thought there were two of you. I wonder if there are two of me?'

'God; I hope not Katy.' Susan joked.

Katy threw a cushion at Susan who threw it back.

Two days later Bertha's daughter has a birthday party. Susan and Katy invited sit watching all the children in the jumping castle in the backyard. No child close by to hear them talk. Bertha's husband is occupied with other parents of the children.

'Two of you hey baby girl.' Bertha said.'

'I wonder if there are two of me?' Katy said.

'That would be a laugh Katy doll. Double the fun.'

Susan and Katy had almost a week left. Today was going to be their last visit with Bertha, who had business matters like her husband, both in police work. They would be occupied for the next whole week. The children would be with Bertha's mother.

Katy wondered if Bertha's mum is bigger then her daughter. A giant family the Stark sisters would agree on later when alone.

'You won't forget us will you Bertha?' Katy said.

'I won't, especially you Katy doll.'

Lots of children ran over to the grown ups and asked Katy to join them on the jumping castle, she did and is bombarded with children jumping over her.

'Help sis I'm being attacked.

'I know.' Susan called back.
CHAPTER SEVEN

Susan Stark found the lost girl along The Strand sitting on a seat in Townsville up in North Queensland on this heatwave of a day. Susan thought the girl might be waiting for parents but as she continued to walk home decided to back track: no one is coming for her and she looks scared. Susan remembered Gerald Swift a chess and puzzle genius, now it looks like she is going to make another friend here. If the child's guardians turn up, Susan would be glad.

Susan sat next to the child who stared afraid at this woman.

'Hello. Are you lost?'

The girl looking at Susan just shook her head. People walked by or rode on pushbikes. Susan looked around to see if anybody might be looking for the child. No one notices.

'You tell me where your mother is?'

The girl trembled and managed to speak.

'I'm scared.'

'Why?'

'Daddy. He hit mummy.'

The girl started to cry. Susan placed her arm round the child who did not back away.

'Where do you live?'

The girl grabbed a notebook from her dress pocket and handed it to Susan. The child had a small backpack like Susan who opened the notebook and found addresses. The child lived up here. Her house happens to be about a five to ten-minute walk. Susan knew Townsville well enough to figure it out.

'I think Cindy we should go to the police station.'

'No.'

'Why? I believe they can help you better then I can.'

Susan looked around, no one noticed the child. Someone would have come along if Susan had not, but she landed the child like she landed Gerald Swift which had been pleasant. This meeting with the child might lead to another supernatural encounter.

The demons follow me. Susan thought. Even up north. Maybe Susannah Stark will pay a visit.

Susan had decided to chill, her tanning darker including her butt, her see through dress showed the bikini, not that Susan cared, she had even got laid once today. The sisters had decided to spend time in Townsville, though Susan came for a book signing last week, the sisters decided to stay longer.

Susan took Cindy back to her hotel, her room on the same floor above Katy not far down. Both rooms with bathrooms kitchens and lounge area that led to the balcony. It had only been last night that Susan and Katy in this apartment had a run in with Harold Nesbitt and Susannah Stark. Susan entered with the child; she had decided to grab dinner being almost nightfall. Katy Stark entered Susan's accommodation place without knocking.

'I just got back too sis. I was on another floor fucking this guy's brains out.'

Katy paused when she saw the child sitting on the couch beside Susan.

'What the fu...hey?'

'Katy!' Susan snapped.

'Hey. I did not know you were bringing children back. What are you going to do? Start a collection?'

'She is lost. I will explain but first I have to make a phone call.'

Susan still had Cindy's address book. Katy attended to the shy child moving about Susan's accommodation grabbing stuff from the small kitchen with the child following.

Susan spoke on the phone for five minutes then went back to the lounge after hanging up, she heard the child laughing hysterically sitting on a sofa. Katy had a saucepan on her head and is banging it with a soup spoon. The saucepan went down over her eyes. Katy also stands on one foot.

Susan is amused but takes the saucepan and spoon. Katy still stands on one foot then lowers it grinning at Susan. Cindy feels better. Susan knows Katy can cheer up frightened children better than she can.

'Show you something else funny Cindy.' Susan said.

Susan gave Katy a light hit to her head with the soup spoon.

'Ouch. Not funny sis.'

'You won't get brain damage Katy.'

They sit at a table with fish and chips and coke. The soft drink makes Katy do long burps for Cindy's amusement.

'I found a child for you to play with Cindy: Katy.'

'Good one sis. Who was on the phone?'

'Her mother.' Susan said. 'We will take you home after dinner Cindy.'

Susan and Katy walked to Cindy's house and dropped her off at her mothers. The father is not home yet, but Cindy appears to be over her father hitting her mother. The mother is grateful. Cindy gives Susan and even Katy a hug.

Susan and Katy later in the evening sit on the terrace with a nice sea breeze blowing. Susan told Katy about meeting the child.

'The poor thing was traumatised sis and ran away just to cool off, then you found her.'

'The father wasn't there. Her mother appeared relaxed. When she told me, her father hit her mother, that must have been today. When I spoke to her on the phone, she mentioned her husband was at a pub with drinking buddies. He is a dentist. He hangs out with other dentists and assistants, some are female.'

'Dentists are high class society sis. I didn't think they hung out with the rough looking pub crowds.'

'Well I suppose upper class like to go to pubs instead of posh restaurants. Anyhow. I might go around tomorrow and check on the child. What about you?'

'The guy I had today. I am meeting him tomorrow. Instead of a one night stand it is a two-night stand, he goes home the day after tomorrow.'

'Ok. I will say hello to Cindy. You and her, are alike as children with one difference.'

'What's that sis?'

'Cindy has a higher IQ.'

'Hardy Lardy har har.'

Next day, Susan went to make a friendly call to Cindy Hobbs house and see how things turned out following late afternoon hours after the girl got home from school. Susan knocks and her mother Mary answers with Cindy's aunt Janet. They both look scared. Mary had been crying Susan could tell.

'Let her in.' a powerful male voice demanded.

Piss poor timing, Susan thought.

Mary let Susan in. Cindy is clutching her aunt's leg. Mary closes the door. The father Harley Hobbs introduced himself. To Susan his name sounded like a cartoon character. She would not joke about that now. He had a hand-held gun pointing at Susan who with no hesitation stood in front of the others. The weapon in Harley's hand looked light and he held it with comfort.

Another encounter coming on for Susan, she felt it. The women look frightened by the man holding a gun. Susan stands in front of the weapon pointed at her not knowing what sort of gun it is, she knows it kills and that is all anyone needs to know.

Cindy trembles but her weeping is controlled for now. The grown women look frightened managing barely to keep it together.

Harley has a sinister grin he gives Susan who wonders what is more frightening: the gun or the grin.

'You are Susan Stark. My wife is a fan. I saw a film based on your first book and it is shit, I read the first paragraph of all your books and decided they are shit too.'

'I can't please everyone.' Susan muttered.

'A slut like you can satisfy everyone. Slept your way to success.'

'No. I suffered before success found me. Lots of rejection.'

'Shut up. Don't care, were going on a trip.'

Everyone against their will cooperated, even Susan who had no plan to try for an escape. Harley kept his gun hidden under a light jacket, it is too warm for a jacket, but he seemed to manage as he perved at Susan in her skimpy dress.

The women ushered into a black van in the garage. The van had no windows at the back and the windows on the two back closing doors are tinted. The women sit in the back on long seats facing each other. Nothing else in the van. Susan sat next to the aunt while the mother and daughter opposite. Susan believed she could work out a plan for escape. Maybe one of the others might too and that would be fine long as no one got killed except Harley who stood outside looking in.

'Were going on a trip into the country to meet friends of mine. The Iron Serpents.'

The back doors closed, outside the garage door opened and closed and the journey is underway to wherever, to meet a group with what is a cool name according to Susan: The Iron Serpents.

'We don't know how long this trip will be.' Susan said. 'To pass time, maybe we should nap or sleep if we can. Not a comfortable place I know.'

No one wanted to sleep except Susan who may not pass out but try to make a telepathic communication with Veronica Vikers.

Mother and daughter napped in each other's arms. The aunt dozed on and off while Susan did the same thinking to Veronica.

The trip took over an hour, the van stopped, Susan woke up first then the aunt. Mother and daughter woke up as the doors opened and Harley yelled for them to get out.

It is early evening and the moon provides light. They are out of Townsville somewhere off the highway heading up north.

In the forest with tall trees and some pathway; lots of gravel under everyone's feet. No lights except the moon and flashlights everyone carried. Susan thought groups like The Iron Serpents would carry flame torches. Flashlights wave everywhere, Susan believes there will be flame torches or some flame owned by the Iron Serpents.

The gun pointed at them as they exit the van. Harley had company by people wearing hooded black robes including Harley himself. Mary is surprised, she had never known her husband to be a member of some weird cult. He hung out with sinister looking people but no one wearing hooded robes that frightened the women more, Susan the least, who wondered if they were hot.

There is a wooden platform up a small flight of steps leading to totem poles, eight in all. Susan leads the ushered victims up. Other members follow and next thing, they are tied with nylon ropes to the poles by servants, all male: Susan can see faces and is able to tell.

Cindy cries, Janet and Susan are relaxed. Mary begs pleads for her husband not to do anything he will regret. He tells her to shut up.

'Listen Harley.' Susan said. 'We can make a deal. You can kill me but let everyone else go. You do not want to kill your own daughter. Do you?'

Susan is just as frightened as the others, would like to break and run, but it would be a waste of time: she would be caught and there is nowhere to go. It would not be right to abandon the others.

'Susan, shut up. I do not care; I am part of a cult. There is someone here you might know.'

The hooded figures left the platform and faced the women removing their hoods. Four men, one of them is Harold Nesbit.

'I am not shocked by your presence Harold.' Susan said. 'I am just repulsed.

'If you would join us Susan. We are the iron serpents and have killed before all over the world. Our numbers increase slowly with Harley the latest entrant.'

Janet and Mary now hated Harley and did not care if he died. Little Cindy missed her father now afraid of him, she had not been that way before.

'You will be cooked as a burnt offering.'

'No!' Mary screamed.'

'Listen you lot!' Susan said. 'Let everyone here go, I will stay!'

Susan wanted to leave but knew she had some battle on her hand and would probably not live, but she wanted the others to live. Not often Susan felt noble; but dying did not scare her. She thought back to all her manuscript rejections and how often she wished she were dead.

The iron serpents raised their hands to the air and spoke in Latin, flashlights in the sky, the moon provided light for everyone tied to a totem pole. Susan knew due to her knowledge on devil worshipping from what she studied from books and films. She did not know what they were saying but heard the name Satan. A few other English words like offering and burnt and God's. She knew they meant to kill.

Here is the flame torch. Susan thought.

One of the members, no one could tell if it was male or female was going to make the fire with this flame torch. Harold gave the command to burn the women, the member obliged and began the fire.

The platform started to catch fire in small flames around the edges. Cindy and the others screamed. Susan shut her eyes. She did not know any foreign language. She always managed to think during her last supernatural encounters. All she could do was call the name Veronica. She said it loud for the women to hear.

Cindy is tied to the pole next to Susan who tells the child to say the name Veronica and does not knowing why.

"Veronica if you hear us, save this child. Abandon this sacrifice.'

The flames were a short step away from the women. Susan believed she could stop it.

'Veronica. Abandon these offerings. Hear me Veronica.'

It happened: rain poured down over this area of countryside. The fire went out, the nylon ropes dissolved, and the iron serpents are screaming as their face and hands are melting as though they are being burned by acid, but it is burning flesh.

The hooded figures shrink. Male and female screams. The heavy rainfall has killed the Iron Serpents. They shrink, the faces have melted, flashlights on the ground. The one that lit the fire, his face is just skin, no eyes mouth or nose left. The Serpents exploded explode into atoms, the screams gone and now the rain has left, leaving the women drenched.

The fire out and the ropes melted away like the Serpents.

Harley remains behind looking around in disbelief still with a loaded gun in his hand. He faces three drenched women and his daughter who refuses to acknowledge her father. Susan jumps off the platform grabs a small rock off the ground, pegs it and strikes Harley, in the head who drops the weapon and turns.

Harley places a hand above the eye where he is bleeding, Susan did not think she could throw that good.

'You, fucking whore!'

Susan moves to pick up the weapon in front of Harley, not heavy in her hand but uncomfortable. She fires hitting the man in the neck three times. Susan dropped the weapon to the ground same time Harley fell.

She had never fired a gun before, it could have backfired, but Harley had it ready to use, she ended up with the gun instead.

Susan watches Harley explode into white atoms and she is left alone in with the other women who are speechless.

Jesus Christ, more people exploding into atoms, Susan thought.

Everyone came down off the platform to gather by Susan who stares at the spot where Harley stood. She threw the gun aside

Susan stared at Mary. 'I am sorry.'

Susan expected the woman to be mad but ended up grateful.

'Don't be sorry Susan. We do not mourn this man. Cindy will understand in time.'

Cindy appears calm her eyes still watering, she hugs Susan and asks who is Veronica? Mary and Janet want to know too.

'I don't know how to put it. Veronica is a lovely gifted and distant friend.'

The van is still here and fortunately keys are in the ignition, no one could steal the vehicle of the iron serpents according to Susan. They had the vehicle to leave, Mary drives everyone home.

Next day Katy has heard Susan's tale of the iron serpents as the sisters sit outside on the hotel apartment terrace.

'So, did Harold burn up too Sis? I hope so.'

'Me too Katy. I saw them burn and vanish. I wonder if there are more and if Harold is still around.'

''What about Cindy and her mum.'

'Well Harley will be reported as a missing case, no one will know, we will but will not say. Mary and her daughter were often upset and occasionally slapped by Harley, he even hit his child. Mary is not mad at me for killing him. As for the iron serpents hopefully, they do not multiply. You know that sounds like a good name for a heavy metal band.'

'I agree sis. If Veronica can provide rain like she did for you, then she would come in handy for drought-stricken communities.

Katy thought the name The Iron Serpents, sounded like the name of a heavy metal band. Susan thought it would make a great band name.

Susan would mention that to Veronica if she ever met her.

A short time in Townsville and twice the demons appeared. She could go to Tasmania, Western Australia or even Antarctica and demons would follow. The girl was upset when the Stark sisters had to leave, but Cindy knew she would see them again after Katy told the child we will be back.

The Iron Serpents are gone but Harold Nesbitt is still alive.
CHAPTER EIGHT

Susan Stark wakes after midnight, visited by Veronica Vikers, after a telepathic message.

First time she sees her telepathic admirer, who's appearance is beautiful as her voice.

(Susan. Wake.)

Susan hear this twice. The sweet voice, that she loves to hear. She is feeling herself up not long after she opens her eyes. She stops, not embarrassed that Veronica can see what she is doing. The visitor is a beautiful sight.

Veronica a blonde vision of attractiveness in a pink long sleeveless dress. Susan; forgets Melanie and Ian. The beautiful visitor stands at the foot of the bed. She smiles and so does Susan, hoping to get laid, to this woman who looked to be her age, maybe younger.

Susan often dreams about Melanie and Ian. Some months back, Susan and Katy are staying at Surfers Paradise on The Gold Coast, the accommodation with beautiful ocean and beach panoramic views. Ian and wife Melanie who published Susan's books are in another apartment on the same floor.

Susan remembers the couple visiting her apartment. They had plans to go out, sister Katy had a date with some guy she met on the beach and was gone the night, she had phoned Susan. Katy had her own apartment, so Susan could walk around in a bikini for Ian and even Melanie to admire.

They visit Susan, who can see through Melanie's white dress, wearing a bikini. With discretion, Susan admired Melanie's bum stick out and cleavage showing. She saw Ian in a pair of shorts and shirt, he was hairy all over, Susan wanted his body hair would prick her.

I wish he would fuck my brains out, Susan thought.

Melanie had a phone call and stepped out.

Susan kept control, even at one time when her top fell off. Susan picked up her top off the floor, not covering her breasts. Susan put the top on. Ian tied it up fast.

'You women. Always buy clothes that either zip or tie up from the back. 'Ian said to them the day before all women present on a terrace looking at the view to the beach.

'Stop complaining.' Melanie said. 'We go to so much trouble to look good for you.'

'I have no complaint: I have five wonderful female friends: Melanie. The Stark sisters and my daughters.'

Susan felt his finger touch her back, it was good, but if only more of him touched her. Ian had no crushes on Susan or any other woman for that matter. Susan respected that; he had a wife and two daughters that she and Katy had babysat a few times in the past.

Susan looked at his shorts and noticed an erection. He was married, but beautiful women gave married men and single guys boners a lot. Katy said that too Susan a lot when they were teenage girls.

Whenever Susan perved at Ian or Melanie, it is always discreet. She is always happy to be almost naked in front of the married couple, could not be naked in front of Ian. Though he had seen a lot of her in the past whenever the four of them made a long or short trip to either Gold or Sunshine Coasts.

There is no chemistry between Susan and Ian. Katy believed Ian and Melanie might give Susan a threesome. Susan did not agree, and she refused to create a real-life soap opera ruining a relationship.

Susan occasionally thinks back to Ian tying her bikini top up, Melanie knew, her trust in Ian extraordinarily strong. It was not much but a nice moment all the same.

Susan had been dreaming about that before Melanie woke her up. In the dream he is fucking her and Melanie joins in.

Susan moves blankets aside to show her nudity that Veronica indulges but only looks.

'Come with me Susan.'

No hesitation, she has faith in this woman. Susan senses love and goodness in this sweet-talking woman. She wants to help Veronica.

'Can I remain naked?' Susan asked.

Veronica smiled a close mouth grin, like Susan often did when talking to people.

'Yes.'

Veronica moved closer to the bed, Susan stopped caressing herself and steps out of bed and takes Veronicas hand. Susan is not going to score. She could wait for now.

Veronica takes Susan's hand and the two stares in admiration at each other.

Susan is stunned by the real-life phenomena she views: Her own bedroom at home has disappeared as they are teleported into a tropical paradise of beach blue sky and palm trees and nothing else. Susan and Veronica holding hands walk along the beach. Susan thinks back to her meeting with the shape changer: Susannah Stark.

'You have helped save this world Susan but the danger of temptation from Harold Nesbit will turn you against me. He has forces, you have defeated the iron serpents and others.'

'You helped a lot. Susan said.

'We can help each other. Peace is here now on this planet, but danger can enter. I will be by your side Susan and I have faith you will help me.'

'Can we make love?' Susan asked.

'Not now Susan. I want that, but I have people to aid on other worlds.'

'Other worlds?'

Susan feels like she is tripping but knows what is happening to be real and will be glad to keep it all a secret, except maybe be inspired to write a fictional account with fictional characters.

Do not let me be dreaming, Susan thought.

Veronica placed her hands on, Susan's ears.

'Close eyes Susan.'

Susan did and heard screams and had visions. Children are screaming for their mothers and fathers, little children weeping loud. There are fires in cities and countries. Next vision there are dead bodies of all age groups all over the world massacred and others burned.

Susan opened her eyes, Veronica's hands on her face removed.

'What the fuck?'

Bad language did not bother the sweet-talking Veronica.

'You heard voices and saw destruction Susan. Not on planet earth but my world.'

Susan and Veronica still holding hands walked the long stretch of beach.

'I cannot foresee the future season, but I have had the premonition that we have at least four months remaining before the slaughter begins.

Susan able to take her mind of sex after the nightmare vision, looks around the beautiful tropical paradise that looks like it should be packed with tourists like the Gold Coast back in her Qld state.

'What do you need from me Veronica?'

'I will call to you Susan. Now go about your business.'

Susan moved to hug Veronica who accepted and even embraced Susan's passionate kiss.

Susan scores with Veronica, now in a bedroom on a queen-sized bed naked with her girlfriend. The room is not hers. The bedding and carpeting are all crimson.

Susan gets lesbian sex. Veronica able to have a time out to make love to Susan. When Susan wakes from a lovely sleep she is back on her bed naked sand between her toes.

Susan had sexual feelings for three: Ian his wife Melanie and Veronica.

Last night Susan had a short visit from Veronica Vikers. Tonight, it is Harold Nesbitt in hooded robes. Susan is not scared just uncomfortable.

Susan had gone about her daily duties of errands and working on another novel. Katy told Susan she could retire. Susan had no desire to give up writing.

Susan's thought occasionally drifted to Veronica, that made her smile, she was happy after the sex with her female friend.

Keep your head out of the clouds and focus Susan, she thought.

Her behaviour normal today, tonight rudeness towards the man here now.

Susan woke up in the evening before sunrise. She relaxes naked under the covers, after dreaming of just, Ian Williams fucking her brains out.

A visitor appeared and like Veronica stood at the foot of the bed. Susan notices and refuses to show her nude body to this man, she hated.

Harold Nesbit materialised appearing out of thin air by magic. Susan is not scared, she gasped, but after past encounters with the supernatural, Susan does not care if a demon would show like right now.

Susan believed Harold to be dead among the iron serpents. Others perish yet Harold lives.

'All this supernatural ability I know how you get away with mischief Harold.'

The smirk of the young man, Susan gives him the finger.

'I wish you would smirk at an angry murderer Harold, then they would kill you.'

'You would not weep?'

'Fuck off.'

They both whispered so Katy downstairs would not be woken up.

Susan kept the blanket up to her chin. Harold did not make any moves and Susan herself is able to stay where she is. He points to her window and Susan sees outside into another room: She is naked with Ian and Melanie Williams on a bed making love to the two of them.

Susan watches Ian on top of her and inside her, and Melanie is sucking Susan's breasts. Susan having wonderful orgasm. The image fades and it is normal darkness of an approaching new day.

Temptation eats at Susan. She loves this couple and wants them both. She will not surrender and lose friends. She will not create a soap opera.

The goddamn temptation is a struggle: she wants Ian and Melanie. She stays focused.

The vision fades and it is only night outside.

'I can give you that.'

'Fuck off Harold. I will not be brainwashed. Why didn't you die with the other iron serpents?'

'I am invincible with far greater superiors more powerful than me.'

'I will not fall under your influence. Fuck off.'

The smirk remained. Harold pointed at the window. Another vision, she sees herself alone with Ian, they are at the Gold Coast and they strip off and he fucks her hard on a sofa and the vision changed. Susan and Melanie are on the sofa. Ian moves from one woman to the other, fucking them good.

The image fades to outside darkness.

'I can give you that.' Harold said.

Susan wanted this but knows there might be an evil catch that will cause drastic harm to the public.

'Go and get Fucked Harold.'

Harold is gone, like he had never been here, but he had.

Susan thought about her past encounters where she had to do battle, these last two evening with her two visitor encounters there was no battle, just weirdness, Susan knows it happened and is not checking into a funny farm. Well not yet.

Susan puts this evening behind her but will remember it soon.
CHAPTER NINE

It is not going to be Susan Stark, but someone either friend or relative that would die. The watcher has not decided, but there will be a victim.

The supernatural being watches two brothers hitting onto two sisters. The Stark sisters.

Fred and Jason Bentley late thirties yet unmarried like the Stark sisters. Fred the oldest, has a mad young brother who can be a yobbo, yelling out in public and talking dirty. Fred and Jason both into surfing see Susan and Katy up at Coolangatta beach on the gold coast. The Stark sisters wanting to see the beach again visit the gold coast only a few weeks before Easter, the sisters did not want to get caught in that mad rush. Both sisters leaving the beach and sit on a park bench facing the ocean on this hot day.

Fred tells Jason he sees Susan Stark up ahead. He is a fan.

'Well let us go up too her.'

'I don't know.'

'Come on she isn't a movie star, she is a writer, I see no paparazzi about.'

'I'll leave her, she must get harassed by fans a lot.'

'Didn't you tell me she goes both ways.'

'She does.'

'I could use a bi-sexual woman.'

Jason walked ahead of Fred, who went after him, both brothers put their surfboards away cause the sisters are close yet have not noticed. Jason focuses on the other person with Susan.

'Hi. My brother has a boner for Susan Stark, so I guess you will have to do for me.'

'Gee I am to please.' Katy said with sarcasm.

'Fred gathered his voice and met Susan and apologised for Jason's words.

'No need Fred. I will probably have to apologize for katy.'

Susan and Katy offered the two guys to sit and join them. All four able to use the bench.

'So? 'Jason said. 'Fred has a boner for Susan. What about you Katy.'

'I don't have a boner for Susan.'

Jason laughed and snorted then Katy did the same.

The watcher is at Coolangatta watching the four. He has plans to kill someone soon; might be Susan, Katy or one of the brothers. Soon someone would die.

The two brothers in wetsuits, find wetsuits for the Stark sisters.

The sisters changed, Fred watched Susan and so did Jason. Katy slapped Jason in the back of the head.

'What did you do that for?'

'You are supposed to be looking at me not Susan.'

'I was, I only looked at Susan by accident.'

'Uh huh.'

Susan and Katy had a go at surfing. Katy rode a surfboard with Jason who kept pinching her bum, he pinched Susan's butt once until Katy slapped him gently on the chest. Susan fell off the board into the ocean, Katy did too, more then Susan. The sisters had never surfed before.

When changing out of wetsuits, not only did Fred look at Susan, so did Jason until Katy, slapped him in the back of the head another time.

The Stark's and Bentleys ate fish and chips looking out to the ocean, whenever Jason perved at Susan bending over in a bikini, Katy slapped his groin.

Jason and Fred fifteen years younger than the Stark sisters, are from Perth Western Australia, other side of the country. Katy thought about an old ex husband who wanted to move across the country, wondered if he is still there now, if he went.

The brothers great but no championship hotshots, had been involved in surfing events round the country and are now here in Queensland before heading overseas to Hawaii, a destination the Stark sisters desired to see in the future.

Jason showed Susan a talent. He had a cap then he got a boner pointing out through his shorts and had his hat hanging off it, everyone laughed Katy the loudest with a snort.

'We are not good influences on them Fred.' Susan said.

The four hit it off. Jason and Katy the crazy ones.

The watcher bides his time, he has decided who will be the victim.

Brothers and sisters with big age gap, hit it off, cause the sisters. The brothers looked youthful same as Susan and Katy.

Friendly goodbyes before Susan and Katy board the monorail, no emotion cause the two brothers do not do relationships either like the sisters. Jason pinches Katy's bum one last time.

'I will be back to spank you.' Katy said.

'I hope so Katy.' Jason added.

The tram followed b y the train have the Stark sister's home as evening approaches.

Goodbyes are said, Susan and Katy return home to find police authorities there, early evening. Neighbours including Gerald Swift, the cousin Nicole with her husband, who left their children being with a babysitter are hanging around outside the sister's house. Susan and Katy frightened, as they walk to the house from the train station with luggage they leave aside when a policeman approaches; their mother has been murdered up in Caloundra. Harold Nesbitt left his details in the mailbox saying he did it, he cannot be contacted.

A note written in capital letters. I killed your mother Stephanie. Regards Harold Nesbitt.

The sisters wept. Katy with her arms round Susan as authorities spoke to the two sisters.

Their mother had lived in Caloundra. One day while the sisters were at the gold coast their mother had a visitor in her house, she demanded he leave not asking how he made his way in.

Harold sliced the woman's throat. She died quickly thankfully. He disappeared and reappeared in the Starks house before the police showed up. Harold phoned them himself and told them he did it and enjoyed it. He is unable to be tracked down.

The following week, the funeral and will reading and other matters are attended. Susan and Katy are feeling strong and do not cry at the funeral. They go back to their lives while agreeing with each other to kill Harold Nesbitt.

Susan and Katy met up with Nicole and her husband at the funeral, they all got along in this emotional time remained enemies, sometimes friendships cannot be found. The sisters and cousin always enemies due to all types of disagreements from politics to finance and world events since childhood. Susan and Katy on a few occasions tried to make peace with Nicole, who would not do likewise. Susan, Katy and Nicole's relationship are a tale for another time, for now the sisters saw their cousin as upper class snobbish, since childhood.

After dinner one evening Susan and Katy swear a vow. Both sisters have their hands over a sink, they will have to clean up blood later, now the oath. Susan sliced the palm of her hand with a knife, Katy did the same with the exact knife Susan used; hesitated for a few seconds but wanted to do this. They made a clenched fist then opened their hands; joined palms, blood touching blood.

'I swear to mum that we will kill Harold Nesbitt' Susan said.

Katy said the same thing.

A blood oath is sworn, they know where Harold is; they plan to start searching.

He was the watcher at the beach, Susan learned one night after the funeral when Veronica spoke in her head. Veronica did not know where Harold is then. Susan or Katy will be contacted, soon as she found out.

Before the sisters swore the oath, Veronica had spoken to Susan by telepathy again last night and told her where Harold was. Susan told Katy.

Blood hands touch each other; Susan and Katy look at each other with admiration.

'This is for mum. Katy we will kill the fucker.'

'We will kill the fucker sis. I swear it.'

'I swear it too.'

The sisters held hands blood on blood. They know they can kill Harold Nesbitt.

The blood vow is sworn.
CHAPTER TEN

If Susan could make situations simple for Veronica like she had done for her, she would gladly do so: Veronica has saved Susan Stark time and effort by bringing her back to this world.

Susan wakes up in a mansion with posh expensive antique furniture plus carpeting and bedding. Susan on a bed naked, sprawled across satin sheets. She snaps too it when looking around the bedroom on the queen size bed. The walls a clear white and the carpeting crimson, to match the bed. Susan wonders why there are no dressers, there is a wardrobe, one of those sliding ones.

A pink dress with undergarments laid out at the foot of the bed that Susan assumes is for her and puts on. She walks round the bedroom, pulls apart crimson drapes and opens a glass sliding door, she wondered if it would be locked but is not. She walks onto a concrete terrace with iron railings, facing the beach and ocean with no people in sight.

A glorious day, Susan knows the area, she had visited here with Veronica and she likes it here very much. This place is beautiful like Veronica, she could live here.

Is Veronica here, I want to have sex with her much as I do Ian and Melanie Williams, Susan thinks.

Clearing fantasies from her head, Susan wants to explore this world some more, she knows this is not earth.

Katy Stark enters being in the bedroom next door in her pink attire like Susan.

Katy and Susan are a trifle surprised to see each other in the new world, that Susan had a slight knowledge off, where Katy is lost.

'Hey sis what the fuck is going on?'

Susan a slight startle faces Katy, who steps onto the terrace to admire the view.

Katy did not appear traumatised simply curious. Katy also dressed in pink. She had woken up naked on another bed with pink clothing provided.

Katy had called around for Susan or anyone. For the fun of it, she yelled out Ronald McDonald. She spotted a bedroom door down the carpeted corridor and looked in; it was Susan heading out onto the terrace. Susan might be able to figure this all out.

'We have been abducted Katy.'

'How do you know that?'

'I just know. I believe we are safe. We are in another world.'

'Ok. And you think I am nuts.'

'I do.' Susan said. 'Anyway. I have been here before. The place I told you about when Veronica paid me a visit.'

A powerful feminine voice called out if anyone is here. Bertha. Real name Phillipa walks in, she is dressed in pink gear, the extra-large comfortable size for her big masculine figure.

The sisters knew the voice.

'Susan went back into the room and looked into the corridor.

'Bertha?'

The tall black woman appeared, she embraced Susan.

'Susan. What are we doing here?'

'There might be more of us.' Susan said.

Susan believed Veronica abducted them while they slept and teleported them here. The three had been asleep and woke up in a different place. Bertha gave Susan a strange stare; she didn't disagree.

Bertha had been asleep by her husband, the previous evening, next she had been in another bedroom. She like Katy had called and searched the corridor until she heard Susan.

They walked into Susan's room.

Bertha!' Katy called.

Bertha and Katy embraced. Bertha like Susan could lift Katy off the ground when she hugged someone.

'They even abducted you too Katy doll.'

'Hard to believe.' Susan joked.

Bertha is not frightened; she believes that Veronica has a good reason for this abduction. Bertha informed Susan and Katy, that when they are in this world called Jeeca, time is still in the real world, meaning her husband and kids will not know she had been gone. Veronica used telepathy to tell Susan the same thing, even Katy and whoever else would be here.

The interior of this rich joint boasted expensive furniture, there were no giant screen TV's or any technology. Dining rooms and portraits of world- famous paintings, including the Mona Lisa and the scream. Even artwork of past European explorers only a real historian could explain. Nothing here is cheap, it is expensive and in perfect condition and clean. The drapes, carpeting and wallpaper are red, like the beds; aa total of eight bedrooms, not all full, but there is another guest here.

The brunette girl Tamara is eighteen, little shaken then relaxes when seeing the others, mostly Susan. They sprawled on the sofas in the lounge, Tamara rushed to sit next to Susan. She ignores Katy and Bertha as she places her arm around Susan and stroke her hair.

'Sweetie. I am Tamara and I masturbate over you a lot.'

Susan does not mind being touched by this girl.

Katy looks at Bertha.

'Tamara, knows how to open up, hey Bertha.'

Tamara briefly looked at Katy than Susan.

'Sweetie, it will be an honour to open my legs for you. I must have masturbated over you more then two hundred times.

'Jesus Tamara.' Katy said. 'want to share any secrets with us while you're at it?'

Bertha laughed at Katy's sarcasm.

'Thanks Tamara.' Susan said.

'I work in one of those x rated porn booths sweetie where people watch me masturbate. My family and I do not talk about our lives. I live with friend's, both straight. I invite people to enter me, that includes you sweetie.'

Tamara moves her hand round Susan's hair and down the back.

'So, Tamara. Your parents wanted you to be either a lawyer, doctor or masturbator.' Katy joked.

Bertha laughed, not bothered by this young girl's dirty mind.

'There was no dildo or vibrator in my room sweetie. I would love to have you in me.'

'Fucking hell Tamara!' Katy said. 'If I knew you were going to be here, I would have brought my vibrator. Wait, I do not have a vibrator. We had some carrots in our fridge.'

Katy snorted, Bertha laughed, Susan smiled.

Tamara looked at Katy.

'Darling, a carrot would have been fine.'

'Jesus Christ.' Katy said.

Susan faced Tamara who now moved her hands over Susan's legs.

'We can do something later Tamara, but we need to know why we are here. I think I have an idea.'

'I don't care anymore sweetie, long as we are together.'

'I probably am too old for you Tamara. Your too young.'

'No darling. I have been with people of all ages. You can call me mummy sweetie.'

'Thanks.' Susan murmured. 'Tamara, we need make sense of our situation.'

'Yes, sweetie.'

Tamara, who only went to grade eleven and dropped out to be with friends who did weed a lot, friends who were friends with people in high places. Tamara who goes both ways has never been in a committed relationship, she is a man eater like the Stark sisters. She had fallen asleep in her own bedroom, in the apartment she shared with two flatmates in Sydney. She will not be missed: time is different in this other world.

Tamara had changed into the pink dress she found on her bed, she had woken up nude, when she found herself in another room, she changed. She did not look outside, same as Bertha, she went around to find someone and of all people to be here it is Susan Stark, that Tamara loves.

Bertha, Tamara, Susan and Katy walked around the house with its spacious bedrooms and lounges and kitchen with a door going outside to a giant swimming pool of beautiful blue water and blue concrete and a statue of a woman paved into the concrete at the pools edge standing eight feet tall. The lawn chairs are all pink under pink roofing. Everyone admired the place even Tamara holding Susan's hand took her mind out of the gutter and admired the place.

A beautiful statue of a sexy woman, Susan thought.

Susan knew the statue to be Veronica, the others assumed this to be Veronica Vikers.

A corpse floated face down. Susan lets Tamara's hand go. She knows Veronica is unconscious. Susan jumps into the pool and brings Veronica to safety. Susan went to the pool steps with her arm around Veronica.

Susan could tell it was Veronica-even face down- by the blonde hair, though it is wet.

The blonde woman wet, clothes and all is rested as Bertha and Katy place the woman in a lawn chair.

Veronica cannot wake up. Susan says the name over, even Bertha's masculine feminine voice and Katy saying wake up sleepy head. Tamara kissed the woman on the forehead. Veronica is not breathing yet she is alive.

'Susan stays on the lawn chair by Veronica while the others stand close by with concern even Tamara, horny as hell, able to control herself.

'I assume Veronica is in a trance.' Susan said.

'Some idiot threw her into the pool sis.' Katy said. 'She is probably in terrible shock.

Susan wanted to help Veronica, same size as the Stark sisters, shorter than Bertha and taller than Tamara. Bertha wanted to do some police work, but due to all supernatural circumstances, phenomena were more Susan's specialties than Bertha's

'Stay put the three of you.'

The voice is friendly. The Stark sisters know who it is. Tamara jumped.

The sisters turn to face the smirking nemesis. Tamara stands behind Bertha well shielded by the big woman.

Harold Nesbit, holding a gun pointed at them. Susan stands closest to Harold.

'You piece of shit.' Susan said. 'We are going to kill you.'

'Not a clever choice of words Susan Stark.'

'You killed our mother! Fucking cunt!' Katy said.

Bertha is impressed with the Stark sisters: a man has a gun pointed to kill and they still stick it to him.

Susan Katy and Bertha sprawl in chairs as Harold walks around pacing with gun ready to kill. Susan is waiting for the right time to move. Bertha is too.

'Susan you have defeated armies that have tried to invade this planet. Jeeca. Saul the vampire. The witches. Behemoth and even the freak on the flight all in one year. I am the leader of this cult Susan.'

'World domination. Susan said. 'You all come from other worlds with phenomenal abilities. Some greater than others. You are the leader who can come and go. I have figured all that out, you numb cunt.'

Bertha and Tamara hated Harold's smirk. Bertha had made smartass criminals give up smirking by her masculine voice. Harold is different: no display of emotion or upset, that please punch me in the mouth smirk remains big and will not get smaller.

'I get from place to place seconds faster then transport users.' Harold said.

'teleportation.' Katy said. 'Appear and disappear. With that gift you can afford to say and do anything you want.'

'Couldn't put it better myself. I will kill you all. With you lot out of the way, mostly you Susan. I can dominate. I am not upset you killed all the other demons. Means more power to me.'

Harold cannot read minds or send telepathy which Susan does to an unconscious Veronica who still responds while asleep. The word water and fear pass over Susan and into Katy's mind.

'What are your weaknesses?' Susan asked.

'I will share. No one is going to live. I cannot drink it or be in it. Water. It kills me if I'm in contact with it for more than five minutes.'

'You must be shitting us.' Katy said. 'What about your human body-you don't count as human Harold. You are a cunt. However, the body needs water.'

'I am not human Katy.'

'We have always known that shit brain.' Susan said.

'Where I come from and what made me, is no concern of you lot.'

No one believed Harold. When he spoke, he sounded serious. Harold spoke gloated he is immortal conceived by supernatural ability. He shared his weakness: water. Susan did not want to know about Harold, yet she had a little curiosity about the type of demon he is.

He speaks with confidence. Susan and Katy feel hatred, even Tamara who understands the hatred the Stark sisters feel for this man. Harold knows Tamara will not try anything foolish. Katy, he cannot be sure. Susan and Bertha on the other hand will try to be heroes, mostly Bertha, who has dealt with criminals and guns before.

Susan and Bertha are close to Harold, while Tamara moves close too Katy with no funny business.

'Dude, you may be holding a gun, but you can't make us believe water is a weakness.' Bertha said. 'There are tragedies where people drown, but still water cannot be a person's weakness. Can you swim?'

'No. I will not explain myself. I admired you Susan, now we must part.'

Harold looks at Bertha planning to kill. Susan knows Bertha can beat this guy; but the sisters want Harold for themselves. Susan moves closer to her enemy. She grabs his wrist squeezing hard. Harold drops the weapon. He wrestles Susan and Katy moves forward; Tamara lets Katy go. Katy is full of anger and knowing Susan's plan.

Get Harold into the pool just near. Susan and Harold fall back and go into the pool. Katy falls in last as she moves towards Harold while his gun hand points to the ground with Susan clutching the wrist.

The gun drops out of Harold's hand onto the ground as he screams

Susan behind Harold with an arm round the neck trying to drown the guy. Katy helps by pushing Harold's head underwater.

Bertha and Tamara stand at poolside. Tamara wants to get involved, but Bertha will not let her.

'Easy girl. They have this.'

Tamara did not confidence.

Harold breaks free from Susan's grip. Katy swims in behind Harold and forces him underwater. Susan places her hands on the top of Katy's hands on Harold's head, gripping. Harold's arms wave into the air. He hits Katy in the head with a backhand.

Harold gets free from Susan who managed to keep hands on his head. Katy comes up behind Harold with an arm around the guys neck. Susan swims under the water, grabs Harold's foot and pulls him down.

Harold breaks Katy's grip grabbing her arm and twisting the flesh of the forearm. Harold swims towards the edge of the pool. Susan follows and wraps her arm round Harold's waist. Katy swims over places a hand on Harold's head and back of the neck holding his head down. Susan goes underwater and grips Harold's ankles. It is a struggle as he tries to kick'

He is losing air drowning; that is not all. Harold appears to be having some attack. Katy and Susan let go and swim away to the edge of the pool. Harold is standing upright, water to his shoulders. He grips his neck, then the chest. He gasps choking and explodes into blue particles. He had turned into atoms, literally disappearing.

Susan and Katy surface and step out of the pool helped by Tamara and Bertha.

Veronica is standing behind Bertha. Susan runs and embraces Veronica and kisses her friend passionately. Bertha able to look for a short while; Katy turns away fast.

Veronica told Susan while still in each other's arms looking at one another.

'He is some demon Susan and placed me in the water. He appeared after you arrived. I sensed he would be here and had all of you abducted using my own brand of sorcery. I chose you four, I even knew Tamara.'

'Dare I ask how?' Katy said. Standing round Susan and Veronica with Tamara and Bertha.

'I am psychic. I do not make predictions. Images of lots of girls in my visions. First vision: Tamara, followed by other visions. I chose Tamara.'

'How do you do all the magic?' Katy asked.

'I'm a witch of many talents, but Harold a male witch with teleportation abilities is stronger than me.'

The women all sit on lawn chairs, Susan between Veronica and Tamara, facing Katy and Bertha.

'Last night I had a premonition, so I woke up. I have no crystal balls. I use Latin chants.'

Veronica had climbed out of bed last night naked. She stood on the terrace, looked at the moon, closed the eyes and spoke Latin, demanding help be brought peacefully to her. The chant made four women; one Veronica had met in person hear her call.

'It is all witchcraft?' Susan asked.

'Correct. When I woke the next morning, I dressed and after I stepped out, I saw Harold, he delivered a magic punch, that didn't hurt just stung me in the nose and I passed out.'

'Harold is gone sweet doll.' Bertha told Veronica.

'I hope so.'

'We will always help you Veronica.' Susan said.

Susan and Veronica had another passionate kiss.

Katy turned away, and company appeared.

The reunion is interrupted by the tall blonde crewcut woman. Behemoth.

'You bitch. Susan Stark. I will fight you and finish the job.'

Susan stood before the tall woman coming up to her chest. The tall manly woman did not die in the red room after an unusual game of chess at Harold Nesbitt's house last time they met.

Susan is slapped on the cheek by the big brutal woman's hand to the side. Susan falls to the ground sideways. Susan is helped up by Bertha and Katy.

'You rest baby girl. I will deal with this.'

Susan knows she cannot fight Behemoth, this woman is more Bertha's size.

Bertha and Behemoth; faced each other two tall women same height.

Two female gladiators with cool nicknames, Katy thought.

'You like to throw little people around.' Bertha said. 'How about you prove how tough you are and fight me. Want to fight someone your size big girl.'

'I don't fear you woman.

The two tall giants locked up and Bertha receives closed fists to the face first. Behemoth is punched next, struck in the nose by the huge woman's fist two time and falls.

Bertha picks up the dropped gun of Harold's and fires. Behemoth is shot and blasted into blue atoms, gone forever like Harold Nesbitt.

Bertha would gladly have let the fight go on longer against this tall woman. She chose to end fast; she missed her family.

Veronica and Bertha have a quick embrace. The group sprawl out on the chairs.

Veronica has given these women open invitations. They need to send a telepathic call to Veronica, and she promises to hear.

Veronica is not different then earthlings just magical yet is human like the Starks and Bertha. No one lived on Jeeca, except Veronica and her servants that visited from other worlds to keep the house and even planet in magical shape.

It is an easy promise for Susan, Tamara, Katy and Bertha not to tell anyone about this planet.

All four bonded. Katy and Bertha left. Veronica closed her eyes holding Katy and Bertha's hand, closed her eyes, chanted Latin that Katy found funny sounding yet kept a straight face. Susan stayed behind with Tamara and made love with Veronica.

Veronica said all is safe, yet Susan believes but ready to fight by this woman's side. Veronica sent Susan and Tamara home the same way. When everyone is back home; they are in their beds late evening. Bertha's husband is asleep, no knowledge of what his wife had been up to. Tamara's flatmate would have no idea Tamara was in another world.

A month later up in Townsville Susan and Katy meet Bertha for lunch along the esplanade. The tourists are showing up with winter almost close where it does not reach up to here though some people have different beliefs.

'We were gone for a short time.' Bertha said. 'Fortunately, with the time thing, we don't have to work on alibis.'

If Bertha squealed, no one better mock or their will be hell to pay with the big woman, Katy thought.

'I don't want to lie.' Bertha said. 'But I don't want to tell the truth about demons and other worlds.'

'People will think were nuttier than fruitcakes.' Katy said.

'Like Katy.' Susan said.

'We are all in the same boat Katy doll.

'Well sis.' Katy said. 'Are the monsters gone?'

'For now; but who knows.'

Mary mother of god.' Katy said. 'This gets weirder by the minute.'

No one can disagree on that.

'Well sis.' Katy said. 'We didn't learn a great deal about Veronica and Harold. What is their background?'

'Well Katy. Our story has plot holes, we do not know anything about what we fought and conquered. Plot holes just like The Paranormal Activity films, that needs another instalment. I love those films, yet I believe they need more detail like what has happened to me with the demons. There is much to learn.'

Bertha had not watched those films, her family preferred action films. Katy liked the first one, but stopped after seeing the third, not caring for this franchise that Susan enjoyed.

No more encounters have happened in the last month, Susan and Katy had contact with Bertha who goes on with her daily life.

The sisters sometimes wondered about Nicole who did not really need protection from anyone, but Katy thought their cousin, if she knew if anyone would save her: Nicole would look the other way. Susan and Katy's battles were not Nicole's affair, so they forgot Nicole.

Susan wondered if there would be any more encounters. Would she face demons and figure out any plot holes?

She had no knowledge of Harold Nesbitt or Veronica Vikers background realistic or supernatural. Susan planned and promised to see Veronica again.

One day and moment at a time, the women all agreed. This had been an adventure, that Susan admitted she in some slight way enjoyed when meeting and facing demons, though it is no picnic.

Susan communicated with Tamara by social media, not to mention Ian and Melanie Williams and their children. Susan believed a happy ending for now, yet she wondered if there would be more demons. She assumed yes. Both sisters, still sceptical atheists, believe they have not seen the last of the monsters.

THE END

