

BLOOD AND DARKNESS

SEVEN INVITATIONS

Trapped in the vampires building, no one heard the girl scream for help.

She fled through corridors and down stairways in the lavish posh hotel,

escape the madman and his accomplices, whatever they were who summoned her

here for reasons that led to the death of her friends. The girl wanted out; the owner

refused it. The frightened blonde panicked

She moved into the elevator, in working order.

The short ride down felt endless like it didn't want her to leave. The lift halted,

the doors opened into the foyer. She investigated the waiting room and restaurant area

past reception; deserted despite the hotels clean and perfect look for the upper class

society of marble furniture, red carpeting, gold railings and famous artworks over the

walls.

The girl weeps and trembles; can't see the killer, able to see her. The girl runs to the black sliding doors: exit and entrance; locked trapping her inside unable to see out through the black glass.

The hotel located in a side street instead of a long-stretched street out of the

main business district; screams for help shouldn't fall on death ears has to be a

pedestrian or motorist passing by that somehow notice her whatever the time of day.

She banged on the glass and stopped when she heard footsteps. She turned and

faced a woman with wavy blonde hair and long white dress. Jody made eye contact

with her victim, eyes blazed silver. The frantic girl relaxed as she gazed into the

eyes of the being, her fear passed; tears gone.

Jody hissed; fangs revealed as she approached the teenager under the curse of the

Vampire's influence, the girl is silent, no movement. Jody placed her hands on the

Shoulders looked at the bulging jugular vein of the girl's neck. Sharp incisions found their target.

Seven worried and concerned guests assembled in the foyer of the deserted

hotel now changed from its original name after being taken over by Starkweather

Incorporated named Hotel Bathory. The hotel has lighting, the dark glass doesn't

obliterate the interior darkness and it is air conditioned.

The citizens gathered in the lounge; some paced others sat. A tray of

glasses and scotch had been left on a table in the waiting room outside the restaurant.

No one felt like drinking except the old man. The guests afraid: summoned here

against their will with no idea.

Dominick Johnson, late thirties like Diane Jackson both hailed from the

Inland city of Toowoomba Qld, worked in the supermarket chain as stock fillers,

with different companies, the two had never met until today. Sandra

Hopewell from here in Sydney also late thirties a divorce lawyer, who went by the

book and occasional favouritism to women when she could. Jenny Voss nineteen, shy

hotel maid at Queensland's Gold Coast, being in this hotel made her feel like she was

back at work. Jason Picket, mid-twenties a mechanic from Adelaide with a

macho attitude, he is the only one here not afraid but curious like the others. Greg

Carter, a Melbourne Accountant, who knew finance better than most people and

refused to be quoted on any financial issue. Henry Lindenberg, seventy-one retired

from the army, a former colonel living in Perth. Everybody arrived in Sydney the

same day picked up at the airport by servants. The guests felt like they were

being kidnapped: they had been blackmailed.

It had been a long day, leaving their hometowns except Sandra. They flew to

Sydney airport and were met outside the boarding gates by servants dressed in black

suits including brim hats and shades. Jason, Dominic and Jenny thought they looked

like The Men in Black from the movie. Jason cussed and made jokes; his driver had

no sense of humour.

The drivers held up signs of the last names of the six. Most came on

separate flights throughout the day. Sandra had been picked up from her house close

to Sydney harbour, she'd won custody of from her ex-husband. Diane and Dominick

and Jenny had the same flight, strangers among one another. All guests had one-way

tickets mailed to them with their blackmailing letter. Their drivers picked them up,

ordered them to ask no questions and follow them. They wanted to ask stuff. Sandra

did and rubbed her lawyer skills into no effect. Jason swore and demanded an

explanation, no driver cooperated, just threatened them to follow and if they didn't

authorities would arrest them. Jenny, Diane and Dominick were picked up at the same

time. The driver managed to have three names to a sign. Jenny is the most frightened

and clings to Diane in the backseat of a black Toyota, same as the other car's guests

were in. Sandra is picked up last after losing a divorce case and takes her frustration

out on her driver. All seven had no choice: they had been drafted. None of these individuals

had ever been blackmailed a day in their lives, until now. New frightening territory, no one knowing if they are part of a prank or something drastic.

After Sandra walked in last followed by her driver the sliding doors sealed

themselves locked. Sandra tried to pry the doors open like Greg and Dominick had.

Jason threw a chair at the glass and not a crack.

The seven allowed to wonder the hotel freely. Jenny who looked younger

then nineteen always asked for ID when going to a club or having a drink sat on a sofa

beside Diane who is frightened takes the young auburn-haired girl under her wing.

Dominick paces the foyer and stares into the deserted restaurant. Greg, Henry and

Jason sprawl on a leather sofa with their scotch drinks on the coffee table. Sandra

paces around the entrance using her mobile phone.

'Phones out.' she said to no one in particular.

'Jason looked towards her. 'What's up honey?'

'Don't call me honey! I can't phone anywhere. Every time I try, I don't receive

any signal. Brand new technology. Fuck it.'

Dominick tried the phone at the reception desk: dead. Everyone else

tried their mobile phones; no signals. Greg tried the computer at the reception

desk, it was plugged in and switched yet the screen remained dark. He assumed the

technology needed an upgrade.

'Not happening.' Jenny muttered.

The youngest member chewed on her nails not looking at anyone, her

skinny body trembling.

'I'm scared to dear.' Diane said. 'We must make sense of our situation.'

Jenny thought Diane had a sweet-talking voice.

Dominick went to sit on the lower flight of stairs leading up to the first floor.

He took a letter out of his pocket. It was typed up like a business letter. He read it out:

'Dominick Johnson; you are summoned to appear in Sydney at the hotel

Bathory.' He read the day and the date of this day. 'If you do not oblige, you will be

fined ten thousand dollars. If you seek help from any law-enforcement, you will be

prosecuted. I know your past crimes. You will be met at the airport and brought

here.'

The other six mentioned they had the same letter with no return address-

Sandra's is different not having to go to the airport-signed Ramone.

'I don't plan to stay!' Sandra said. 'I'm in a shit mood. A

client lost her goddamn divorce battle! Now some bastard wants to provoke me.'

'Unwind Baby.' Jason said. 'Come and sit next to me, you guys move aside.'

Sandra told him to shut the fuck up; he shrugged.

'I'm glad someone is relaxed.' Greg commented, to Jason, sounding business like. 'We

have been blackmailed.'

Dominick who kept sneaking glances at the attractive Diane not caring if she

noticed said: 'We have been drafted and I think we have to cooperate.'

'I'm not.' Jason said, stroking his three-day beard growth, only guy here not

clean shaven.

'Attention invited guests!' a demanding voice over said. Everyone got startled even

Jason who doesn't scare easy had to agree with everyone that the male speaker boasts one of those frightening and threatening voices.

Everyone scans the foyer; looking for somebody, what they can tell it's

an audio hook up but become immobile when accusations are made, terror and

shock penetrates all seven as the threatening loud voice thunders through the foyer.

Dominic would think later that the frightening voice reminded him of Orson Wells, in the Agatha Christie, film: And Then There Were None. To Dominic the accusations sounded like mad ramblings that got to the point.

'Dominick Johnson: guilty of sexual assault. Diane Jackson,

responsible for the death of an eleven-year old boy. Sandra Hopewell, you

murdered your client's husband. Jenny Voss, you caused a friend to overdose on drugs.

Jason Pickett, you plotted for the car to blow up that killed your ex-wife and

boyfriend. Greg Carter, you provoked a client to commit suicide after you swindled his

financial affairs your way. Henry Lindenberg, army veteran, you sent a man to his

death in order to marry his lover. You will assemble in the restaurant in an hour,

don't try to escape.'

The voice cut out, they all heard it clearly over the ground floor. Jenny looks

the most mesmerized, Jason and Sandra furious. Jason paces the foyer, using vulgar

language.

'Show yourself asshole.'

'Must you swear so much?' Diane asked. She stayed next to Jenny who

trembled with tears.

'Didn't you hear that?' Jason exclaimed, still pacing. 'I'm not going to

take that! Diane, fucking swearing should be the least of your worries!'

Diane couldn't respond, she like the others had to tried to keep calm and

maintain their composure. Sandra and Jason irate, the others are

stunned breathless anxious to inquire. Jenny wondered if the voice would return.

Sandra, sat down on a chair, tried to get her mobile working. She swore

remembering it didn't work.

'Fuck!'

'We should be able to get reception.' Greg said. 'It's ironic the

phones aren't working, unless there is a technical issue with the phone company.'

Henry, the oldest of the group, needed a shot of whiskey. He went into the

restaurant; found the bar and went behind it; the lights all worked plus the

refrigeration; why not the phones?

Greg, Jason, Sandra and Dominick walked over to the bar.

'Gentlemen and lady what can I get you?' Henry said. He kept a smiling face.

'Glad someone's feeling pleasant old timer.' Jason said, face red with hatred.

Henry served the drinks they asked, knowing where everything was, he had

drunk in bars over the world during his army days.

'My friends I have a military background, I've been shot, stabbed, injured in

an explosion, even cheated death against terrorists around the world, I am not scared

of a threatening voice over from above.'

'Good for you mate.' Greg said.

'I've observed tragedies worldwide, but I've always learned to keep a sense of

humour thanks to therapy. You youngsters shouldn't let a voice over break you.'

'Why don't we assemble in the restaurant?' Dominick said. 'We can try to

make sense of this ordeal.'

Jenny and Diane joined the rest at a large table Greg was familiar with

from business meetings and fancy restaurants with staff and family, though never

clients, not getting attached to customers emotionally. With this group, he felt like

he was having a dinner meeting with new business associates, though this time, the

issue isn't finance...yet.

Henry brought over the bottle of whiskey and placed it next to his glass. Jason

and Dominic indulged a beer; Greg scotch. Sandra preferred a Martini, she had

to fix it herself, Henry didn't know that alcoholic beverage. Diane enjoyed red wine,

Jenny liked beer. She is the most frightened and shaken up, she kept drinking water to

settle her nerves.

'Come on kid.' Jason said to Jenny. 'I'm going to put this shithead in the

goddamn emergency room.'

Jenny remained silent, she believed he meant it: a rough looking guy, she

thought he looked like action star Jason Statham.

Jason told everyone he had been in brawls before, even been in gaol and hospital.

'I did not murder my ex-wife and her lover.' Jason said. 'I never hit her, we

yelled and cursed each other, no hitting, we separated, didn't have the money to

divorce.' He looked at Sandra. 'You lawyers are expensive honey.'

'Fuck off!' She said. 'Don't call me honey!'

'Okay sexy.' He smirked. 'My wife and her lover were killed in a car crash

and it exploded. I did service his vehicle yes, but I didn't bomb it. I wept when I had a

phone call, I hadn't sulked since I was eighteen: I had been kicked in the crotch in a

pub fight.'

Jason shared little emotion in his rough macho voice. Dominic

thought; he wanted to go next, if someone else went ahead; fine.

He felt different than the others: not linked to a murder victim.

'I'm embarrassed.' Dominic said. 'I was at the gymnasium in a spa and I was

hitting onto this nice gorgeous girl. I touched her legs and even felt her rear end,

she yelled at me. I was gawking at her mouth open. When she snapped, I came out of

my hormonal state. A lifeguard came to me, asked me to step out and lectured me

and gave me a warning not to do what I did again. The woman screamed at the

lifeguard to throw me out. I was asked to leave. I stayed away for months then

went back after things blew over and no more dramas. That was fifteen years ago. We

were both eighteen.'

Jason and Henry burst into laughter; Dominic wondered if Jason was going to

fall out of his chair, or the old guy have a heart attack. He had a quick glance at

Sandra and looked away from the woman with a scorned stare ready to pounce like a

wild beast. Greg shook his head. Diane and Jenny are speechless.

Jason had forgotten his anger. 'Horny bastard.'

'Nothing like the army.' Henry said. 'Wait it was like the army.' He joked.

Jason's laughter became more hysterical.

'Shut the fuck up!' Sandra demanded. She pointed at Dominic: 'That pervert got off

light, he was fucking lucky.'

Dominic agreed there. 'It was a long time ago. A lesson learned the hard way.'

'Sometimes lessons can only be learned the hard way.' Greg said.

Dominic wondered if they would gang up on him, he hoped poor young Jenny

wouldn't be frightened, he had to ease their minds.

'I was a stupid teenager; we have all committed acts of stupidity in our lives. It

never happened again.'

'If you learn from your stupidity.' Diane said. 'You've made a fresh start.'

Dominic expected flak and torments, no one is mocking.

Jason and Henry are settled; Diane feels a wave of emotional sadness

hit her as she remembers the tragedy.

'I didn't kill an eleven-year old boy. My husband and I now separated were

having lunch in the park and near by the horror happened, a young boy out with mates

playing with a football, went to the road to retrieve the ball and was hit by a vehicle

and killed. One of those awful tragedies you see on the nightly news.

Diane went silent, she didn't cry like she had done those years ago, letting the

tragedy stay, in the past.

'I've always found it a good idea to recuperate from tragedies faster than a moving bullet Diane. 'Henry said. 'Mourn and heal at a fast speed. It's good for health and morale.'

Seven strangers summoned or drafted against their will. No one sensed any

potential terror except maybe Jenny. She believed something frightful is planned.

The others are irate. Jason the worst of the pissed off. Henry is cool and

the others respected that, and he had a way of soothing people with words. Dominick

glanced at Diane who is admiring the old man as some idol or inspiration.

Diane noticed Dominic sneaking glances at her, she is touched. She'd

forgotten the accusations feeling attracted to Dominic. The other guys were handsome too

even Jason who needed a shave and the old man had that old guy movie star attractiveness

she thought.

Diane cleared her head of men and focused.

'It was eight years ago. I don't know if I want children in the

future, maybe my ex- had a point in not wanting kids and I didn't think. I also hate

football, though I never care for sport at all.'

Jenny held Diane's hand.

'Not meant to happen to a child.' Henry said. 'I met friends who lost there

children in war. Outliving your kid's children even adopted for that matter is life's

greatest tragedy, that should never happen.'

'I know.' Diane said. She thought she might cry but her eyes stayed dry.

Jenny spoke next; her voice sounded like a child instead of a grown up.

'I hung with the wrong crowd when I was sixteen: I'd left high-school,

flunking grade ten as I searched for fun and freedom, I mixed with other teenage

under achievers. We smoked pot and did cocaine. I had a good friend, he was

my lover, he overdosed and died. After that I kept in touch with my friends and

while I went straight thanks to rehab and one member of my group who helped me get

through the loss of my boyfriend and got me a job at a Hotel in Surfer's Paradise.'

'Some friends were questioned and fined heavily, I didn't. Police asked me

questions took my fingerprints and that was it. My friends and I eventually went drug

free and I like to forget those times. The rehab healing process is slow.'

Greg went next; he kept it short and simple like Jenny, who probably had more to tell, yet chose not to, no one pried.

'I had a falling out with a real estate client. He thought I over charged him and

didn't like my advice on balancing his books and business. Sometimes I overcharged

depending on the business at hand and I hate being phoned at home, he did that and I

charged him high for that-I know other accountants who do that. Sometimes I charge

more: orders; even for appointments made at short notice. He got angry thought

I was robbing him dry. I didn't. I went by the book.'

Everyone looked at Greg wondering if there is a loophole in what he says.

'The client took his business elsewhere and I don't know how that turned out.

He didn't commit suicide; he fell off the roof of his house while doing a gutter clean,

one of those backyard tragedies.'

No emotion in Greg's voice. He didn't sound shocked or concerned.

Henry Lindenberg spoke next. He had emotion in his voice; never let his

past kick him down.

'I was once a colonel in the army, and I sent people into battle, including a man

who had a crush on the same girl I did, we were early forties? He died in combat,

well it's a dirty job. I had to do it. I married the woman; we still live together in

Perth.'

Henry said no more and looked at Sandra.

'I hate most men and try to throw the advantage in the woman's

favour if I can. Sometimes I'm successful but I watch I don't step out of

line. I lost a case: the man who divorced his wife won; she had to give

him everything, I was upset, so was she. Years later I had a fling with a man here in

Sydney, meeting at a bar, we were together for a night. His wife died from one of

the cancer cruelties, I don't know what type, I met him and comforted the fellow. I

have been divorced twice.

Sandra had been beaten up by her first husband; second wasn't violent but

they argued non-stop, lots of swear words spoken to each other. She had no

desire for marriage. She didn't mind the men here, except perverted Dominic who

got off too easy. Henry seemed the most pleasant if she had to pick from these pigs,

despite the age gap, she found him handsome in a way.

Everyone's story; emotionally touched each other, except Dominic's.

'Were all linked to a dead victim.' Greg said. 'Except Dominic. Our host or abductor knows about something horrible in our pasts. '

'Why blackmail us if we killed no one?' Diane asked.

'Where is our fucking host?' Jason asked. 'I want to send this guy to the

emergency room, though I might kill him before the ambulance gets here.'

'Wise idea, Mr Voss.'

It is the same sinister cold voice from the audio set up. The guests

stared at a tall man entering the dining area.

A tall man appeared, dressed in black formal attire with matching cape,

thin dark hair and small dark moustache. Dominic thought he looked like Count

Dracula, not Christopher Lee, Bela Lugosi, Frank Langella, just a madman or

Dracula wannabe. The ladies thought he had handsome features but were not going

to be influenced by his charm.

The stranger's green eyes had an evil touch easy to be sensed, even Jason felt a

slight chill for a tough guy.

The stranger sat at the head of the table. A blonde woman in a white

dress unable for the men to see through, entered silently and stood next to the man

at the head of the table. Her arms and face pale; Jenny thought the girl should hit

the beach and get a tan.

The girl moved around and served bowls of Tomato soup with rolls, no one

complained. Everyone had his or her beverage; the stranger wasn't eating or drinking

or the girl who left without a smile.

'She's perky I must say.' Jason joked.

Greg faces the stranger and being the most practical, addressed

the issue at hand.

'Well what do you have to say? Blackmail? Being accused of murder? I was in

the middle of a business deal with a construction company who are hoping to require

my accounting services, now I've been taken away and they have only a short time to

find an accountant, thanks to you my company will strike out. What's the story?'

The stranger with his bold stare speaks with a cold calm. His voice chilled

everyone. No one ate or drank looking at the tall middle- aged man of youthful

appearance.

Diane, Jenny and Sandra felt the man throwing off some charm spell.

'I am Ramone Starkweather. I have come to give you a choice: two options.'

'Your threatening demands didn't give us any choices.' Henry said. 'We have

been drafted and we don't know why. It's a first for me being a military man.'

Ramone's lips made a smear, Jenny shrieked silently.

'This is no military battle Mr Lindenberg. Everyone, of you linked to a dead

person except Dominic, guilty of sexual harassment that's like a crime

and I summoned you as well.'

'Get on with it!' Jason demanded.

'You seven are not the first I've summoned. Sometimes I summon groups of

any number odd or even, sometimes I've even had one guest.'

'Blackmailed guest?' Sandra said angrily.

'Correct Miss Hopewell.'

'I am a divorce Lawyer; I have the finance and backing to launch a lawsuit

out on you for threatening me and everyone here. You do know that no one has

committed murder and if they have, how do you gain this information?'

'Let's say my breed of servants gets around the country.'

'Breed?' Greg said. An impatient accountant who'd been told to relax

numerous times by working associates and family; this madman

would test his patience, like clients and even family members.

'Correct, Mr Dawes. I help people with past tragedies: death of loved ones,

criminal offences and minor trouble involving sexual harassment.'

Sandra coughed; she almost choked on her martini as she drank. 'Sexual

harassment my dear sir is not minor, had he done that to me, I would run the guy

into court and into debt, sue for every penny. He got off light. Speaking of money,

everyone except me had to pay our own transport and airfare to be here, therefore you

owe us money, we all want to be reimbursed and if you don't pay up, I know a lot of

lawyers. Give us our money.'

Ramone's face went sour; he had limited humour.

He spoke; interruptions don't bother the tall man.

'I come from Romania: Bucharest.'

The Romanian spoke clear English; no accent in his voice that anyone

could detect. He didn't look foreign.

'I won't give you my whole back story; let's just say one day I made a deal

with the Devil himself and the Starkweather family lifestyle changed for the better.

'We don't give a flying fuck about your life story.' Jason said. 'Enough of

all this bullshit and let us leave.'

Ramone immune shows no fear or hatred.

'You assume you have been blackmailed. The letters I sent are

seven invitations to make redemption in your lives. I won't send anyone to gaol.

My servants can track you down and kill you. My deal with the devil himself is

to aid past offenders of serious or minor crimes and activities and change their lives

for the better. This trip will not be a waste if you accept the offer to be recreated into

new breeds of people. Simple choices: death or become a vampire.'

'Fucking Jesus!' Jason exclaimed. 'We are summoned here from our,

hometowns; blackmailed and led on a wild goose chase just to be offered the chance

to be a vampire? You are so full of fucking bullshit.'

Sandra and Greg feel a rage; others stunned.

'This doesn't make sense.' Dominic said.

'It should to you Mr Johnson. You won a short story contest about

criminals transformed into vampires; I expect you to be the most

understanding one here.'

'I don't believe vampires exist in real life.'

'In the words of your protagonist Dominic: you have to witness the

monster to believe in the phenomena.'

'How do you know so much about us?' Diane cut in.

'Servants workday and night, some create more monsters and others

handle business matters.'

'Let me guess.' Dominic said. 'Those who work in the day are transfixed to do

your bidding under the influence of you and similar breeds. They can't make

vampires but have the power of mind control under your influence or someone in your

family?'

'Dominic you are a quick study. Too many books and films.'

Dominic shrugged, he agreed.

'I own this building; I pay high sums of money to get my purchases. My,

daytime accomplices handle business details when I buy a location. I own houses

and buildings worldwide. No one can interfere. No stranger can enter unless invited-

'-Or blackmailed.' Greg finished.

Nothing offended Ramone not even Sandra threatening with lawsuits.

He is a vampire; no one believed it, except Dominic maybe. He admired Dominic,

Diane, Jenny and Henry. The other three seemed to not know much as they thought.

'My daughter, Jody and I have travelled worldwide. First visit to Australia.'

'Piss off back to your own country!' Jason demanded. 'First give us our money!'

'I assume you have all heard enough.'

'No shit Sherlock!' The tall man smirked; Diane stared at Jason.

'Must you swear?' Diane said. She had cussed in her life but like her parents before her hated foul language.

'You know I do blondie. Ramone has pushed all my anger buttons.'

'Your rooms are on the second floor, other vampires and daytime servants

live in my hotel.'

Everyone including Jason is impressed with Ramone for letting insults just fly

off him, the man is indestructible they believed.

Have I been punked? Jenny thought or am I undergoing one of my old drug-trips like I used to experience. Vampires; she knows she heard right but wonders if her brain is screwing with her; drugs or not.

'I have to ask.' Dominic said. 'Who owned this building before you?'

'A bank that relocated in the city, I grabbed the building when it was up for

sale. No authorities can drive me out thanks to my servants I have the necessary

requirements, so if you Miss Hopewell or Mr Dawes want to investigate go ahead.

Vampires can cut through paperwork and even computer programs and files faster

then humans.'

Ramone stood up. 'Death or eternity; I will leave you all to think as you are

shown to your rooms.'

Ramone left; Jodie returned.

Diane thought the girl looked disturbed and is interested in seeing if she can

provide emotional support.

'I'll show you to your rooms.' Jody murmured. Follow me; don't try to

escape, the place is big and no one else is here except my father and I, but if you try

anything it will result in death.'

No one made trouble, guests allowed to wander the hotel; they couldn't

escape, all exits are locked hope there isn't a fire Diane thought.

Diane felt like she wanted to be rude to Ramone, no matter how charming the guy is. She is sweet most of the time. she is pissed off but not as much as the others, especially Jason.

The guests had their own room: two beds, a picture on a wall; closet and

television; bathroom and a fridge with glasses and red wine. Rooms; carpet and

bed sheets are all red and clean. Diane is impressed with the neatness and look of the place that hopefully won't be her trap or anyone else's for too long.

Diane the last one shown to her room saw Dominic admiring her, he

was across from her. She gave him a brief smile then is taken away by Jodie.

'How do you both like Australia Jodie?'

'Fine. I'll bid you goodnight. Facilities are open for your requirements.'

A rude girl I don't want to rub up the wrong way, Diane thought.

Jenny and Diane whenever they looked at Jody, felt a winter coldness inside

them, unlike her father that when you looked at him, he had a twinkle in his eye. Even

Sandra would agree he is handsome, though not trustworthy.

'That's kind. Thank you.'

Diane gave Jodie a smile; the young girl walked away.

Sandra approached Diane outside her room.

'You're a nice girl Barbie doll. I saw you flirt with Dominic. I'd be careful. He

might not be your Ken Doll.'

Diane had never been called barbie doll before, not that she remembered.

'I'll be careful, thanks Sandra.'

'Men are pretenders Diane who lie to get into our pants.'

'I won't deny that Sandra, but a lot of men are also sweet and charming.

Dominic might be one of the prince Charming's in the world.'

'Well be careful, if he tries anything stupid let me know.'

Sandra left. Diane sighed and went into her room. She'd never been called a

barbie doll before. Sandra might be right, but she felt an attraction to the man.

Diane parted the curtains and the giant black glass window could not be

opened; air conditioning is fine, though the coolness in the room has an eerie

atmosphere she can't place only feel, did the others feel this? She invited Jenny

to stay with her here: no; she just wanted to sleep; understandable.

Diane with no hate felt a little pissed about this trip. She got over it fast, unlike the others.

Ramone is charming and handsome; she believed he could cast a spell of lust over women by

Staring. He would be a better guy if he didn't open ugly doors from people's pasts and claimed to be a vampire. This trip is a goose chase and somehow, we have been suckered.

Diane wanted to sleep and wake up in her own bed, thoughts drifted back to

Raymond, wondering like the others obviously what this madness is all about.

Time to turn in as she opens her suitcase, there is a knock at the door.

She worries. Friend or foe let's see. Diane answered and it's Dominic.

'Hi.' Dominic said. He sounded relaxed. She finds him

attractive but wonders if he is the sexual predator he used to be.

'What can I do for you sir?'

She smiled, even felt a giggle coming on, something she hadn't done since

High school, she felt like child developing her first crush.

'Red wine in the refrigerator; why don't we share?'

'Are you still a horny pervert?'

'Yes. If you give me permission to be one.'

Diane laughed, he smiled; the thought of vampires had passed.

Dominic and Diane communicated with each other. They worked

in Toowoomba supermarkets, liked books and films. Dominic commented that

they had the same initials.

Their taste in entertainment is different.

'I'm pathetic.' Diane said. 'I read Mills and Boon novels, record television

soap operas while I'm at work. I enjoy romantic comedies with Julia Roberts. I

watched two of those films on TV, my poor ex-boyfriend had to watch

Pretty Woman and My Best Friends Wedding with me, he fell asleep.'

Dominic laughed.

'Poor guy. I read Stephen King and Ann Rice.'

'Never read them, I prefer Danielle Steele and Barbara Taylor Bradford.'

'I've never read them, but this situation is like something out of a

fictional tale. When I think vampires, I think Dracula and Stephen King's Salem's Lot.

I've lost track of how many times I've read those books.'

Dominic could ramble on about this sort of thing but didn't: he wanted to

score with this woman. He spoke of the name Bathory: Elizabeth Bathory a countess

from the sixteenth century who had a fetish of bathing in the blood of young girls to

retain her youth, he didn't know the full story of what happened to this woman with

her vampire fetish. Diane didn't want to know; maybe Ramone named the hotel in her

honour or something like that, she didn't care; Dominic planned to ask.

'There is a novel by Agatha Christie: Ten Little Indians. I don't remember it

well, but ten characters are brought together, they all have a criminal past of some sort

and are killed off one by one until the last two are left standing. The idea is we don't

let that happen to us: killed one by one. We need to relax and think of a way to leave.'

'I forgot to ask Jodie how did the voice over trick works?' Diane said.

'I asked her that: the vampires do have technology. Ramone was in a

private room with audio equipment. I also asked has anyone tried to invade this place

and tear it down. She said yes and perished for it.'

'Okay.'

Diane is on her second glass that Dominic takes away.

'I was once a bad boy.' He said. 'I won't do that sort of thing again, fondling a

girl I don't know. I'd passed her a few times and small flirtations. I behaved myself

afterwards. I never saw her again.

'We were all stupid teenagers learning lessons the hard way.'

'How about letting me come out of retirement tonight and be a naughty boy.'

He is prepared for rejection, he would walk out and hit onto her another time

with a different approach. She didn't kick him out.

Diane smiled at him and both make this uncalled trip worthwhile.

Time to leave Jason is not sticking around this madhouse, I'm going and I'll

kill anyone who gets in my way.

He searches the room, no cutlery; he swears; these freaks are clever

at hiding weapons, never mind.

Jason grabs his suitcase and walks out, scans the corridor. No one about, if

anyone gets in the way he will deal with them.

He walks out and down a stairway of red carpeting; it made him laugh.

If Jason found something expensive to hock, he'd take it, get reimbursed.

Jason went to the reception area; lights on everywhere. He walked

to the black sliding doors, unable to see out, if he could open them then he'd be

outside among regular mad civilisation.

He tried to pry the doors apart, too heavy. He looks around the hotel, he would

break the glass that's when he sees Jodie Starkweather, she entered without sound.

'Open these fucking doors!'

'Watch your choice of words.' Jodie murmured.

'Fuck you!'

He tries to pry the doors open. Never a superhero when you need one, he thinks.

Jody's eyes no longer brown but a blazing green. He is silent and

transfixed under her influence. Jason stands still mouth agape. Jodie walks over, her

mouth opens; top and bottom sharp incision teeth wish to embrace blood and

remove that foul tongue.

Jodie touches Jason's shoulders and strokes his unshaven face. He

stands still and Jody's mouth finds his.

She pulls back, Jason is screaming without sound. He falls to the floor

kicking his arms and legs about. To the side of him on the floor is his severed tongue.

She had removed the man's tongue with her fangs.

Blood teemed from Jason's mouth onto the red carpet. Jason rolled around

hysterically. Jodie stands and watches, she won't smile but finds amusement in

watching this foul mouth individual have his swearing tongue removed.

Jodie snapped Jason's neck around and removed the body.

Henry Lindenberg found a small library in the office behind the reception

area, he thought he would browse and maybe indulge.

A desk, chairs and filing cabinet in the office and a bookcase of non-fiction

Horror subjects filled up the shelf, there was some vampire fiction, including Dracula

and Stephen King's Salem's Lot, Dominic would have enjoyed it down here. He

wasn't fond of horror, he preferred Tom Clancy's military thrillers plus Fredrick

Forsyth, Jack Higgens and Ken Follet's Eye of The Needle, a novel he'd read in one

sitting, his eyes weren't strong as they used to be, but that novel he shot through.

Tomorrow Henry would try to leave and persuade others to follow.

He feels tired coming all this way from Perth on a trip to what seemed like an insane

asylum. The alcoholic drinks here made him feel happy and tired, but always did a

little reading before turning in.

Henry walked out of the office and is startled by Ramone Starkweather in

front of him. He isn't afraid but trembles, Ramone looks irate; he has

something behind his back.

Henry is ready to fight if must, remembering his army battles, not fit as he

used to be. He knew when danger could strike. The old military man didn't see the

swinging axe that swung in the air and severed the head.

Henry's head flew to the side and over the reception desk onto the floor. The

corpse sprayed blood from the neck as the body collapsed.

Ramone smiles, revealing his fangs; some planned escape, he is able

to foresee like his daughter. He knows another will enter Greg Dawes stands at the

bottom of the stairway. He can't speak; he stands gaping in shock at Henry's

headless corpse.

Ramone moves towards Greg; except he isn't there. A wolf, grey hair and

yellow blazing eyes runs and charges onto Greg unable to dodge the beast.

The wolf leaps knocking Greg backwards and pins him to the ground. He tries

to grip the jaw to stop the wolf's bite. He gets his face clawed in the process.

Greg's scream isn't loud enough to wake anyone, they'd be too late

anyway: the beast is greater than the man in this battle. The wolfs paws make wavy

blood lines down the facial flesh.

Greg removes his hands away from the monster's mouth trying to grab its

paws. The beast's teeth rip into the throat and the struggle is over.

Sandra Hopewell wakes early next morning, she hits the showers and washes

herself. Always important to be clean be it a workday or not and she took pride in

her appearance.

Sandra closed her eyes standing under the spray, when she opened them,

she screamed: Jodie Starkweather is here with her in her white dress getting soaked. she has traces of blood on her lips; Sandra doesn't think about that; she wants the lesbian pervert to leave.

'Fuck off!' Sandra screamed.

Jodie's eyes sparkled green. Sandra relaxed, dropped the soap and

fell under Jodie's trance. Jodie opened her mouth to reveal her razor fangs for Sandra

to see and feel.

Jenny Voss woke early; it is almost daylight and she plans to head to the

kitchen, feeling hungry even at this time of the morning, if she just relaxed, she would

be safe and not get killed. Her thoughts vanished as she arrived at the bottom of

the stairs facing reception and a severed head. Jenny still in a nightie and her hair

untidy is wide awake and screaming.

She leans on the stair railing, gasping non-stop, then notices a mutilated corpse

with no face and neck in a pool of crimson liquid.

Another scream; she runs up the stairs calling for Diane. She knows the room

and bangs on the door with her fists.

Please be alive, she prayed.

Diane stepped out of her room with Dominic beside her with robes on,

she didn't bother to think why they were together.

Jenny fell into Diane's arms and wept.

'Diane said. 'What is it?'

She gasped unable to speak.

'Downstairs.'

Dominic moved down the corridor, he shrieked when he was at the bottom of

the staircase. He ran back up and went into the room where Diane sat next to Jenny on

the bed, she had gotten dressed, he did the same while he mentioned the two corpses

downstairs. Diane now looks frightened as Jenny did.

He locked the door and paced the room.

'There's a dead body downstairs.' He said.

'No.' Diane said. She shivered shedding tears.

'Vampires or twisted lunatics; we need to find others and get out of here.'

Dominic isn't no tough guy; nerves try to break his concentration. He'd never

seen a murdered human before. It is frightening; he manages wiping a tear from the

eye tries to work out this situation.

Jenny's no longer weeping able to look up at Dominic.

'What are we going to do?' Jenny asked.

'I don't know.' He said. He managed to keep cool with difficulty.

I love horror fiction and now I'm in it and have no idea what to do, he thought.

Jenny stayed close to Diane moving slowly behind Dominic, walking down

the corridor and down the steps. Diane wanted to scream. She turned her head away

from the macabre sights, so did the others. Diane weeps clinging too Dominic.

He went into the restaurant, back into the kitchen, everything clean, from

the cookers to the preparation areas and utensils, good for deadly weapons. Dominic

grabbed a long silver kitchen knife, sharp shining blade and a meat cleaver, a murder

weapon popular in some horror fiction.

'Precaution.' He said.

'Listen.' Diane said, her voice still pleasant but her tone a little higher than

regular. 'Don't try to be a hero, let's see if we can break out of here and get the

authorities to help us.'

'I want to see Ramone, if he's a vampire then I'll have to kill, or more victims

will be summoned to this place and be offered death or life.'

Dominic took Ramone more seriously unlike others, but he is a non-believer

in the supernatural, yet somehow, he felt like Van Helsing, pursuing Dracula.

'I don't like it Dominic.' Diane said.

'Same here.'

The three frightened guests backtracked to the floor where their rooms are,

then Dominic suggested the top floor and they rode the elevator up.

'He could be anywhere.' Dominic said. 'Head vampire sleeps on the top

floor of his kingdom.'

The ladies ignore his joke. He doesn't feel humorous anyway.

Top floor of red carpeting and rooms, one door up ahead opened, the three feels

coldness cross over their hearts: Ramone or someone is in there, they sense it.

When they look in the room, they are right: Ramone lies asleep on a single bed above the covers so peaceful, where the only light is a lamp by the bedside.

Dominic entered, armed with the knife; Jenny had the cleaver. Diane watched

with fascination as Dominic used the knife to get a reflection of a man with no image.

Jenny looked into the corridor; Jody Starkweather stands opposite, her eyes

blazed. Jenny raised the cleaver. Jody hissed; drops of blood on her fangs. Jenny

moves towards Jody, before Diane or Dominic can act, the two young girls are in the

elevator.

Jenny has toughened up quickly. I haven't, Diane thought.

They forget Jenny focusing on Ramone.

Ramone sits up turns his head; he looks at Dominic. Giant hands close around

Dominic's throat as he pushes the knife against Ramone's breast choking losing his

grip. Diane managed to grip the knife, her hands on, Dominic's.

Diane felt vulnerable, while the other two are locked up with monsters. She felt

Dominic's hands sweating helping the knife plunge down, the tip of the blade tear the shirt penetrating the left chest area. Dominic able to breath, hands no longer round his neck, thanks to Diane's help. The blade less than a quarter of the way into the body.

Ramone sits up trying to remove the knife from his chest. Dominic places his

hands around Ramone's throat and pushes him back so he is lying on the bed.

Dominic's hands close on Diane's hands as she grips the knife handle this

time and together they push the blade through material into tissue through the chest

until the whole blade is buried inside the vampire's body through the heart.

Ramone screams arms outstretched lying on the bed. His arms waving around

frantically then collapses as he dies.

Dominic and Diane catching their breath watch in what is like an illusion in

fascination: Ramone falls into an endless sleep, then his body fades to dust that

disappears materialising into invisibility.

'Jenny.' Diane said.

They couldn't leave the room: Sandra Hopewell stood in the doorway a

different woman: vampire.

Jenny and Jody wrestled in the elevator, Jody the strongest pinning Jenny

against the corner. Jenny gripped the cleaver unable to use it as she slashed

hitting nothing, not even touching Jody.

The elevator stopped and started; Jenny wanted out after being bumped about

by Jody. The lift opened; Jody tossed Jenny out. She had a soft landing on the carpet,

the impact took its toll. She dropped the cleaver in flight. She sees it land by a glass

coffee table.

Jenny moves towards it and is knocked down by Jody leaping

through the air at Jenny.

Jody's body hits Jenny's shoulders and chest; both fall through the

coffee table, breaking the expensive antique into fragments.

Jenny's back breaks the glass, glad her head didn't hit.

Jody stands looking at Jenny sitting up looking for a weapon, a sharp jagged

piece of thick glass would do. Jenny is sore in so many places; she still manages to

focus through the painful battle.

Jody paces, her top fangs over her lower lip, Jenny doesn't want to look. She

stands holding a jagged piece of broken glass careful not to injure herself keeping her

flesh off sharpness and moves towards Jody who's, eyes light up; Jenny takes

advantage: she plunges the jagged glass into the girl's throat. Blood sprayed out onto

Jenny. She pulled the glass out of the skin then plunged it in a second time.

Jody screams, blood coagulating out of her mouth and neck.

If she'd hypnotised me then I might not have survived, Jenny thought.

Jenny steps away as Jody falls onto her knees and collapses in a pool of blood.

Jenny feels sore and relieved when Jody is sprawled down dead. She heads back to the elevator in search of the other two.

She took the lift to the top floor, no stops on the way and she is back where

she had separated from the others. She steps out and the door to the room is open.

She trembles and hopes the others are here. She doesn't want to go into the

room. She wants to know if they are here.

Jenny sulks and gets it together. She is thankful she isn't on drugs anymore:

Jody might have killed her.

It is dark inside except for the bedside lamp shedding light. She paused

in the doorway and screamed: Dominic's corpse lied on the bed; shirt torn open with two women on him, drinking blood from the flesh, sharp teeth incisions all over the chest.

The two women look up, they hiss. It's Diane and Sandra. Sandra is naked, after being cornered in the shower, Diane is dressed, both different, the one true friend and money grabbing man hating divorce lawyer have fangs for teeth and their eyes a dark crimson.

Jenny is cornered before she can think of running. The ladies glowing red eyes

look into Jenny's terrified weeping eyes.

Jenny is in a trance, no fear, her eyes no longer watering, last tear shed.

'Free from the evil of mankind's twisted world.' Sandra

said. Her voice sounded as she had a lisp, speaking through hissing sounds.

Diane walks over to Jenny; her blonde hair appears blonder than she last

remembered seeing it. She stroked Jenny's face.

Sandra approached Jenny.

'A new race Jenny.' Sandra hissed. '

'Join us Jenny.' Diane said. 'Lives of eternal freedom. We will

live here and go out into the night.'

Sandra and Diane moved in surrounding Jenny who smiles looking into

Diane's eyes as both ladies Fangs buried themselves into her neck.

Jenny welcomed the embrace.

Seven invitations led to seven downfalls. Three out of seven have embraced a

new lifestyle.

THE END

THE TWO BLACKOUTS

The evening with friends would be an event Annie Hurst would remember long as she lived.

Annie the silent loner who hung out with yuppy friends, she enjoyed. Annie is envious and desires to have the wealth they do. All her friends had explained to Annie they had worked from the bottom up. She wondered if any of the male or females is telling fibs.

Annie I nice young woman with goals to be a crime writer like Patricia Cornwell or Sue Grafton, desired for greatness and wondered what level she would have to resort to in order to gain success.

Five people; one lies dead in John Foster's dining room, after the first

blackout of the evening. An evening one individual would look back on with joy.

John Foster: doctor-of-medicine; invited four friends to dinner. Rodney

McDougall, Lawyer. Sally Roche, travel consultant and Annie Hurst, a checkout

operator in a supermarket; calls herself the underdog of the group with no university

or college education.

The victim is police officer Martin Symons.

The group had been friends since high school, late twenties unmarried but

with partners with high salaries except Annie who dates a low-income manual

labourer. Once a month the five friends reunite either at someone's home, restaurant

or pub. John always smiled; never tried to make his patients move fast, getting to

know them physically and emotionally. Rodney has light humour great social skills;

not a great expert in knowing a good joke when he hears one. Sally loved her job:

travel reporter with a bubbling personality even after jet lag. Travel for a living is living

the dream but not always, she would tell everyone. Annie, the silent one is

okay with her job no ambitions grateful to dine with her high-class friends, they are

richer than she is; little envy. Martin now ex-cop tough and fair being his job had

protected innocents and overcame numerous criminals until tonight.

Annie is the most relaxed during the crisis that unfolded. The yuppies, who according to Annie use financial advantage to conquer their burdens, not that she would say so.

The five friends respected in society had occasional differences of minor

issues in the past, never anything major until tonight where dinner is at the good

doctor's home; around a rectangular table with beverages, glasses and utensils and a

beef roast.

The group discuss their week of the pleasantries and miseries; mad laughter

among the group and the occasional snicker from Annie and Rodney.

The lights go out ceasing the fun. No one can see. John assumes a fuse. The

lights turn on again everyone stands except Martin. Gasps all around, except Sally

who screams?

John examined the body: dead but how? Annie was the one closest to Martin. John made

the examination; nothing can be done. Everyone shocked gets a grip.

'I didn't hear anything.' Annie said. She is in tears being comforted by Sally

also weeping.

'Why would anyone want to kill Martin?' Rodney asked.

All speechless looking among one another; friendship taking a turn for the worst

wondering who to trust and fear. They all strongly hold it together, even a distraught

Annie able to settle.

No one wants to suspect each other: being trustworthy friends for years,

Now the group wonder if there is a murderer in their midst.

'None of us hated Martin.' Annie said. 'Why wasn't there a struggle?

I didn't hear anything?'

Another blackout, the women screamed. Rodney cursed.

'Don't touch me!' Sally screamed. Someone bumped into her.

The lights came on. Annie and Rodney faced each other. Sally and John

sprawled next to each other on the floor dead, no blood or bruises.

Two murders in two blackouts went as planned for Rodney, who smiled at a

hysterical Annie. Rodney had his hand held out: a small fire burned in his palm, a

centimetre flame of orange. Annie gasped and stared at Rodney who smiles, it is rare

for him to flash his pearly whites.

'It's just you and me Annie.'

Annie can't breathe or move; she is slack jawed.

'I hate lawyer jokes, they mocked me, since High school I was bullied by Martin

before we became friends after all my screeching to the principal.'

Rodney disappeared and reappeared. The illusion is real for the sceptical and

atheist Annie. He proved himself fast, before she could taunt and mock. She is

frightened and impressed.

'I touched them all on the neck they choked for two seconds and ended

their lives in an instant. I made the blackouts happen. I like you Annie you can

have wealth and we can own a house on the beach. Join me or remain with the paupers. I

won't command you. Say no, I kill you. A short darkness and I move and kill. I sold my soul

for wealth, by thinking it. I made the blackouts happen at will. The devil has my soul.'

'What fucking bullshit!' She grabbed a small silver cutting knife of the table keeping her eyes locked on Rodney's. Without thought Annie went for her old friend.

'Be gone!' she screamed.

Rodney held his arms out: two miniature flames blazed in his palms.

Annie moved first and plunged the knife into the centre of Rodney's

chest. The servant of Satan failed to take the woman: he can't foretell his fate.

Rodney screamed and disappeared in seconds just like the two blackouts

Annie steps back and looks around sulking heavily.

Jesus Christ what the fuck just happened here, she wondered. Her battle with Rodney is like a fast climax in an old movie, she thought.

Annie wanted to leave. Getting a grip, she wiped her fingerprints of the knife.

It is early evening, lights on in houses; no people she can see. If I need too

explain anything, I better think of something and play dumb, she thought.

Annie made it home after driving to a near-by phone booth-she didn't use her mobile:

she'd be traced-an anonymous call to triple zero then a hang up, wiped down her

fingerprints and fled.

Annie drove back to her boy-friends apartment, he is asleep while she sits and

sulks for several minutes. When the waterworks are finished, she goes inside feeling

better and able to focus.

She strips off and climbs into bed waking up her boyfriend.

'Hi beautiful, he says. 'Any of your friends have anything interesting to say.'

'One guy did. Rodney: he said that to achieve great wealth and own a house

on the beach. You must sell your soul to the devil. Not those exact words but that is the

gist of it.' She said with sarcasm.

He snickered. 'Whatever. If there is a Satan and you see him, I might think of

selling my soul for a couple of million.'

Annie laughed, they kissed goodnight.

Annie lied awake eyes open, impressed with herself: put the

tragedy behind fast and move on to kill Rodney. She isn't too stunned only surprised

by how fast the two blackouts and murders happened and Rodney departing quick

after a stab. Annie isn't distraught; plans to forget and move on. She'll go to the

funerals and mourn.

You cut and ran after eliminating all evidence hopefully. Annie loved them all; Rodney

had a crush on her she never noticed. She didn't believe Rodney the sour puss would

resort to murder.

Selling his soul to the devil? Annie remains an atheist.

She thought I have no phenomenal beliefs but if there is a Satan that can

make me rich and powerful I'd sell my soul like Rodney claimed he did.'

Fucking hell what an evening, Annie thought. Murders committed by a

Lawyer with low personality and strange satanic powers.

Weeks later Annie Hurst tracked down Rodney McDougall's satanic cult

and voluntarily sold her soul for great power.

Annie had to kill someone to achieve the gift Rodney possessed. That

evening in the lounge watching a Big Bang Theory rerun, Annie thought and the apartment

blacked out. He wondered what happened then the lights came on again.

'Pay your electrical bill.' He joked.

The smile faded; Annie stood before him holding a kitchen cutting knife. Another

Blackout followed by screams. Lights turned on and Annie looks down at her boyfriend

with the handle of a knife sticking out of his neck.

Her eyes blazed red.

THE END

THE DARK WOLVES

Two gorgeous swimsuit models slaughtered. I know this better than anyone.

Jenny Moore and Tania Rhine swimsuit models, I worked with here in

Sydney. Jenny was first; four weeks ago, she had been doing an early morning photo

shoot at sunset on Manly Beach in front of the ocean. She made many lovely shots

standing up and lying on the beach. After it was time to leave: her beauty no

longer remained intact, she turned down a ride with the photographer, being picked up

by a friend who was late and found the body. She had been attacked from behind,

Jenny had made a struggle. The scene of the crime, well it's like a horror film, her

flesh ripped open, body covered in blood, slashes over her leg's arms and torso, her

neck had a portion of flesh torn out.

Tania Rhine was murdered outside her apartment on the city outskirts, living

with her boyfriend who found a mutilated body outside the front door. Neighbours

heard a scream at one in the morning, then silence and a headless body. Tania's

body lied on the doorstep, the head lied on the driveway outside the unit complex,

blood flowed from the neck area, the boyfriend out at a work party with friends came

home and saw the macabre sight.

Tania waiting up late for her partner stepped out, she must have wanted

outside air or heard some movement, whatever, she can't say; the neighbours were

asleep. Other neighbours were questioned: no one noticed anything. The boyfriend

turned up as tenants woke to a screaming: it was a traumatized lover, poor guy.

I admit I'm no socialist with models I prefer being a loner, but I didn't hate

them and if I did, I would not wish something like this on them.

The ironic thing is both Jenny and Tania had their bikinis on. Jenny two piece

orange and Tania one-piece pink. Jenny had finished a shoot and hadn't time to dress

before she was killed, I don't know why Tania was dressed in a suit at midnight,

probably some weird private foreplay thing between her and the boyfriend.

I remember doing a shoot with Tania who kept lecturing me to get a boy

friend, I didn't want one and I refused her offer to play matchmaker; she meant

well, I had more laughs with Jenny less of a busy body. Now my two model

colleagues are two dead busy bodies.

I gained so much information by newspapers and television, don't forget the

internet, though I don't watch the news often, now with the killings of two women I

work with for the same company, well I can't help but watch. Jenny was 19; Tania 20.

The company I work for hires models between 18 and 25. We model for catalogues,

advert pages in magazines, tourism magazines, been on billboard signs, I haven't nor

have I been in any commercials on television though I know others who have? I'm the

oldest at 24. Modelling focuses on youth instead of middle age unless your world

famous like some big shot ladies I know are famous over this country while others

come and go getting married or regular jobs; some work and model to make plenty of

money like me.

I work in a fruit store; some customers talk to me about my work. I signed

autograph pictures of myself in catalogues and magazines for male perverts.

Modelling, it's been a dream since I was seventeen, I'll take any modelling

jobs clothes or not but will make sure people and mad perverts watch their step. I am

a swimsuit model now afraid that like Jenny and Tania I could be killed and lose the

girlhood dream.

Sydney born and bred, you get crime here like anywhere in the world,

I never thought in my life people I worked with would be murdered. These

were good women though I never socialize, still I grieve for the victims and pray for

families like anyone else would. My condolences sure though the parents need to

move on.

Sophie Dawkins, a beautiful late forties worked at the fruit shop

with me, she'd been there several years and looked too young to be almost fifty by

twenty years with attractive features and long brunette hair. I don't desire friends

though with Sophie I always made an exception for when she invited me to go

out and have fun. She is married, two children that I met once. Sophie and I liked to

go to the beach or to a bar for martinis.

Don Webber my landlord, early fifties, grey in the hair still handsome and

is a pleasure to say hello to when you pass him in the street, not all about the money.

I do pay rent on time, so I bet he likes me. Don seriously is generous to get along

with. I think that the killer is someone you always least expect like a fiction crime

tale; somebody like Don or Sophie. I can never believe that ever. They didn't know

any of the models I worked with.

I had lunch with Sophie in the city outside a restaurant dining area, where I

viewed circular Quay where Ferry's sailed from and the Opera house with it's

splendid white shaped roofing and the harbour bridge. Traffic and pedestrians went

about their businesslike Sophie and me.

'Marsha.' Sophie said to me. 'Maybe you should stay with someone until this

killer is captured.'

I wanted to say to Sophie I feel pity for this killer. I don't think that would

go down well. I did feel a respect for this killer. Good advice, I didn't want to live with anyone except when I have a one-night stand with some guy, and we spend the evening together.

'I'll be on my guard. I don't go out at night, except if I have a date, though

with the death of two models, I think I'll stay away from guys for the moment.'

Sophie's concern for my well-being is flattering.

'I hope you haven't been put off modelling Marsha.'

'No one including me has been put off yet.'

Sophie and I agreed Sydney attracts all types of criminals like other big cities.

We talked about the murders. We wondered could this be a new

Jack the Ripper or some madman with an evil monster fetish after one to many

Horror films, I like that type of films mind you, especially werewolves those

are my favourite demons, first film I saw was The Wolf Man from the early?

nineteen forties, where trick photography was the special effect, then the effects got

better with my two favourite horror films: The Howling where a reporter turns into a

werewolf on live TV and Ginger Snaps about a young attractive girl with the power to

be a werewolf. These murders are like something out of a werewolf film, with there

gruesome mutilations that I'm responsible for. I am a werewolf. I Marsha Miller

killed those girls and I go about my business being cool and pretending to be scared in

front of my friends. I'm an everyday worker with a power few of us possess.

Next day I did a studio shot against a back wall with Stephanie Nolan a pretty

Brunette aged twenty-three, we wore one-piece pink bikinis as we smiled for the

camera touching our hair and hugging each other. Greg Patterson late thirties

unshaved and needed a haircut, wore terrible looking clothes: our dork photographer.

The guy listened to cricket and golf on the radio, liked television commercials

and that awful hip-hop music. He gambled on the pokies and races a lot, he enjoyed

the pub crowd, that's fine, but boy is he a hobo looking fellow, when was the last

time he bathed.

Stephanie and I did our shots and went to the dressing room. There were only

three of us in the building's studio on this floor and therefore no one heard Stephanie

scream except me. Stephanie worked in a bank recently married, she is nice, stiff shit. I just killed Stephanie hadn't changed out of her swimsuit when I attacked.

Stephanie struggled underneath my monster body. I was the wolf, no longer

pretty model Marsha. Stephanie's face scratched, tissue torn round the cheeks and

eyes leaking blood. I ripped the throat, slashing across and that was when she

stopped screaming. I hadn't finished; I ripped through her swimsuit and tore her

body apart. The stomach opened, her heart and lungs for all to view.

The murder of Stephanie Nolan made the news, papers mentioned mutilation

comparing my deeds to Jack the Ripper. I am now being branded a serial killer cool.

Three model's dead, more to come and not necessarily models. I made sure no one saw

me leave any spot I killed as I left fast-as a woman not a monster. I took all me

belongings, as for prints well I'm not human when I kill, if I left any fingerprints at

the studio I say I left before Stephanie. I can be traced, but my creature can't be;

that means if the wolf that is me can't be autopsied or traced, then neither can it's

human side that did not kill. I must be aware of hunters and lynch mobs.

I belong to a secret cult known as The Dark Wolves, a society of

several people who unite once a week and worship Satan our God, we are the anti

Christ's and our missions come from the devil himself according to our leader; not

me. I have seriously witnessed him summon the Devil himself.

If I went public with a story like this, I would be locked up for life until me

dying day. No wonder secret organisations always use the word "secret" a lot, this is

not the sort of madness that goes public: Hey honey or whatever you call someone

you live with; just going out to a satanic conference with my friends from the Secret

Wolves Society be back by ten; Ha-ha. Don't think that would go down well in

regular society? Do you?

The Dark Wolves (A cool name for a group or a heavy metal band)

meet at midnight every Tuesday night at one of the secluded beaches just outside the

city to far to walk, a black van picks us up from our homes and takes us to the

rendezvous. We always remain inconspicuous and choose a weeknight over a

weekend. This is a beautiful beach and peaceful, it still gets tourists all year round, but

at night while everyone sleeps the Wolves come out to play. If someone saw us on the

beach hidden then we kill and mutilate as we've done before.

I was picked up the following Tuesday. I met up with my charming friends

mid night at the beach hidden out of sight surrounded by trees behind us and no

buildings or lights anywhere except for the bonfire on the beach. We all wear dark

robes and hoods over our clothing and sit in a circle with the moon and stars as us

light and the fire.

The group consisted of people aged twenty to sixty, there was an old man and

a lady with white hair, they looked good, the rest of us are middle aged and

young. Our leader is forty something and he is the satanic master who can really

communicate with Satan and passes on what he has been told. How he speaks to the

Devil I don't know.

Be awesome if the next Paranormal Activity-I love those movies-had

werewolves in it and the coven of witches. My taste is cool, and my brain is demented.

I wish the Paranormal Activity franchise would continue.

Our leader spoke in his threatening tone of voice and we listened.

'Lord Satan is satisfied our society has increased. However the

numbers need to rise higher to allow our lord the prince of darkness into this

universe.' He stood still on the one spot just moving his head, but he knows those

behind like us in front always listen. 'We were born into the world different, not

baptized or blessed in any religious manner, Satan knows us, and our brains have

been made to serve him with knowledge. We were to renounce God and be one with

the anti-Christ. Marsha Miller has killed three of our enemies, while the rest of you

travel the country and make our organisation strong with the power of advertising in

secret silence, groups have formed in other cities and towns. I repeat the number

must increase to open the gates of hell on planet earth.'

Charming, I thought in amusement, sounded like a corny film with Satanists

but don't mock us, this is real life not a corny movie. This is my organisation I joined

three years ago, when I received a visit from our leader one night as I was staying at

Bondi Beach outside the CBD and all I was doing was having an early evening stroll.

When I saw him, I wasn't scared; all my life I have been a Satanic admirer.

Churches always made me miserable and sad just by looking at them, like the kid in

the first Omen movie except no temper tantrums; thankfully my family weren't

religious fanatics. Whatever lives outside our universe I believe the Devil is better: he

allows people to have fun while God sits on his ass and watches the innocent suffer.

I won't talk about everyone in my group, except me and our leader. I will

explain how I became a werewolf and I'm killing models in their bikinis, first the

subject of werewolves: Lycanthropy means to change from a human into a werewolf.

According to the tales, a person changes into a werewolf during a full moon, but for

me it happens when I want it to. I wasn't bit by another werewolf to become like this

or sell my soul during a visit with the devil. I have no mental illness or brain damage.

I go through the metamorphosis with pleasure and pain as my body changes. Hair

grows over my skin and my fingers and toes turn into claws and my face protrudes

outwards as I turn into an animal, I remove my clothes, then when I'm the monster I

know who I am and when I'm myself I remember what I did.

I had a normal family upbringing, none of us religious and I kept it secret that

I was a Satanist. I made friends on the streets, all weird ones who come out at

nights. Then the leader who is none other than my landlord Don Webber, a Satanist

himself never married visited me at home, he had a psychic gift to tell who belonged in us

group and those who didn't.

An only child, I didn't know I had this power until Don visited me and he told

me I was born as a normal child with a special gift, no one could see, until one day

when he had a vision of me and a monster. I don't know Don's past; I do know he

communicates with a greater superior from beyond the universe that we hope to let in.

Don has visions on and off and he told me how to use the power, I remember

he's exact words: 'You stand out Marsha with the power to use anytime you desire.

bring out the werewolf, you can make it happen and our enemies are with you all the

time. I was born into the world a normal child, but I always knew I had visions to spot

the friend from the nemesis, recently I saw you and the wolf.'

Funny thing is when he spoke, I liked it, I don't think he rambled though it

sounded like it, I took his advice and asked how will I unleash the wolf?

'The power of your mind: shut all your thoughts into the darkness and see only

the monster and the beast are unleashed.'

Don and I spoke for over an hour on demon's, but he spoke about our enemies,

These were models I worked with. My reaction was "What!" I couldn't believe

gorgeous ladies who were models and wore bikinis member of church groups over

Sydney. Nudity I thought was a sin, what a weird world we live in today. Christian

women and models rolled into one. I will kill them to stop them from keeping

out the forces of evil. Don told me a lot that night and next evening I joined his

society, I had to swear an oath of secrecy, didn't have to cut myself and mix my blood

with someone else's, though I'd do it. I have been with Don's group for years, recently he told me to kill the swimsuit models. I was glad to oblige. I have never feared the wrong type of crowds as well as the right crowd, Satanists are strong; I enjoyed my group. No killings, unless someone wanted out, then they'd be killed somehow, that hasn't happened...yet.

What goes on, well the leader speaks on how events are going with the

Society over Australia and sex orgies on the beach, I've had many men and even

several women.

I am a model, work in a fruit shop and in secret I'm a werewolf, what a life.

I did another modelling shot three days after Stephanie's death; I wore a two

piece Black bikini and we did our shots in a hotel swimming pool getting wet from

head to toe, models complain about getting the hair wet, I don't care either way, nor

the blonde, twenty-two-year old, beside me.

Lillian was the girls name; I was naked in the dressing room; she showered

with her swimsuit on. I walked in touched her face, I even planted a kiss

on her lips, water spraying us both.

She pulled back and complained.

'Marsha! What the fuck are you doing?'

'You are so sexy.' I said.

I stood over her, she was cornered.

'Be a good girl.' I whispered.

I made it happen blank my mind out, visualise the wolf and I fall to me

knees, I experience pain in my arms, back, legs, and face as I change. I hold back

the scream and let it happen.

Hair appeared all over my nude body, I felt dryness in my chest. My eyes

became bloodshot and inflamed. Hands and claws became gnarled and claw like. All

this took a short time. Lillian stood transfixed looking at me. The beast before her is

me, I'm taller able to fit into the cubicle.

Lillian is about to scream until I slash vertically across her throat. Blood pours

down her neck and breasts mixing with the shower water running down the drain. I

don't rip the body apart this time, I must leave before someone comes.

I kneel on all fours, relax and I shrink, the hair leaves my skin

inside to my body. The fingers and toes go back to normal appearance and my face

changes. This is like before; except I'm changing into a human not a monster and I

go through the same symptoms vice versa.

It sounds weird to always kill a woman in a bikini, but my boss has his orders

from the Prince of Darkness himself for me to do this, I don't know why, it's just a

Demented superior's weird way of doing things; fine.

I got away with it: the shoot wasn't known to the public that Lillian and I did.

We were near the hotel gymnasium, it was evening, and guests were asleep or out.

Twenty minutes later Lillian was discovered by a night worker.

I was questioned by police and cooperated I pretended to be scared, I even

made myself look like I was crying by splashing lots of water on my face, water going

splashing my pupils.

I was questioned then let go, I said I left before she did, and my secret is still

safe, no evidence of me committing murder.

I met Sophie Dawkins next day and she told me something that made me

worry. We broke for lunch from work and ate near the Opera House and Harbour

view area.

'We might be in danger Marsha.'

Sophie was one of twenty people who made up the Secret Wolves. She saw

news of arrests on the news. The society all over Australia had been discovered and

everyone arrested. The organisation closed: a betrayer spilled everything.

Brisbane. Melbourne. Toowoomba. Cairns. Broome was where the other cults reigned

and now they had been busted and arrested for Devil worshipping, secret hideouts

indoors and outdoors discovered.

The one in Sydney was discovered and all were arrested except Sophie

and I last week. The two of us left early before the others we wanted to get some

hours' sleep before work in a few hours. Everyone else stayed longer and the police

showed up. People were picked up from secluded beaches and country houses way

out of the nearest CBD. All groups had a leader and he or she was arrested.

'The society has an informer.' Sophie said.

Scared of being busted, I think I might give up my job and move to

another place like Western Australia. My family is dead: I killed them a year ago. I

loved them sure but I serve the lord of darkness and welcome a greater higher calling

in life. I'll hold of killing after I eliminate the final member who is a model like me.

'What about Don Webber? 'I asked.

'He was arrested, still in custody among hundreds of others.

Sophie didn't sound scared despite being a member. No one knew us and

there was no need for anyone to go to jail, except me for killing those girls.

'We better remain calm.' I said. 'We can get together tonight Sophie and

discuss more in private about our next move.'

Sophie accepted but why is she so relaxed and I'm so worried apart from the

fact I am a killer perfect at covering her tracks so to speak. Sophie didn't sweat.

Janine Harper, twenty-one went back to Greg Patterson's place late in

the evening, outside the city.

Greg and Janine went inside. I snuck into their yard as a wolf on all fours not

busted, if I had then people would think I'm some stray mutt, nice hey ha-ha.

Greg had been having an affair with Janine for months when his wife went out

of town on business errands, I hadn't met her, but I know for a fact she can do

better than this bozo.

Greg's house was in a steady suburb and he had no neighbours for several

blocks. I went into action and sprang through the glass window into the lounge room,

where Greg and Janine in her tight two-piece blue bikini entertained the slob-she can

do better-with an erotic lap dance.

Janine jumped; Greg stared. I stood on my feet and faced Greg, I swiped at

his head, the claws sharp had severed the head from the neck. It flew over the sofa

and onto the floor, the body collapsed in front of me.

Janine screamed. I jumped her, tearing her facial flesh, destroying tissue

coagulating blood until her face was no more. I left her body and snuck out after I

changed back to myself. I gathered my clothes and felt good.

I had done the dark lords work. There are thousands of Christians to be wiped

out worldwide and I'd been ordered to clean up my own corner of the world.

I arrived back to my one-bedroom unit in my suburb before midnight. I saw

Sophie Dawkins, I thought was my best friend. She heard me come in and stood in my,

lounge room with two policemen. I didn't see a car parked anywhere.'

'Marsha Miller.' One officer said. 'We arrest you for the murders of...'

I stood gawking at Sophie while one officer handcuffed me and the other

mentioned my victims then read me my rights. I kept my eye on Sophie: she had

betrayed The Dark Wolves turning herself in and hopefully get off real light.

'Why?' I asked.

'I realized after a short period of time.' Sophie said. 'I was with the wrong

crowd, I no longer want to be a Satanist. I am a wife and mother. I informed the

authorities of the cult.'

Sophie didn't sound happy but not sad either. Trust me to meet the one

who would betray the cult; Sophie didn't mention werewolves.

I'm not going to be arrested. I made the wolf come out. Sophie and the

policemen backed away and stared mesmerised at my transformation that happened

fast. I stood up right and used the claws and delivered a vertical slash across the

necks of the two cops, blood gushing outwards running down their work shirts.

Sophie screamed as the two men fell. She turned her eyes in shock. I grabbed her head and snapped it with a crack right the way round. She fell, I prevented the fight with someone I once admired.

I cleaned up the mess and dumped the bodies wrapped up firmly in sheets

in Sophie's vehicle, including my former best friend the woman I thought I knew

and drove the vehicle into a side street and walked home, no one saw me at this time

of night. If anyone did, I'll kill them.

I cleaned up my unit and as the days went by, I was never questioned about the

dead bodies in the car or other murders: I can cover my tracks, to me it's a killer's

trade secret. I never was suspected as I went to work at the fruit shop and I'm still a model.

I don't know what will happen to my group. I intend to help my leader in

custody and others arrested if they need me. I'll know if I'm required. Now I go about

my routine waiting to reunite with The Dark Wolves and deal with any burden.

Still distraught over my best friend being a snitch and having to kill her before

I could reason instead of kill. I had a busy evening that night.

Months later I left Sydney for Perth, no longer a model. The Dark Wolves are

either in jail or parole and many haven't been arrested so we continue with our,

missions from Satan and Don Webber who spoke to me by telepathy-so much for

mobile technology-said he is free and other groups are breaking free due to high

increasing numbers. That was all he told me. I'm with another satanic cult of

The Dark Wolves. We carry our missions that appear ironic or seem stupid, we

don't question our high dark superior, we oblige.

The Dark Wolves are everywhere. I might see you soon.

THE END

THE TWO MAIDS

The two maids with meat cleavers attacked. One cleaver struck the woman's

shoulder, the other cleaver penetrated the ribs. The woman felt sharp pain with the

buried weapons being removed and struck into her torso and neck.

The woman was rich, the two sisters wanted to take advantage; not the first

murder committed by these two girls, early twenties; expelled underachievers in

school only making it one term through grade twelve. Employers in expensive

houses inland and coastal had suffered from these two killers with no pride. They'd

made fortunes and best of all gotten away with macabre murder.

Maria and Melinda looked at the mutilated corpse of forty-one, year old

woman involved in sport betting businesses that made her and others great profit.

Maria leaned close to the woman's face, blood running from her mouth; looking up at

the ceiling in the kitchen. Blood sprayed around the marble floor and kitchen counter.

The girls smiled proud. 'How do you like that fuck face?' Maria said.

Melinda kicked the woman in the hip. The sight of her flesh gutted and bloody

gave the girls pleasure. The two sisters had endured a wild killing spree across the

country from Perth to Sydney. They had arrived at the busiest tourist destination in

Queensland Australia: The Gold Coast-mad all year round-the suburb of

Surfers Paradise at a bench looking out to the ocean. A glorious day; families and

couples and tourists worldwide crowd the coast.

They had gotten away with murder: no clues that can be traced.

Their father committed suicide by jumping off a building and their mother had

a stroke. The girls had no living relatives and unable to keep their home. The parents

struggled with debt, hassled by creditors: mortgages, education for the two

daughters and constant bills on a low salary. They didn't eat well yet loved one

another. Their father had a bullying boss where he worked in a mailroom, his skills

good; never satisfactory no matter how hard and well he delivered, the bullying

became too much and he snapped. Without thought to anything or anyone he jumped off a balcony high up in a shopping mall. The news struck their mother hard and she had a stroke. The twins were fourteen and taken for therapy, lived in a foster home, and got their own place after getting jobs as hotel maids in Perth to pay apartment rent when they were seventeen after being expelled from school after one term in grade twelve.

BUSINESSMAN SLAUGHTERED

An executive in Perth on business has been murdered, mutilated with a

Meat cleaver, hacked in the neck and stomach, the flesh torn from his neck.

MEAT CLEAVER KILLING

The article in an Adelaide newspaper about a private attorney murdered in a

hotel car park, the man had a celebration at a restaurant where a rich client had

benefited in a lawsuit against a workplace that had been innocent. A cleaver had been

branded through the top of the skull. The lawyer collapsed onto the hood.

Melbourne and Sydney several murders: a dentist found dead after hours in his

office, no one saw anything. The severed head laid on a rocking chair.

In Sydney a man had been killed outside his home one night after a meat

cleaver in the neck. He was a private school teacher.

Maria and Melinda are satisfied with revenge against high society. Their last

victim had been an old woman in good shape. The sisters took care of the house.

"Can't you two whores do anything right?" Not Perfect. Get a move on. Swearing

and name calling from employers. The twins knew all this before it happened.

They had a power to teleport: one moment in Perth, a few Seconds later

Adelaide. After their killing in Adelaide they closed their eyes, held hands and went

to Melbourne, then Sydney and Brisbane.

The twins sold their soul after their parent's death. Maria and Melinda never told a

soul about selling their own souls. They shared a room; one night aged eighteen

they woke late in the evening, walked to the tall mirror in their bedroom facing their beds and

observed a giant black shadow. No fear, not a slight startle as they see the tall black shadow in the moonlight streaming through their open bedroom window, with only a slight mild breeze. They smile, sensing they have a gift to right the wrong with immense greatness. They walked to the mirror, not a care about why they felt no fear, focused on wealth.

A friendly voice spoke in their heads staring into the mirror. The voice

is polite yet implies don't fuck with me.

'You now have a duty in the world. I own your souls. The world is yours

until you no longer desire what your wealthy enemies possess.'

The shadow faded into red atoms leaving the girls alone with what they had

been granted. Maria and Melinda know their powers and choose their mission to deal

with the enemy of the downtrodden.

Maria and Melinda were arrested a week later at school for trying to burn

down a classroom with their teacher inside, they were busted and squealed on.

The police turned up at the school where students and teachers stood around the girls.

Maria and Melinda smirked at each other joined hands and teleported back home

where they packed a bag and left teleporting from their small Victorian hometown of

Bendigo to Perth in Western Australia.

Working in a Perth hotel they both thought murdering rich pricks was cool and

amusing, getting the idea to kill after watching horror slasher films; it would be living

the dream. They had the gift to touch whatever or whoever they wanted and not leave

a print or small clue. They knew the demonic shadow they saw that night had given

them, magical untraceable touch and teleportation they embraced.

In a Perth penthouse apartment Maria had a fifty-year old man tied and

gagged to a wooden chair with rope, he wanted this, Maria obliged. It was evening

and the Perth CBD viewing was spectacular, you could see The Swan River ahead

looking down. The only view this pervert admired tonight was Maria dancing naked.

'You're a dirty old bastard, aren't you?'

Maria left the room and grabbed the meat cleaver from her backpack and

buried the weapon down through the top of the mumbling screaming man.

Melinda shared a bed with an employer who offered to pay her for sex. The

man, naked with flesh of flab, his belly poking out. Melinda didn't want this.

'Okay girly! Doggy style on the bed; fuck you up the ass.'

'Close your eyes while I assume the position. I like a little foreplay.'

These two girls both bad as one another had no emotion at all.

The man obeyed and seconds later when he was told to open his eyes; the man

screamed: A meat cleaver penetrated his fat belly. Melinda grabbed her

belongings met up with Maria who just killed an old woman and her daughter with a

meat cleaver. Their bodies on the red carpet of a lounge room and their necks torn

to bloodied flesh.

Maria and Melinda left a trail of mutilated corpses in beachside houses or

mansions in the countryside a short driving distance to the nearest capital city. The

meat cleaver being the weapon; Maria and Melinda left a trail of murders. One body

had decapitated legs. A body had been found without a face and a foot in a dining

room. Other bodies had exposed stomachs and necks; Maria and Melinda feel no

sorrow.

A man of middle age approached the girls after they stared at him: they also

had the gift to use eye contact and make people give them what they wanted. They

had stolen money from lots of people they'd seen walking around courts and high rise

building in suits. They had it made beyond people's fantasies.

The men who is a millionaire well-groomed and elegantly casually dressed

lived in a house by the beach further up the Gold Coast: Ronald Jackson. He

introduced himself to the girls as he approached.

Maria and Melinda cooperated and accepted his offer. The girls gazed into

his eyes and he offer's to be their employer knowing this is another rich prick.

'We need the money.' Melinda lied.

Ronald smiled, he looked handsome and sweet. Maria and Melinda know

his looks are deceiving. They can't foresee but know he is rotten and has a lady

friend even worse. They are both in their late thirties they know and not millionaires

but very wealthy indeed.

Maria and Melinda went with Ronald.

The house had a view of roof tops with beach and ocean ahead; several

bedrooms and bathrooms among great features along with the tennis court and

swimming pool. He drove his Porsche into the garage and showed the girls around.

They sat on the terrace drinking a beer and listened to the man's sweet voice.

'Nothing to tell, I won Gold Lotto about eight hundred thousand. I never told

anyone except family members and My girlfriend Chelsea...'

Maria and Melinda were given separate rooms taking their pick and started

work that evening doing light cleaning duties. As they worked making the bathroom

perfect they heard Ronald and Chelsea faintly speaking out on the terrace through the

open glass door.

'I quit my bank job. I have gained access to people's accounts, I found a

solution thanks to our secret contacts able to access pin numbers.'

'Were the perfect money thieves...well you because you can prevent our,

crime being traced. Ronald said.

'It's mostly our secret sources. Nerds, eggheads, whatever you call these

brainpans. However, they are a member of our elite groups over the country. The best

thing is we can take people's money, and no one will know. We can't be traced.'

Maria and Melinda horrified went to their room where their travel bags are

kept and grabbed a meat cleaver each.

'Not yet Maria. Tonight, will be fine.'

'These two have no emotion.' Melinda said. 'I know that sounds pathetic

cause were thieves and killers. These two, well least we know hardship.'

'Tonight, they will know hardship.' Maria said.

The maids went back to work and had dinner with Roland and Chelsea, who

spoke about marriage and retirement. These two had wealth at a young age. Maria and

Melinda pretended to be interested to these people being nice-well pretending; the two

sisters who didn't talk much.

Ronald and Chelsea are boring talking about business, but the couple probably

found the two maids dull: they only mentioned looking after their bodies and maid

work. Ronald and Chelsea spoke mostly about themselves; little attention on the

sisters. Maria and Melinda shot each other a short cheerful glance.

Chelsea relaxed in a warm tub while Ronald slept thinking the girls were out

or asleep. Chelsea had a washer covering her face. Maria stands over the woman in

the tub staring hatefully at this insensitive businesswoman. Maria and Melinda only

met these two today but they seriously know that the rich couple lack sensitivity.

Maria used the meat cleaver on Chelsea: the weapon pierced the neck coagulating

red thick fluid. The weapon buried into flesh; blood running into the water.

Maria removed the weapon; blood from Chelsea sprayed outwards from her

neck. She gasped and sprawled floating in the water.

Ronald is in the bedroom lying naked in bed waiting for Chelsea. Someone is

under the covers crawling up to him, he thinks it to be Chelsea; a smile across his face

then a scream that would be heard throughout the whole house, maybe the entire

neighbourhood.

Melinda tosses the blanket aside and gets off the bed. Ronald; lies on the mattress blood around his groin and thighs. Blood jets everywhere as he thrashes about with Melinda watching. Maria comes into join her. The sisters smile able to hear each other talk over the sound of the screaming man.

'Thanks for your lovely advice Maria.'

'Thanks for the lovely show Melinda.'

Before leaving the sisters watched the greedy rich man die, leaving a bloodied

corpse on expensive silk sheets with detached testicles: Ronald had been castrated.

Maria and Melinda kept travelling the country killing and stealing money and

lived wherever they liked doing their own thing. They are confident they'll never be

discovered or have a bleak future that would be miserable. They were wrong.

Neither girl would foresee their fate four months later as they left there

temporary home up Townsville North Queensland.

The two girls arrived back to their house they had stolen from a rich couple

thanks to their favourite murder weapon the meat cleaver leaving two severed heads

in the bedroom by their corpses.

Maria and Melinda in their bedroom going out were shot before leaving.

An unknown Killer fired a bullet into each girl's head. One shot eliminated the girls.

They don't foresee this; the enemy dressed in black including a cap and

sunglasses are a woman who looked down at the bodies. She took off her cap and glasses,

her blonde hair hanging loose. The woman smiled proud of the justice against these

two demented sister killers. The woman leaves the house and this world.

THE END

AFTER THE FLOOD

My nieces lose their mother and call to me for help in the darkness.

The panic hit after I helped Linda move boxes: I'm worried sick about my,

sister Barbara on the north side of Brisbane. Its two months since we last spoke before

the disastrous floods that engulfed south east Queensland and up North to Sunshine

Coast areas to Rockhampton. Inland towns out west also suffered the ordeal:

Toowoomba, Dalby, Gatton and Grantham. Houses flooded. Cars lifted by rising

water and roads open.

I hadn't heard from Barbara these last two months during clean ups and

Major roads reopening. Telephones were down in some areas. Her electricity had

been cut out and the family had been stranded, managing on bread and butter.

I stepped onto the terrace of my house looking out to Wynnum beach, only a

tiny beach but a peaceful place unlike the Gold Coast. This beach had been hit

by the flood like Redcliffe North of me. Barbara lived with her husband and two

daughters and her house I caught on the news in short footage-I knew the place well, I

only had to glimpse-was Barbara and Eric, her husband home, I didn't see them. It got

me worried so I called her mobile three times until I heard a female robot voice

inform me she is not answering. I know she had been evacuated among the two

hundred thousand citizens over Queensland flood affected areas.

Dreams are bullshit, I still have the same one every night. Two little girls

calling my name. They are frightened, and their mother has disappeared. I run through

blackness holding A flashlight in a dark place. I'm outside somewhere; I feel a mild

breeze but cannot see the moon or Stars, no lighting whatsoever.

"Greg! Uncle Greg."

It is the voice of my nieces. I keep running all I see is the blackness. I call there

names and that's when I wake up with no sound. I put the nightmare out of my head.

Those nightmares happened a week after I helped Linda.

I went to my balcony after finishing my manuscript and had a beer.

'Hey Greg?' Linda called out.

I flinched and looked down from my terrace and noticed the blonde woman

separated from her husband, don't know the story there, none of my Business. She

stands on my footpath wearing a sexy short dress. I'm mid-thirties; I assumed she is

the same age, though I won't ask dad gave me a belting for asking people their ages,

my parents thought it rude and insensitive, I agree with that. Linda is gorgeous, if she

continues to make herself pretty, as she does every day then she'll be hot at fifty.

'Can you help me please: I need to move some boxes: their heavy.'

I wondered if a whole tribe of guys would rush onto my footpath to offer this

attractive lady assistance; wouldn't surprise me.

Second time I've helped, first time was when she moved in and I helped her

move furniture last year. I help her out cause it's the right thing to do not because she

is hot like a lot of other guys would do, hoping for an opportunity to hit a home run. I

confess I have naughty fantasies about her; I try to always focus on my present

situation instead of think about something that may or may not happen.

I helped Linda move boxes from her garage. They weren't heavy, some had

sheets and linen, others boasted books, she is retrieving personnel items that were

hers. Her ex-husband brought them round; the couple get along fine but the marriage

failed as I said, none of my business. Linda had been my neighbour for almost a year

since I moved here-don't ask me why-I like the suburb of Wynnum. Linda is polite,

her house once belonged to her grandparents she inherited, she must have had a

wealthy family cause when we spoke the first time, the family had managed to buy their houses in one hit avoiding the loan. Their finances none of my, business either. I'm not the curious type, though I felt that way now: my sister.

I carried a box into the lounge room and placed it down next to a sofa facing a

giant TV Screen-that's real sophisticated and expensive technology if you ask me. I

saw a teddy bear that looked like a monkey, when she saw me looking, it was a

Yakini: creatures like monkeys and gorillas, I saw when in a Victorian zoo

two years ago. This toy had a pair of red overalls and held a little banana in one hand

and a tiny wooden stick in the other, it smiled at me and I gasped with frightened

emotion that hit me like a blast of wind.

'You like Yakini? She asked grinning.

'Cool.' My niece has one like it.'

'I got it in a cheap warehouse in Sydney two years ago, mum made the

overalls. I think it looks cool.'

'Me too.' I cleared my head. I looked worried and Linda sensed it.

'I don't mean to gawk at it. I think about my sister Barbara now. Been months

since I heard from her, I'm thinking of going Redcliffe this week. Looking at Yakini

made me think of my niece.'

Mind focus I thought to myself. I don't want to be a rambling idiot wasting the

time of people busier than I am. Linda is sweet and doesn't think I need a straitjacket

though I told her I might end up wearing one. She disagreed.

Linda made coffee and served biscuits while we spoke at the kitchen table.

'She might be trying to reach you too.' Linda said.

It was still an emotional time: the floods had taken their tolls. People were

panic buying-I'm thankful I was able to purchase some Bread and butter and a Coke.

Basin water catchments had over flowed, rivers rose to great heights bringing

one of the greatest Queensland flood disasters in history since 1974. Three hundred

roads including major highways had been closed due to flooding. The flood caused

almost forty deaths; a lot of city and towns inland; coastal under water leaving a two

billion-dollar damage bill.

Linda had relatives affected; their fine now and generously offered her help

in this matter. She happened to be a fan of mine and said she admired me more when I

was interviewed on local news: I'd donated two million to the nine-network flood

relief appeal. I'm a millionaire from writing children's books. I tell you I am worried

about my nieces and their parents: a wave of negativity washed over me. I tried

calling them for weeks and calls cut out, even on the mobiles. I'd take back my fame

and fortune just to see the family, fair dinkum, I would.

I've never hit onto Linda and she hasn't hit onto me, we get along well, I feel

lust. I won't exploit her, though I wish I could. Our relationship was the usual hello

how are you and chat about books, TV and films, our tastes similar?

After I left Linda's I went to my office and worked on my next book due to be

published before Christmas, I just will edit and send it to my publisher. I sat at my,

desk facing my monitor fingers just above the keyboard; I couldn't concentrate.

I made use of the phone and called Barbara. It rang out until the female robot

voice informed me the person I'm trying to reach is unavailable, so I hung up. I've

been doing this for weeks.

(Help Uncle Greg help.)

I jumped back in my chair and clutched my head tight; I've heard the voices in

my head on and off about twice each day, my two nieces, six and four. Why would

they call me for help when they have a strong mother and father? I'm worried

something has happened to the parents or the children or the whole family.

I'm a sceptical person, I want to believe my brain was playing tricks on me, I

have been up late at nights working. I wake up from hearing my niece's voices in

darkness unable to see where they are or myself for that matter. I'm not on

medication or drugs; haven't been hypnotised or brain washed by anything or anyone,

though my intellectual handicap I wonder if my brain is seriously damaged like some

of my old friend's brains, it's not, the doctor told me, and I don't plan on getting a

second opinion yet despite once each night after hearing those voices, today was the

first time I heard them while awake.

I planned to drive to Redcliffe, I'm anxious all because of Linda's Yakini

Toy. If I hadn't have seen it, would I hear voices and have nightmares? I put the

voices out of my head, I don't believe in dreams, even if they are the same ones. After

the visit at Linda's my nerves acted up and I felt a wave of frightened concern eat at

my brain. Teddy bears, voices, plain anxiety or none of those, I wanted to find my,

family. I'll print out and get this forth coming manuscript to my publisher, head off to

see the family, she's been there for me and I eventually got to do the favour paying

off their houses, cars and daughter's schools.

The voices of my nieces wouldn't escape my mind. Telepathy, my own

imagination of being born with an intellectual handicap, I don't Know but I hope my,

trip turns out to be a wild goose chase. I hope so. I thought about leaving tonight, I chose to wait until morning soon as I'm up and ready. I could have gone earlier in the week, the thought never occurred to me despite voices, now I will go thanks to Yakini.

I had dinner and I wanted to settle down and watch my favourite show: The

Big Bang Theory, there were two episodes on, before the second show started Linda

came to the door.

'I'd like to come with you.' She said voluntarily.

I was stunned and flattered, I invited her in, and she parked on the sofa

opposite me.

'I happen to be on holidays and have no clients.'

Linda is a lawyer, a public one. Lawyers cop a lot of flak. Linda being a sweet

person, I don't think would cop the torments. If people hate lawyers, I believe Linda

would give those tormentors a different outlook on their wicked ways.

'Why do you want to come along?' I asked.

'I like you Greg and I'm attracted to you.'

Wow, where did this come from? I wondered but didn't say so.

I felt paralysed; my body froze stunned and speechless with questions, my,

tongue couldn't move. I hadn't had much in the way of relationships in my life. Two

ex-girlfriends I fell out with though it's no one's fault.

Linda smiled looking pretty. Thoughts of my nieces, my sister, my manuscript

and the gorgeous Penny on The Big Bang Theory on my giant TV screen I didn't

notice due to Linda coming out and telling me she is attracted to me. My heart beat

loud and my leg is shaking. I've never had a serious relationship in life unlike Linda

who had one that fell apart and moving in on me?

'What about your ex?'

'He is a good man, but our relationship failed. He has another woman elsewhere.

Linda knows I'm a millionaire from my children books and knows I made a

giant donation for flood relief. I wonder if she is a gold digger; my senses tell me no.

She is a lawyer and those people far as I'm concerned are rolling in money and all

have yachts. Linda's voice I know is serious. She has a sweet emotional look in the

eyes as she takes moves and sits next to me taking my hand. I tremble.

'Been a long time for me Linda.'

'Me too. Not long after you moved in, straight away I felt some chemistry

between us after we met.'

'I'm only picking it up now.' I seriously said.

We went to the bedroom after I turned off the TV and lights. It was a lovely

night, no Nightmares.

Next clear day Linda came with me to Redcliffe and I told her about myself.

I was born with an intellectual handicap and went to a special school, though

I turned out to be like normal people after losing my dopey looking grinning idiotic

image that made people think I was a spastic at the age of fifteen. I was terrible at

sport and flunked so many subjects but the special school didn't have grades. I was an

okay student and mingled with the children. However, I was always good at English.

A lot of subjects for students like us easily went into one ear and out the next and then

when it was time for English, this subject stuck onto my dopey brain since I was ten,

I've always been a fan of books and movies since I first saw Star Wars the Empire

Strikes Back; science fiction and horror always. I like all movie genres except

Romance. I did assignments in creative writing at school and wrote children's tales

about Princes and Princesses and wicked witches; Barbara was impressed so were my,

parents, not to mention my teachers.

'You are going to be a storyteller for children one day.' Barbara told me when

we were kids, I was twelve, she was nine and tougher and stronger than me. I was a

wimp of A child and baby sister fought my battles.

We had fights and got into trouble for feuding and we were both guilty of

wrong doings. Barbara more, she hit two children when some older seniors accused us

of being lovers knowing were brother and sister. Barbara slapped the girl and kicked

the boys injured leg from a soccer injury. I congratulated her, but mum and dad weren't pleased.

I paid off my car and purchased my house after my debut novel that also

allowed me to quit my daytime job as an employee for an orange juice company

where I had the pleasure of driving making deliveries to shops and supermarkets, it

was a pleasurable job, took months to learn, I started work at eighteen, now fourteen?

years later I was able to resign. I saw so many come and go, then I got my turn.

I've published three children's novels with illustrations and plots about

children who form alliances in fairy tale worlds that battle, dragons and witches. My,

nieces loved the books. Someone else illustrates. My books are a hit, not like the

Harry Potter series-I enjoy, but I'm a hit and have made The New York Best Seller

Times in America. I am in the bookshops with other famous authors.

Linda liked my Red Toyota Camry; I like driving, even if I must travel

to Melbourne or Sydney for book signings, only those cities any further and I must

deal with the uncomfortable burden of flying. I hate being cramped like a sardine.

Linda told me about herself. Her marriage lovely at first then he and her ended

up fighting over budget issues to job transfers. It was a financial issue that led to the

separation. Linda's parents lived on the sunshine coast like mine.

The roads are all open and I drove north. I had my Veronica's CD's playing.

Linda like me enjoyed The Veronica's: the two sisters from Brisbane who make the

best music ever in the business today along with American female sensation: Pink.

The drive north with Linda was pleasant despite congested city

travel. The Veronica's on my CD player had Linda singing along to Hook Me Up.

I think back to when Barbara and I played AC/DC Back in Black full blast and

damaged our speakers and lost my Razors Edge by ACDC. I was mad; she

replaced the items and we made up. I helped Barbara pass her English tests

and helped her with book reviews, the one subject I was better than her at. Barbara

even saved me when we were walking along the roof of our house, we were under ten

I remember playing at night and we wanted to see the stars. Barbara for a child knew a few constellations. She pointed to the Milky Way; I wouldn't know it. She pointed, I

followed her finger and fell forward then she grabbed my hair and I was yanked

backwards away from the edge of the roof and dad caught us. We were grounded for a

month except school.

There was so much I could share about my family and my past and one day I

might tell more stories, even if they don't have big climaxes. I won't make a novel out

of this but I did turn this into a short story in a magazine, two years from now.

There were times when I was bullied by neighbourhood children and Barbara

stood up to them and she got herself grounded two times by punching a boy and

using vulgar swear words.

We always helped each other with homework, though the only subject I could

help Barbara with was English. I remember a time when I was short of money before

allowance day, she would give me money and I did the same for her.

We were normal kids, we bonded and had fights then apologised later.

I returned the favours by paying off their mortgage and kid's schools and got

them a nice house at Redcliffe. Linda is a great morale supporter.

I made it to Redcliffe and drove parking outside the house on this glorious

day. A cold hand gripped my heart.

'It's going to be fine Greg.' Linda assured me. 'It will be that wild goose

chase you are hoping for.'

I drove past the esplanade facing the beach. People everywhere including

some surfers walked around. Just like Wynnum. I arrived at the house, my stomach

twisted in knots by a cold iron grip.

'If there's a God, please let them be all right and I worried over nothing.

'I'm not religious either.' Linda said. 'But I believe they are fine.'

I believed her, I wasn't dreading the worst, or otherwise I would have been

here long before now. I felt patient believing there is a good explanation.

If you're a former special school student your brain gets mixed up a lot. I

wonder if I should go after Barbara or let it be? The decisions I made, I changed me

mind on later. This can happen to anyone but us special school students it happens

to us a lot. I have friends this has happened to you can't make up your mind and are

constantly changing it. It's been happening to me since the worst of the floods ended:

should I or shouldn't I. Well now I'm eventually at my conclusion: I'm going to see

about my sister.

I pulled over outside the house and gripped Linda's hand with my trembling

sweaty one-for a guy who had a good lay last night, I don't feel jolly today. I

developed negative feelings then I heard girls yell out mummy.

I saw two girls running around the side of the house and a joyful relief swept

over me when I saw my two nieces running around the house and the mother calling

them in. She saw me then Kathleen and Katy called Uncle Greg.

The two girls ran to the front gate, Barbara told them to stop. Linda and I

stepped out of the car. I ran to embrace Barbara and her daughters, not a tearful

reunion but a sentimental one, nevertheless.

I followed Barbara into the house, invited Linda. The women got on well. The

girls held my hand skipping beside me. We all went in and had one of Barbara's

delicious apple pies in the kitchen.

'Greg, I can't believe it, haven't seen you since the flood.'

I ended up on a wild goose chase after all and that suited me fine. I worried

over nothing that is passed. Linda and the girls got on. Barbara is glad I have

someone. Eric is working back at the school; he is a music teacher and she teaches

history.

'I was worried, I couldn't get through.' I said.
Barbara told me she and her daughters visited Eric's sisters affected by the

flood out west in a place called Esk: a tiny country town. Barbara and Eric were gone

for over two months, they had to take time owing off for work and replaced with

substitute teachers-I don't know how it works I'm not a teacher.

'I had my phone off a lot because we helped with the clean-up. Eric's

two sisters both married. Their houses suffered water damage.'

'I worried Barbara, though I knew you were fine. I have your contact details

but I forgot to consult them.

'Same here.' Barbara told me. 'I thought you were going to Melbourne for a

book signing.'

'Two months away.' I informed her.

We laughed at her confusion. Barbara thought I was in another state

and decided not to call and when I phoned her phone was off and she wasn't at home.

An unusual paradox of events of confusion during a crisis when everyone's

brains suffer a complex breakdown but coming here if you ask me is never a wild

goose chase at all when you want to see the loved ones.

We were reckless forgetting to consult each other's details and make contact.

We both feel ridiculous, but this happens to people a lot, nothing phenomenal just

plain forgetfulness and confusion whilst undergoing distraction.

This story has no climax unlike one of my children's books or any fictional

tale, but I can still get inspiration for a forthcoming manuscript.

The niece's voices were just nightmares even while awake. What's ironic is

Linda and I: a public lawyer-if you're arrested and can't afford a lawyer, Linda maybe

appointed to you-well educated in love with someone who boasts an intellectual

handicap. Sounds like a match made in The Twilight Zone to me.

Linda and I stayed for the night. Eric used his barbeque and we all hit

it off. I played with the nieces and Linda helped Barbara with chores while I helped

Eric with the barbeque. This event had a happy ending like one of my fairy tale books.

This worrying over nothing turned out good after all; I hope next time I worry

on and off in my fucked-up brain it will pay off again and I go on another nervous and

pleasant wild goose chase. No one had nightmares or voices except me.

Many families suffered the loss of the 2011 floods. What I like about being

Australian is that we are a terrific community that is great at coming together

helping one another in a crisis. All my family are fine, so we must spare thoughts for the less fortunate. I can't put my thoughts and feelings into a specific explanation. The brain is

complex, I think I'm the perfect example of that. Horror in my mind fine, long as it's

not in front of me.

Next time my intellectual handicap brain screws up my train of thought, I

do believe it will always help me remember to understand I must aid my family

even when I know something isn't wrong.

That was in 2011 and now to this present day; no nightmares and I spoke to

the girls, no one had any nightmares or worried thoughts about tragic.

Linda and I married some years ago and still live in Wynnum; we have a baby on

the way.

In my dream I run through darkness into the light where my nieces wait.

THE END

THE SMOKER

The smell of tobacco upset the children, this hot afternoon, while

they waited under the shelter at the city train station. This man had come up and sat

on the same seat they occupied, the middle-aged citizen, clean cut and shaved, in

trendy casual summer attire is no bum, just the disgusting bum habit of smoking.

He smirked at the children as he finished one smoke and lit up another.

The grade seven and six children in school uniform mingled while waiting for

the next train to their suburbs. The six children, two girls and four boys, laughed

about their day at school and traded stories about their friends.

The smoke from the cigarette drifted towards them, the girl Sandy faced the

Smoker; annoyed at this upper-class guy for lack of manners.

'Hey do you mind?' she exclaimed.

The smoker shot her a bigger smirk. 'Why children, don't be annoyed by the smoke candy; indulge.'

The courteous voice with a tone that implies that he didn't give a shit about

the health of other people.

The students saw other commuters at the station waiting or boarding trains; no

one appeared to be noticing them at this after school busy time.

The smoker had the boy's attention; Tim smiled as he looked at the

cigarette. Jim and Rhonda are afraid; the other two boys: Sam and John gaze at the cigarette.

The stranger grabbed a packet of cigarettes from his shirt pocket and held the

open packet to the two boys staring at the fags.

'Sam? John? What are you thinking?' Sandy asked.

'Mr, you shouldn't offer smokes to us.' Jim said, his voice strong, like Sandy.

'These are not just ordinary cigarettes.' He assured them. He made the lie

sound so true. 'These are candy sticks you inhale.'

'I want one.' John said. He loves the look of these coloured sticks that looks

like grass rolled up in paper, but a delicious looking substance.

'I want one too.' Sam said.

The smoker knew he could sucker these kids into smoking. Harold Sorenson is

not a chain smoker, he just wants to be a bad influence on anyone he can.

The smoker smirks at Rhonda holding out the packet of smokes.

'Oh gross, those things are uglier than green vegetables.'

Harold laughed.

None of the kids appeared interested except Sam and John.

'Get those things away from us!' Rhonda said. 'They stink.'

'Would you leave us alone?' Sandy demanded. 'We are in a public place; you don't want to get into trouble, and we won't fink if you vamoose.'

'Yeah.' Rhonda said. 'I'd rather stick my head down a

chimney then smoke those sticks.'

This girl is a crack up; the smoker thought. He would bribe the law for

freedom if he got into trouble, he is a rich man capable of bribing his way out of

trouble.

Sam reached into the packet and took out a smoke.

Sandy scanned the area to see if a fellow citizen would come to the children's

aide. The adults are further down the platform; no one could quite see what was

going on. It is always the way, Sandy knows.

Rhonda snatched the cigarette from Sam, stomped it out with her shoe and

binned the butt.

The children thought the man might get mad; the smirk stayed. Jim

thought of running his fist into the guys mouth if the smirk didn't leave the

face, though he doesn't fight.

The smoker produced another cigarette and a lighter, lit it up and handed it to

John who had his hands out. John took the smoke between two fingers anxious to try

it. None of the children look at John, an adult appears next to the boy and

snatches the cigarette, a grown redhead woman in a red summer dress revealing

cleavage and lots of leg. She dropped the cigarette and stomped it out with her red

shoe.

'Thank you.' Sandy said. 'He wanted us to smoke that poison.'

The children looked at the female, especially the boys.

'Stop drooling perverts!' Rhonda said.

The man and woman looked at each other.

'Oh darling, if only you knew how stupid you look.' she muttered.

'Hello stranger.' He said with excitement.

'Why are you offering children smokes?' The woman named Laura asked.

'I don't care for the wellbeing of anyone, if they get cancer it doesn't upset

me at all.'

The children are shocked by what the smoker said. Jim shakes his head.

'I didn't hear you say that.' Sandy said hoarsely.

'Are you for real?' Tim asked.

'I'm afraid so.' Laura told them.

'Let's run him into security.' Jim suggested.

'Bad idea.' The smoker said. 'I can reach one of my lawyers and they will

save me.'

None of these students had ever heard met anyone as insensitive as Harold.

They had their enemies among friends like most children and adults.

According to Sandy: Harold makes her idiot enemies look like real sweethearts.

Sandy cursed under her breath: the asshole has a lawyer.

Laura made eye contact with the smoker. He noticed her eyes changed colour

for a second: from blue to a red sparkle. The children didn't notice. The smirk

disappeared replaced by a look of terror. Laura had the look of anger on her face. She

always had a sexy seductive voice that could seduce and lead to someone's death.

'Get out of here.' Laura said.

The smoker left the station in fear. He trembled at the sight of Laura put him under a spell.

Laura sat with the children waiting for the next train.

'Thanks miss.' Tim said.

'Welcome. I hate cigarettes.'

'Why don't smokers care?' John asked.

'That's simple.' Laura said. 'Smokers are assholes who get pleasure from

upsetting innocent people and they laugh at human weaknesses. Sometimes a smoker

will be kind and respectful and smoke in private.'

'But most smokers are rotten.' John said.

'I'm afraid so.'

'Sam, John, thank her.' Sandy said. 'She saved you from making the wrong decision.'

'I was only going to look at the smoke.' Sam said.

'Me too.' John said.

The other children sighed at the two almost smoke victims.

Sam and John gave thanks.

'Are you a prostitute?' Rhonda asked. 'The way you're dressed. Are you after a good time?'

'Rhonda!' Jim said.

Laura grinned then shook her head.

'No darlings. I'm a friend who has battled all types of enemies for centuries. I haven't

had a smoke of any kind in over three hundred years. The years and centuries move fast.

'Centuries?' Sandy asked.

Laura bid the children good afternoon and walked off. The kids stared at one

another wondering what the deal is with the smoker and Laura that they heard say

centuries that made no sense.

'What happened here?' Sam asked.

'I would sum it up as adult nutcases.' Sandy said.

The students boarded their train and put the incident behind them. They would

put the incident of the smoker who would never offer his evil tobacco to anyone

again.

The smoker lived in a high-rise building, in an apartment with a spectacular

city view. His home had three bedrooms, a dining room a massive kitchen and a

Jacuzzi. He had so many great times with friends and fellow smokers, tonight he

wouldn't.

The smoker felt distracted: couldn't shake the image of the goddamn woman

with the red hair and seductive voice and those eyes. He leaned on the terrace balcony

wanting to shake the enemy who only turned up at the apartment.

Laura stood behind the man who is frightened of her no idea why, just is

terrified of this woman he believed is a demon.

What is happening to me, the smoker wondered?

'Simple darling.' Laura said.

The smoker gasped. 'You read my mind. How did you get here?'

'I knew your ancestor's darling and they were murderers.'

Laura snarled. The smoker saw fangs. He didn't know what she was talking

about and wouldn't learn.

'I killed your ancestors and relatives darling. Jump off the high-rise terrace and

Kill yourself.'

Laura's eyes blazed. The smoker under trance obeyed and jumped to his death.

The man fell to the road with a hard thump and run over by a speeding vehicle.

Laura left glad she had killed a fellow enemy. Laura thought of drinking his

blood being a vampire-allowed to come out in sunlight thanks to witchcraft-refused:

she might get sick from all the tobacco in his system though she is a vampire.

Laura had dealt with all types of evil over the centuries and had killed before.

She had personnel hatred for smokers but that's another story about Laura the

redheaded vampire who had the power in her too literally change the world for the

better with her type of breed.

THE END

THE WISHING GIRL

There is no evidence of phenomena for sceptics and atheists like Fiona

Hudson until after her dental visit, weird as that sounds it is true.

'Are you fucking shitting me?'

Fiona isn't afraid to say what she feels. The receptionist at the dentist's office

not frightened, is persistent in getting Fiona to come back. There were two strangers

in the waiting room looking on.

'You charged me four hundred for a filling. Now I'm fucking broke. Jesus Christ!'

'Fiona watch your language please. I'm not bullying you into this. I urge you

to make an appointment. You have tooth decay and numerous cavities.'

'So do others. If the dentist profession catered to all instead of assholes, we

would all have the teeth of a goddamn movie star.'

Fiona expected the receptionist to snap back or call police or something; that

would be fine with Fiona. The woman kept the lectures coming.

'Do you have any insurance Fiona?'

'No, I don't have any fucking insurance. Even with that it still costs a fortune. I

checked. Tell you what. You pay for all my work and I don't reimburse you.'

The woman is speechless. Fiona storms out.

Nothing scares Fiona Hudson, she spoke what she felt on her mind, winning more arguments then she had lost. Quick to anger with a powerful female masculine voice, most people would rather pretend to agree with Fiona then argue, even her boyfriend who loved her a lot and she loved him a lot. If he disagreed with Fiona, he would then move onto another subject. They had both known each other since high school, he played football, heaven help any team if Fiona was an umpire, he would joke with her, she could take it.

Fiona Hudson twenty worked at McDonalds like her boyfriend, not the same

one. She had only worked in one and numerous times used simple backchat with no

language, but rage in her voice. Fiona had been suspended from High School months

before her graduation for smuggling cigarettes, beer and weed. Fiona often told her

teachers get fucked and her grades were always D's with an occasional C.

Fiona is from a middle-class family, only child, no one in her family had

College educations, after high school they entered the workplace. Fiona had done the

same. She'd had jobs for a short time while in high school, fired for swearing at rude

customers. Her parents, sure the family got along, her mother more macho then her

father. The parents didn't mind Fiona using foul language and getting low grades.

Fiona did well at netball; parents worked for big sport companies. The family enjoyed

tennis. Fiona played average, she is cool to losing all the time, not her game anyway so

she quit. Fiona preferred hanging out with friends at cinemas, football games in

winter, or arcades and malls.

Yes, Fiona did have some limits, but bad to the bone.

Fiona suffered all sorts of trouble through her young life, from hitting other

children when little. She told many teachers and others to fuck off. At football games

She had been made to leave after swearing at referees when her team was losing: The

Canterbury Bulldogs. She had shoplifted jewellery when she was twelve and with her

Parents. Fiona did the wrong thing more than once, where as her boyfriend

mostly learned the first time though he had second times, nothing like his partner.

Fiona always spoke her mind, she shared all opinions, even on politics and religion,

some people agreed, and others would stay away: Fiona is quick to anger and had lots of

falling outs. Not undefeated, when losing she would tell her opponents to chill and not blow a gasket and walk away.

Fiona from a young age had no fear, been in trouble a lot for back chat to

teachers and family. She'd thrown rocks at a house window of a person she hated at

the age of nine and got into trouble by police and not allowed near property. All

trouble, like telling children and grownups to get fucked, pushing ahead of others in

lines, demanding her parents buy her what she liked at the time. She'd screamed and

shouted a lot even in public, she isn't one for crying, she'd stopped that at the

age of three. Her teen years, she went through laziness: fuck everyone, I'm number

one and my needs come first. Her parents were like that in their youth but not bad as

Fiona. She'd had a feud with a family of the boy her took her virginity away when

Fiona was fifteen, he was sixteen. She never saw the boy again. Never mind, she

thought, well both move on and fuck someone else. Fiona had often strangers telling

her too either not be so loud or use foul language or request she and her boyfriend

whoever that would be at the time to behave when committing any naughty sexual

acts. Fiona's response to those people would be suck my twat.

Her boyfriend Gordon Lightfoot isn't the type to swear or threaten people

unless it was in defence or he choose to be persistent at getting something he wanted,

with the boundary understanding. His family were all sport coaches, and he had been a behaved child though he was rough house in sport, and feuded with fellow players and

coaches, he had done several bad things over his lifetime, but never committed the

same guilty thing twice unlike his girlfriend he loved. Fiona's parents got on with

Gordon, though they made him a little nervous, he kept cool among them.

They lived in a rented apartment near to their work in the city, both permanent

part time making enough money to cover rental costs and other burdens. They loved

each other, but Gordon is more intimate then Fiona, he often commented it was the

girls who were all into this love and intimacy shit. Fiona's response: 'You're a good

fuck Gordie. I love you too.'

Fiona sits on the sofa watching a zombie horror film, she liked zombie stuff,

lots of blood and guts. Gordon walked in and greeted his partner who sat down and

had a beer with her. They both enjoyed The Walking Dead, they had two action

figures of characters from the show. Gordon had an action figure of Daryl with the

crossbow and Fiona had one of Richonne, the woman who kicked zombie ass.

Gordon is a football player for his local team who enjoyed NRL League and

AFL football. He lives in Qld originally from Victoria like Fiona. Both followed

Canterbury bulldogs in NRL. Fiona had encounters with security staff at Bulldogs

Games, yelling swear words at officials several times. Gordon only did once, when

their team was losing. They occasionally got to Sydney with mates and some

Bulldogs supporters to see the games live. In AFL they followed Carlton.

The zombie film ended, and Fiona told Gordon about the dentist.

'Jesus.' Gordon said. 'Just to fix two cracked teeth. It's no wonder lots of people have

ugly teeth. You have to be a goddamn millionaire.'

Fiona today wondered if wishes came true like her friends told her. Bullshit.

She wished that dentists would lose peoples business and go bankrupt. When she lied

naked in bed with Gordon that night she shared that with him.

'You know honey. That could happen. With rising inflation and people

tightening their belts, the dentists might lose patient's.'

'I wish my teeth would fix themselves.' Fiona said. They did to the shock of Fiona.

Fiona stepped out of bed naked the next morning and went into the bathroom,

standing in front of the mirror to check the face and hair. She opened her mouth to

yawn and paused then screamed.

'Fucking Jesus!'

Her teeth are all fixed. Top bottom front back. Beautiful pearly whites. She

looked like a movie star. She kept staring. She is frightened yet happy.

'No! No!'

Fiona knows she is awake.

Gordon in a robe rushed into the bathroom.

'Babe what is it.'

Fiona stuttered; she had never done that in her life always saying the first thing

that came to her head even agreeing or arguing political issues not caring if she made

friends or enemies; this time words failed.

'My teeth.'

She opened her mouth and Gordon saw her teeth leaving him stunned.

'No way. I've seen your teeth, that's not them.'

Fiona played with them, she even tried to wiggle them and tap the front top

teeth with a can of Gordon's shaving cream to confirm the firmness. Better not break them,

she thought, or she'd have to pay for work.

Fiona didn't believe in miracles. Two days ago, she told a Mormon off. He

knocked on the door and started on about Jesus.

'Fuck off. I'm an atheist.'

The man blessed her only to be told to fuck off and Fiona yelling.

'If there is a God, he or she is the world's biggest asshole.'

Fiona isn't scared, she had T. Shirts that literally said fuck fear, and others that

contained the word bitch, she didn't mind calling herself that word, though Gordon

did not think she needed too, cause she's not. Fiona didn't mind being called that.

Gordon who agreed with fuck fear felt a little scared, yet happy.

'They might go back to their normal selves.' Fiona said. 'Damaged.'

Fiona and Gordon paced and let the subject drop, they are curious, the couple

are unafraid and easily focus on the task at hand, even if they had a

supernatural occurrence, that would still happen.

Today is Saturday, he had football. Gordon managed to graduate high school,

despite several detentions for rudeness to weak sport players and teachers. He met

Fiona at detention and hit it off. He knows she is tougher than him not thinking about

boundaries little smart. Fiona had a boyfriend and Gordon would move in on her, he'd

fight the boyfriend. The guy said. Have her mate it's your funeral. That was easy.

He remembered the time a kid on a skateboard almost knocked them over.

Fiona swiped the skateboard threatening to hit the kid with it, he fled. Fiona took the

skateboard and hocked it, heckling with the guy at the pawn shop, until both agreed on

a reasonable sum of money.

She stands still for a second and makes a wish, most people do that but

Fiona's wishes come true. Dentists are out of business and living in poverty.

Fiona stands mobile, no need to close eyes and thinks of something and wishes for it. Her wishes are all coming true. She does this often and tunes into the news more then she did in the past.

The news is all about Dentists over the world closing their practice over the

past year among top stories. Some dentists able to retire for life while others have

to find new employment.

What was good timing for Fiona: she saw the dentist who fixed her damaged

teeth earlier this year walking past her and Gordon in the city. He looked upset.

'Serves you dickheads right!' Fiona snapped at him.

He kept walking avoiding eye contact.

'That's right! Fuck off!'

Gordon snickered wondering if the former dentist would snap.

He loves her more now, getting joy out of watching Fiona yell at some rich prick like a dentist. He loved her more when she and Gordon gave their seats on a bus to an old couple. 'Park its Grandma and Grandad. Fiona said. They did give thanks.

Fiona felt great pride in herself due to world events she made happen.

Fiona Hudson made a wish and there was justified violence. Rapists,

Paedophiles, murderers had committed suicide. Homicide suicide cases over the

country. There was the case of one rapist putting his head under a lawnmower:

the young man lifted the mower onto two wheels and stuck his head onto the

moving blades.

A murderer stuck his hand down a garbage disposal in front of his wife. Due

to Fiona's wishing the wife looked at the grotesque corpse and only said: 'Fucking

hell, George I only cleaned in here yesterday.

Fiona Hudson is enjoying herself. All she must do is wish, either think or

say it and in moments it comes true. She sometimes feels like that girl in Paranormal

Activity 1 stalked by an unknown demon, if a demon like that is after Fiona, she

wouldn't be afraid, we all must die sometime. Once she said to an old boyfriend, if

there is a devil and I must sell my soul for wealth and power; I would do it.

She didn't believe in religion only scientific explanations, if there is a God, well God

is bloody useless and her knowledge of God: not allowed to have any fun, must be

miserable, that was what she believed, but there is no heaven and hell, even though

she has this power to wish whatever she wanted, Fiona Hudson is and will always be

an atheist like her family before her, even Gordon. Fiona Hudson is a goddess and much better than any other.

Two of Fiona's high school teachers both males stabbed each other at lunch

with forks in the eye, they'd died instantly due to Fiona's dangerous yet considerate

wishing.

Guys arrested for murder or assault jumped off high buildings leaving

Messages saying, they were guilty.

Fiona had most foes jumping off buildings. Others walked into hectic traffic

and were run down or struck and thrown up into the air. Some criminals even jumped

in front of moving trains.

Fiona would understand peoples shock at horror witnessed but they would be

grateful that these people were criminals and got what they deserved.

She didn't get all the bad guys, she would.

Fiona and Gordon become millionaires thanks to her wishing and buy a

penthouse at the Gold Coast. An old man and young blonde are leaving. Gordon

believed there was a thirty or even forty-year age gap between them. Gordon assumed

she would bleed the old man dry from his money because she is beautiful and can do

way better. Gold digger.

'What's the matter honey, you can't do any better?' Fiona asked.

They said nothing. Gordon and the blonde flaunted.

'Don't think about it Gordie. I might turn her into a fat hooker.'

'I believe that. Can you wish me the blonde dragon lady from?

Game of Thrones.'

'If I do that, I get Jon Snow. No wet dreams. Gordon, I have this gift. I don't

give a flying fuck how I got it. Scientific or supernatural, I don't care. I plan to enjoy it

for justice and fun for however long it lasts. Paranormal Activity in my mouth.'

Keep this secret to yourself or be sent to some funny farm where people in

white coats roam. If anyone asked how Fiona got her money or any other

possession, she'd say fluke win or no one's business.

A year later, Gordon and Fiona settled; brought places for their families and

lived free. Gordon played football for a Gold Coast team. The couple made friends

and partied anytime. Fiona kept wishing unless the power deserted her and

things could take a horrible turn, yet they'd focus on that when and if it happened.

Fiona would see her political views on all subjects from the economy, immigration,

medical insurance and education went her way no matter who it affected.

Headlines from newspapers in Fiona and Gordon's penthouse apartment

WORLD PEACE DECLARED

WEEKLY PENSION SALARIES

DENTISTS MOVED TO PUBLIC HOSPITALS

AIDS AND CANCER CURED

RETIREMENT AGE NOW 50

HIGH PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING

Fiona isn't anxious to find out why she had this power, she wanted to revel in

it. Fiona felt herself growing stronger, the world can literally become hers.

THE END

THE STUD KILLER

THE WRITTEN CONFESSION OF VALEK GOULD

If you're a hit with the ladies, I'll kill you. I am the stud killer.

Richard Morton the bouncer I killed at the back of a nightclub with a Phillips

screwdriver plunged deep into the neck. Grant Nesbitt, I murdered outside a girl's

house before he entered his vehicle. I plunged the screwdriver into his eye then neck.

Hugh Vermont. A musician and lead male lead actor. I found him in a backstage

dressing room and plunged the screwdriver into the back of his neck.

Three weeks ago, I was invited to a mate's party and would get together with

my girlfriend Tammy. My name is Valek Gould I work as a key cutter in the shopping

mall. I drink a lot and watch sport, never thinking I'd take up killing for fun.

What made me break was Tammy, the bitch lied to me. I snapped. We hung

out never fucked, only been together for a short time. Was I a sucker: I'd been the

victim of numerous rejections without grudges. Hadn't been with a woman often.

Tammy beautiful and I'm built but not athletic and my looks are all right. I'm clean

cut but not a hotshot movie star.

I turned up at the party and walked in. I saw Tammy laughing with another

guy, Bill Pullen. My age and making out with Tammy. I snapped and got rough, I'm

macho and don't mind a fight. Bill backed away and I had to be restrained by other

guys. I swore at Tammy and Bill as I was escorted out, several mates restraining me.

Tammy Kingsford was a liar pretending to like me and ditch me, she had done

this with other men, I didn't think it would happen to me, I didn't find out until after I

phoned her next day and she said, not exact words. "You're not my type and I lied, I

thought I'd want you but no, you're not what I want, my man has to be perfect."

I told her she was a fucking bitch and hung up. Hate name calling but I

was pissed and unable to think. The studs I killed, I knew them, not socially just

from around.

I saw the Phillips screwdriver in my garage, I lived with a flatmate.

Killing popped into my head and that night I killed the bouncer then others.

These guys I'd observed bonding with different ladies.

Next night I picked a lock at Bill Pullen's house-I knew this technique from a

mate, I don't know how he learned this, but the guy was arrested for breaking and

entering in another city I was told.

I found Bill and Tammy asleep. I plunged the Phillips screwdriver into his

eye. He woke up screaming. I removed the screwdriver and stabbed Bill in the neck

and took it out.

I went after Tammy. She didn't make it out of the bedroom, and I grabbed her

head and with all my rage strength turned her head all the way round.

I was arrested.

I exited quietly out the back yard and as I was about to step onto the footpath.

The police grabbed me. I tried to run but two other guys almost big as me tackled

me and held me down and my screwdriver in a coat pocket was found.

Police had phone calls about screaming coming from a house. Busted.

I have given a written confession and been recorded. I'm in jail for life but I'm

happy with what I did. I don't use journals, but I do this time, it's good to get your

feelings out on paper...well for me anyway.

Prison isn't great. I wished I could leave. If I had to do it all over again I

would. I was reckless but when you snap, the brain seems to leave your head, I felt

that way. My family still care for me despite my killing spree.

People can snap, and god only knows what stupid thing they will do. I had

therapy in prison and said what I'm writing down.

One more thing: if I get out and see a stud, even a celebrity, they better

keep away from me unless they want to get killed.

THE END

RAPUNZEL

For eight years since she was sixteen, the sexy blonde Rapunzel remains a

prisoner in the high tower miles outside the village of Nofun cut off from civilisation

hoping her lover Prince Hormon will free her from this lonely depression.

Hormon never had people poke fun at his name, he never thought about it, but

that is his real name and he has raging hormones, been from one woman too another,

sometimes he'd had five women a day: a good-looking guy who never suffered

rejection, but kept his gloats to himself. Rapunzel and Hormon born into wealth in the

same village, a Christian family, unlike Hormon's non-religious family.

Since childhood Rapunzel hated the village of Nofun run by religious priests

doing their god's biddings: no feasts, no dancing, no celebration of any sort and

worse, especially for the males: no sex. A religious community, where good times are

forbidden and church services run freely day and night. People go to their daily jobs

and then must sit around and talk and pray all about religion to satisfy the

kingdom's God. Fun is outlawed, people would be sentenced by a court and locked

in the towers or evicted from the kingdom, Rapunzel and Hormon are the first this has

happened too. Nofun commanded no fun well for sinners anyway.

Rapunzel and Hormon took a stroll one night, she sneaked away from a boring

Preachers service, they been secretly meeting and love making being attracted

physically and sexually to each other. No one made fun of Hormon's surname back

in those times seriously. In the present day, with a name like Hormon or similar

they'd want to be rough macho guys that no one tormented or have a jolly good

sense of humour. They were caught romping naked in a barn, both sixteen when a

priest helping the parents search for their children found them.

The couple went to trial and separated. Hormon had a day to pack and leave

while guards escorted Rapunzel four hundred flights of stairs-a pain in the ass walk

even for the real fit ones to climb that high in that era.

Rapunzel had meals brought to her; servants aided her personnel needs along

with regular requirements. She never saw her family again, an only child like

Hormon.

Rapunzel never got her haircut; she wore it up a lot, the back grew inches

longer each day rapidly down pasat her feet, eventually the maids stopped cutting

the locks shorter and let it go.

One night a call echoed up the outside into Rapunzel's room, she had been

masturbating over Hormon who visited her at least two nights a week and here he is,

she never knows when he'll turn up.

'Rapunzel! Rapunzel! Let down your sexy hair.'

Rapunzel had done this before, it was the only way he could reach her, the

iron doors cannot be broken, even with an axe, Hormon had tried, the sharp blade

broke instead. Rapunzel let down her hair and the prince climbed pulling on her hair.

'Oh shit!' Rapunzel said. 'Don't pull my bloody hair so hard.' He'd

done this twice before, she wished he could fly, or she could.

Hormon climbed through her window and the pair embraced.

Later Rapunzel lied in his arms naked in bed, most of her hair on the floor.

'If I can free you, there is a kingdom about thirty miles from here called

Rotica. I work in another village as a farmhand but if I free you then we go to Rotica

and make our fortune. Rotica also means erotica.'

Rotica the opposite of Nofun: no religion, just fiestas, drinking, dancing and

lots of orgies day and night. Rapunzel liked this and the prince: a boy destined to

become a prince; stripped of that privilege though to Rapunzel he is still a prince.

The night took a bad turn when the iron door was slammed open and four high

priests holding lamps entered. Rapunzel screamed. Hormon tried to fight and got

clobbered by a priest's truncheon. Rapunzel copped the same.

Next morning Rapunzel and Hormon woke up in the forest lost from human

life. The prince had been cursed by a priest: blind, Rapunzel nursed her lovers head,

a tear fell into his eye, that didn't cure his illness. The prince is in darkness afraid

what might happen.

Rapunzel and Hormon ate the berries of the forest and she got her bearings.

She chopped off her overgrown hair after being abandoned and felt much better, if

only her man would get better.

Following her instinct until fate intervened and a sign appeared.

ROTICA

DRINKING AND ORGYS ALL NIGHT

NEVER SLEEPING

20 MILES.

Happiness greeted them; they'd made it by nightfall. Rotica meaning erotica

and fun is allowed in this village. Yes, fun instead of no fun.

Rapunzel looked for a doctor in the kingdom where celebrations took place

and brothels are open for business and the people serving alcohol receive terrific pay.

Rapunzel meets a man who is a doctor, he tells her of the one cure to restore

his sight, Rapunzel liked the sound though being straight she had never done

anything like this before. A nurse blonde and Rapunzel's age touches the prince's

face.

Hormon didn't know what was happening to him. He is in darkness,

missing the surrounding beauty. Now the prince will come out of dark blackness

and into the light and beauty.

'Lie down sweet prince.' She commands.

He rests on a comfortable bed in a private room.

'Let's do this Rapunzel.'

'Who was that Rapunzel?'

'You won't be blind any longer sweet prince, the curse will be lifted.'

'How?'

'A threesome.' Rapunzel told him.

He didn't know she was bi-sexual. It made him happy and hard.

Hormon's hormones came to life, full of excitement, his eyesight returned and

there was Rapunzel and another blonde beauty naked on the bed either side of him.

When a man hears that he is going to have a threesome-almost every male's

fantasy-any supernatural curse will be lifted.

Hormon thought Rapunzel might be screwing with his head. She is screwing

but not with his head.

Rapunzel and Hormon and sometimes a female friend partied into the evening

Happily, ever after.

THE END.

RAVENSCROSS

1

A demon and his niece dominated the ghost town community of Ravenscross. Town's locals serve their supreme Ruler enjoying immortality. Ravenscross claimed all who dared venture in. Nobody learned the secrets of the town. Those who did, never lived to tell.

More than a century since the town known as Ravenscross was

first settled. Just five streets made up the town: two long

parallel streets, Herseley and Bennet and three smaller streets,

at the bottom of the longer streets is Rubing Street that boasted

four shops: post office, grocer, fruit market and paper shop.

Between the long streets lay a park where a seesaw, a couple of

swings, a slippery slide, some park benches and a few tall trees

are scattered. Stanford and Ekka streets completed the township

with a small block of land between the two containing eight

houses. The first house started on the corner of Herseley and

Stanford. Alongside is number two the middle house in Stanford

Street; eight houses running around one block. A world dominated by technology; the ghosts of Ravenscross lived in an old-fashioned town, slight knowledge of the outside world. The town's ruler alone can reach out to any part of the world, something he intends to do soon.

Not much to Ravenscross. Bennet Street boasted a cemetery,

a morgue and a church. In Herseley Street, a police station,

hospital and school. The rest of the town consisted of just an

small acres of land.

The unique unorthodox town of Ravenscross, little to see

in a what looks like a deserted town isn't. The city of

Toowoomba fifty kilometres east is the closest community to

Ravenscross. Civilians know of Ravenscross, rumours throughout

the city and Downs said that no one had lived in the town over

the past 100 years. People had travelled to Ravenscross and never

returned. Not only those from the district, people from all over

Queensland, and interstate, had journeyed to the mystery town and

never to see home again. The town held a morbid fascination for

many from sceptics to religious fanatics and paranormal

believers. Not even the police force and other law authorities

were comfortable with the town they heard so much about vanished.

Throughout the twentieth century since the early 1900's

after the town was built, literally millions of disappearances

happened in Ravenscross and the numbers still increasing. No

one today, not even the technical experts always up to date knew

the history and total losses in Ravenscross.

Searches organized; those people would go missing too.

People feared their loved ones or close associates were dead-

feared the worst-or assume its simple abandonment without

explaining themselves, no one can learn answers, so

eventually hope was lost, and the ones who suffered losses of

their close ones continued their lives wondering about

Ravenscross; not even the internet could help.

Mark Talbot wanted the assignment in Ravenscross. Editor

George McGee, stressed Mark didn't have to take the job. George

didn't relish the thought of one of his journalists vanishing

into thin air if that was what happened in Ravenscross. He had

faith in Mark and sent him off with warnings to watch out for

himself with the unknown people of Ravenscross.

Mark a loner late thirties no intention to marry. His

parents passed on, no living relatives. He inherited the family

home, not the banks and twice a month he had different escorts in

his home, nothing wrong with that; life precious, especially his

own and acknowledged a shiver of fear as he

drove off the highway and into the town wondering if he would be

abducted and get to enjoy precious life.

A battered old sign on Rubing Street proclaimed:

WELCOME

TO

RAVENSCROSS

Monday morning after 9 o'clock the town looked deserted.

Mark couldn't believe how small the place is. The shop windows

advertised their trades, but through the windows the shops lay

darkness. Mark had never seen a place compact as Ravenscross, so

small. Whoever constructed this town really liked to see

everything so close together. It was an odd settlement, he is

very interested.

Mark not a tough guy who preferred to squeal to different

authorities when he was upset by someone wondered if Ravenscross

is full of killers and lynch mobs that would go for him, he is

alone. Here and can't squeal to anyone for help.

He is a sceptic who laughed at other journalists who think

Ravenscross is a town full of alien abductions, he interviewed

true supernatural believers last week and maintained laughter,

knowing there is a logical explanation here. Still he feels a

cold chill cover, his beating heart, not knowing why.

He turned into Bennet Street and pulled over opposite the

park glancing at the ancient church and cemetery. He locked the

car; strolled over to the park and saw movement. He couldn't

tell who was behind one of the tall trees near the playground,

Mark moved in for a closer look. He felt an eerie sensation come

over him: the silence in Ravenscross made him nervous. People

back home believed Ravenscross haunted, Mark didn't believe

the bullshit but he did feel tempted to get in his vehicle,

and head back to Toowoomba; the atmosphere made him nervous.

Relax he thought; there is an explanation. He believed

that; it was going to be a weird one: where are the workers? The

paper Mark worked for had given him local stories of people in

his community. He had covered people winning awards, yearly

Toowoomba events, sport stories, even sweet old ladies involved

with cooking competitions. He did his job but wanted something

big. He had never done any homicides.

Mark requested the Ravenscross story after covering the

carnival of flowers last year. He wanted something challenging

instead of parades and floats and wretched flowers and gardens.

Ravenscross popped into his head when he covered some old ladies

garden story; how boring. Next day he saw his editor: negative

Mark had some other assignments, he kept asking about

Ravenscross: negative.

Mark carried out his assignments, when George tried to

find a new task, Mark hit George with Ravenscross again. George

feared for his employees, safety and his own reputation: he didn't

want to send this man to be killed or abducted; whatever happened

to people in Ravenscross. Mark didn't know why he wanted the job, something different then little old ladies and people's gardens, he

told George who laughed.

Mark persisted best as he could, even promised George that

if anything happened to him, no one would be held responsible.

George had to think hard, he is a sceptic too; when he thinks of

Ravenscross he assumes some dangerous criminal activity and still doesn't want to send any employee into an unknown danger zone.

Mark's assignment confidential between him and George;

Mark's idea. George worried; Mark kept persisting, no grovelling.

George gave the green light. Mark is in Ravenscross.

It's ironic no people in sight on a workday, also scary.

Mark who didn't scare easy felt spooked as he entered the town.

'George maybe right.' he muttered. 'Maybe there is

something criminally frightening about this town.'

He scanned the area; he isn't alone

Someone moved among the trees into his view, he could

see a child emerging and went on the swing. Her long black curls

tied with a pink ribbon. She wore a white dress, white sandals

and socks to match. She must like white, he thought. Mark went

over and sat on the other swing. The reporter chilled by the look

of hate in the young girl's eyes as she stared at him.

'Hello. What's your name? I'm Mark Talbot. I've come all

the way from Toowoomba.' he ventured charmingly.

'I'm Lucy Rose. I am nine years old and I do know that I

shouldn't talk to strangers.'

She spoke in a threatening, soft kind of way. She had a

frown that looked like it could scare an adult and a child.

Mark could tell this girl was prone to temper. He was a reporter

and knew how to be unbiased, he had to be, it was a journalist

code of ethics, and even if it wasn't Mark would watch his

limits. Lucy Rose was a sinister looking child. He felt like he

was in a film meeting the evil twin of the nice one. Mark played

it cool.

'We know each other now, so we're not strangers, Lucy.'

Ignoring Lucy's unfriendly stare Mark glanced across the

park at the houses, which looked ancient and unoccupied as the

shops, the morgue and the church gave him a cold spined chill.

'Lucy, where is everybody?'

She looked through him. 'People do what they want here.'

'I don't get you.'

'We are free.' Lucy said as she slipped off the swing

before running across the park and going into the middle house.

A fast, little mover, he thought. One moment she is here,

the next, she's not.

Thinking he would visit one of the houses in the hope of

seeing someone who could tell him something, Mark got off the

swing then turned as he heard a door close. He jumped.

A priest walks from the church, as Mark watched, the purple

cassock and brimmed hat, which looked a like a flying saucer to

the naked eye at long range-disappear into the middle house. The

old man just walked up the street, didn't look his way, he did

notice a smear on the face as the priest walked up the street.

A priest and a child, well done Mark, now where is

everybody else?

He felt tempted to leave; yes, he did want to come here despite

jitters, and he had never had trouble with his nerves since

working as a journalist, except when he begun. He knew how to be

persistent. Mark didn't care much about reactions just getting

the story was more important than any other commitment.

Ravenscross had him trembling like a frightened child. He

wanted to leave yet wanted to stay. He stuck to the job of

investigating Ravenscross besides there might be a great reward

of fame and fortune if he could get the scope on Ravenscross. I

will find out about Ravenscross he thought. Other journalists

have failed to pick up search of a Ravenscross story, not me.

Mark walked up to Stanford Street, looking at the numbers

painted on the front of the houses, there are no letterboxes.

He looked up at number two. It was different from the other

houses, taller with a sloping rather than a flat roof. It had

three windows. One was high up with the others side by side down

low, about a meter apart. Outside was an archway and a path that

led to the front door.

Mark knocked and heard footsteps approaching. The door

opened. It is the priest. He was an elderly gentleman. About 60

or maybe older, Mark thought.

'Hello, Mark. I'm Harry Pine, Lucy Rose's uncle. She told

me who you were, come in.'

Mark hesitated controlling, the trembles in his body.

The inside of the house reminded him of the shops: nothing to see

inside except empty darkness.

'Come in. 'the priest repeated.

Mark stepped inside. He got startled and unnerved as the

door clicked closed behind him.

People move fast here, he thought.

He followed the priest up the stairs and passed

several large dark rooms before climbing another flight to an

attic with a table in front of the window. On the table was a

very old and battered black journal. The priest picked it up and

handed it to Mark. There was no picture on the cover, just the

words: Resurrection of Afterlife by Anthony Pine.

Mark opened the journal. There were only a few pages filled

in, handwritten in ink. Mark flipped through, he saw the pages

numbered in the top right corner: 56; the words were in running

writing, some are easy to read and others difficult. He assumed

that this was never a published work.

'My father wrote the book. 'Harry Pine said. 'My father was a

priest obsessed with reincarnation.'

Harry snatched the journal and put it aside. Mark didn't

know why something about this man said don't dispute, he

couldn't recall meeting anyone like that often in his life.

Something about the bold evil stare at least he smiled, more of

an evil smear unlike the child in the park.

Mark is surprised: the priest like the child is voluntarily

telling him stuff before he can ask a question. Mark is

frightened: Monday morning and he has met two freaks; old man and

child.

'Let me ask you Mark. Would you share your blood with me?

to live a better life of splendid immortality?'

Mark felt his heart freeze, he wondered if he is going to have a

heart attack. He had no thoughts of laughing at the ludicrous

question cause the eerie atmosphere is inside

the house like outside over the town.

'What I'm saying Mark: if I murder you. I can bring you

back again. I won't share my back story.'

Mark went slack jawed. He appears to be with a madman.

'I better be...going.'

The teeth chattered when the evil smear on the priest grew

wider. Mark looked into Harry's eyes, first when he saw Harry,

the eyes were greenish, now they are pupil crimson dots.

Mark's knees trembled, he turned to leave. He went to the

door now closed; it is stuck like it is plastered to one spot.

'No escape Mark.' Harry said. His voice aggressive

Mark turned to face Harry.

The priest walked over to the wall to Mark's right. He

walked into it, then through it face first and gone.

Mark is stunned.

The priest reappeared up through the floor. Mark screamed.

'Follow me Mark. 'He demanded.

Mark stopped screaming. 'Get a hold of yourself.' He said

silently to himself. He had to face facts: no illusion this is

real.

Harry Pine looked into the eyes of Mark and placed him into a

trance; the journalist being compelled by the force unleashed.

Mark felt a gnawing feeling at his brain, like his cells were

being scrambled, he no longer had control of his own self. The

ghost has taken over. Mark is still wide awake under the priests

power.

He followed Harry. Walked out of the house and down the

street to the church. Harry's powers made Mark walk a straight

path, he couldn't progress of that path, he tried to move, the

dark force didn't allow him to go sidelong.

They arrived at the church. Mark felt a heavy weight lifted

off his body, the priest broke his dark curse, Mark can move. He

took advantage and failed. Mark made a run for his car, across

the street. Mark reached the vehicle and is greeted by a friendly

smile from the priest, who is standing in front of the driver's

door. Mark didn't stop to think about how he could move so fast.

Harry grabbed the back of Mark's neck and slammed his head

into the side of the door, knocking Mark unconscious.

That night Harry took the car with Mark in it out to the

Highway; passed the welcome sign. Harry looked at the vehicle and

it hovered into the air and glided forwards then Harry settled

the vehicle onto the road.

Towns people gathered around, all types of normal looking

people, young and old, even children with their mums and dads,

they all boasted severe expressions of hatred. Lucy Rose stood

next to Harry in front of the car and fellow spirits.

'Citizens. 'Harry said. 'This man poses a threat to us.

He wanted to expose Ravenscross to the world outside and bring

our downfall. I have probed his mind. Mark Talbot is greedy. He

wanted to expose Ravenscross in order to achieve great wealth. He

will not join us: he is not worthy. Lucy you can do the honours.'

Lucy faced the car, reporter sprawled in the backseat of

the vehicle. He was starting to come around, no idea how long

he'd been knocked out. His head hurt, now another blow would hit

him.

Lucy looked at the vehicle, the victim inside. The car started

to catch fire. This was the power of one child. Flames of fire

erupted up from the seats, next the sound of Mark screaming, the

fire spread through the car, and the vehicle exploded.

No one said nothing they just stood there-old people,

middle-aged people and children of various ages watched as the

car burned.

The locals began to walk away while Harry and Lucy watched

the car burns.

'He had to go. 'Lucy said.

'He did. 'Harry replied, looking pleased with himself.

Lucy shot a brief smile, something she didn't do much.

Harry looked at the burning wreck and laughed softly to himself.

Harry Pine and Lucy Rose always took pride in whatever act of

evil was committed here in Ravenscross.

Both uncle and niece dominated the town and would continue

to do so, though they foresee future challenges, unable to gather

the results, so they would remain alert all the time, day and

night. They cleared their heads of any worry for now, and focused

on the happiness of the ghosts in Ravenscross and hoped there

would be more outsiders stopping by.

Two days passed, George McGee is worried and

concerned about Mark Talbot; should have been back by now. It

wasn't like Mark to go disappearing. He didn't want to go to Ravenscross. The sound of that place gave him chills just thinking about it, he had to find out what happened to his employee? Mark could be heading back to Toowoomba, having a party in Ravenscross or heaven forbid he been killed or abducted by some aliens, pathetic as that sounded, he refused to believe that.

One early evening he drove up the highway. He didn't have

work the following day, so the lateness of the hour didn't bother

him. He told his wife and child he had to go to the office and

edit some news stories for forthcoming issues. She believed him;

he kept composed not letting the family see his fear: the thought

of going to Ravenscross chilled him more than interested him.

George saw the town ahead on the highway. The streetlights

burn bright or something like streetlights.

About a kilometre outside of town there was a figure

standing on the road. It was a priest. If George didn't slow

down, the priest is finished if he doesn't move.

The headlights shined on the old man, George saw him

clearly. He smiled. George yelled out for him to move, he stayed.

George failed to stop in time, as he jammed on the brakes.

The car screeched along the road. The priest just stood there.

The car passed through the priest an ice-cold frost feeling

passed through George for a few seconds. The car skidded, rolled

on its side, sliding off the grass verge and down a hill before

slamming into a tree and bursting into flames.

Harry Pine watched with an amused look on his face before

heading back to Ravenscross to bond with all the other ghosts.

Harry looks forward to tomorrow evening. He knows there

will be a family arriving with a child, he looked forward to it.

They had no connection to Mark Talbot, but the child will

be another new playmate for Lucy Rose hovered into the air watching for more visitors. Nothing but time here. For more than a century they

lived as ghosts. She never reached actual womanhood, but she is

comfortable with that like her uncle who floated in the night sky

next to her looking down at the town.

More visitors tomorrow.

2

Local pubs known for all kinds of action. Tonight would

be one of those evenings.

On the outskirts of Toowoomba, before the start of the

highway leading west out of town is a pub. Marshall Speers, the

present owner; had inherited the freehold of the hotel from his

father. It was a popular watering hole for locals after work, for

couples and families who enjoyed the home-cooked lunches and

dinners. Travellers; found it a welcome sight, there was always a

pleasant cold beverage for and company; especially beer, many

regular's old-timers in the district and always happy to share the

history of the Darling Downs in exchange for a drink or two; it

was a peaceful pub too, until one night when the door banged open?

A busy time for the bar, nearing 7 o'clock with patrons

taking their last drinks before heading home for dinner, or

whatever plans they had; the pub dining room begins to fill.

Marshall Speers was chitchatting to one of his regulars. Les

Snobes had been in the district for all his 82 years and

Speers was the beneficiary of much of his waking time.

Everybody turned at the sound of the doors banging apart. A

man, in his thirties rushed in. Pale, with a look of terror on his

face, he took a quick look around before running to the corner of

the room where Marshall was leaning over the bar talking to his

old consumer.

'Have you seen a woman with a child, a young girl come

in?' He breathlessly asked the publican.

'I've seen several today, who are you looking for?'

Speers asked.

Speers hoped he wasn't a madman; the guy appeared normal,

despite a state of panic. People gawked; the stranger paid no

heed. Speers hoped this intruder wasn't going to scare the

customers away; that would be bad business.

'Leon Kline. I'm looking for my wife Janet, and my,

daughter Jill.'

'They could be here.'

The visitor glanced at the faces now crowding in on him. 'They're not.'

He reached into his coat for a wallet and opening it showed

a photograph of a pretty woman and equally attractive young girl.

'This is my wife and daughter.' he rushed on. 'I lost them

in Ravenscross.' He noticed the quick glances between the men crowding around.

'We've been up north and heading back to Toowoomba, we

stopped in some old place called Ravenscross. I'd never heard of

the place and I was a bit worried we were lost; so, I parked

outside some shops and while Janet and Jill strolled across to

the park I had a look at the map.

'There was no Ravenscross mentioned on It, so I went into

the newsagent to ask the way here.'

The crowd around the corner of the bar growing as diners

left their meals to check on the interest. Marshall had never

heard any one in his bar speak of Ravenscross, he had heard of

the town and knew that people over Toowoomba spoke of that place,

like it had some curse on it. Marshall didn't believe in demons,

still Ravenscross gave him chills when Leon spoke the name of the

town he had left.

'There was a man behind the counter...something

strange about him...something formless. I asked the way to

Toowoomba. He didn't speak. He walked towards...me. He was behind

the counter...but then he was in front of it. He walked...right

through the counter.'

There was a murmuring among the crowd as the man rushed on.

'I noticed the shop, everything covered in dust. No merchandise

at all, just empty shelves.'

'I've heard things about that town. 'Speers said, as

the crowd muttered and nodded heads in agreement. 'But surely

there must be some explanation for the place. There has to be.'

'I saw it, I tell you. The papers in that shop filled with

spider webs...and this thing...this man in the shop scared the

bejesus out of me.

'I ran out of the shop...across the park. My wife and

daughter gone. I called them, just silence. I couldn't see them

anywhere. I knocked on doors all over Ravenscross. I saw no one.

The place was deserted. Why didn't I stay in Ravenscross, instead of running away like a terrified child? How could I be so stupid? They're my flesh and blood.'

Leon stopped to think to himself, for a moment,

keeping it to himself, knowing that others might be wondering

what he was thinking: a devoted family man fleeing in fear,

forgetting his family members, but still Leon was committed to

finding them, more than anything else.

'It was getting dark. I panicked. I had to get

out of that place. I need someone to come back with me. Will any

of you?' he pleaded to the crowd. 'I do not want to leave my wife

and daughter in that place. I couldn't find any other place along

the highway, till I arrived here. It is only a short run, so I

decided to stop and ask for help. Will someone come too

Ravenscross with me? For the safety in numbers and my two missing

loved ones.'

The young man is desperate, nobody moved to his side.

Finally, a stooped figure shrugged away from the bar.

'I'll come with you. 'Les Snobes said.

'Thank you! I'll call the police and we can head off.' Leon said.

Moments later Leon speeds back along the highway. Les

Snobes terrified, going into Ravenscross, and Leon's speeding,

over the limit; better watch out, he didn't get caught. Les a

friendly citizen aiding anyone, knowing how to boost low morale

better than others, did a lot of that in the army, in his younger

days. Now he was aiding one of the most frightened guys ever.

Marshall phoned the police instead of Leon in panic acting

on instinct. He didn't mention the story of a man walking through

a counter, otherwise, he might be thought a mad joker, just reported

a missing wife and child. An investigation was going to

get underway, with a squad car headed outside from Toowoomba to

Ravenscross.

Leon didn't want to go back, but had too, cause Janet and

Jill were in Ravenscross.

'I've heard a lot about Ravenscross in my day but I've

never been there.' said Les. 'There have been stories about

people heading there and never returning.

'A while back some reporter chap went out there

apparently and was never heard of again. His Editor disappeared

as well. I tell you this Ravenscross is a big subject on

the Downs. If it exists.'

'It's there. 'Said Leon. 'What I saw was not an illusion.

Neither was the man. He walked through the counter like a ghost.'

'Well.' Les said. 'When the police arrive, they might be

able to find out what's going on. Think positive son; your loved

ones will be fine waiting for you somewhere snug. Nothing you

really need to panic about, except financially if the police

catch you exceeding the limit.'

The reassurance is obliging to Leon, the old timer wasn't

going to say "I hope so" poor Leon is distraught; a speeding

ticket the last thing on his mind. Leon would be happy to pay

several fines and put himself in poverty, if that was what he had

to do to see his wife and child.

'The cops should be there by now. 'Leon said. 'I hope.'

The police arrived first, as Leon saw the lights of

Ravenscross in the distance. A great yellowish glowing overhead

light shone down from the sky over Ravenscross. Leon and Les

could see it from the highway; they were near their destination;

it looked like a great glowing sphere when seen from the naked

eye looking above. It gave chills to Leon and Les. They wanted to

turn back but not without Jill and Janet.

They were now outside Ravenscross, the town lit up several

yards ahead. No streetlights, just a bright whitish glow from

the sky.

Both men saw something off to the right. It was a police-patrol

car on its roof halfway down a bank off the side of the road.

Leon pulled over, he and Les rushed to the patrol car. Les was

able to move fast a little, his old age reduced his speed. There

was nobody in the car.

'What happened? 'Leon managed to ask before the car exploded

throwing both men off their feet, diving into the high grass away

from the explosion. They got to their feet. Les felt sore all

over, least his ticker is fine for now.

A figure emerged through the flames of the wreck. A

girl with an evil stare. Both men stood still as the girl walked

towards them untouched out of the fire.

Leon rushed towards her and looked down at the child. 'You're

a ghost too! 'He cried. 'Where are my wife and daughter?'

'My uncle is a priest.' The girl replied, her voice now

sweet. 'He has saved them for immortality, and you're welcome to

join us Leon. Jill and Janet are waiting for you. Before you see

them you have to sacrifice yourself.'

What the fuck was she sprouting on about? He didn't want to

know. Full of rage that replaced panic, Leon charged at Lucy,

straight through her ghostly body; he fell to the ground.

Lucy walked towards Les, he ran from her as she appeared

in front of him. Les tumbled to the ground a roaring pain in his

head and his heart thumping, straining to keep the blood

flowing. He gasped fell to his knees clutching the chest. There

was a sharp pain and growing darkness with the fading image of a

young girls dark stare.

Leon started to run he had to go back into the town to

hopefully find Janet and Jill; it's too late for Les.

The ground erupted into a giant bonfire He turned to run

another way. Lucy stands before him.

'Please don't leave. Your family awaits you.'

Leon screamed and spun around. He started running. His

panic attacks increased with terror. He glanced behind him while

moving and saw Lucy Rose floating through the air towards him. He

ran into the town with no one in sight, except for Lucy who

floated to the ground in front of him.

Leon fell to his knees. 'Please let me go, I won't say

anything. You have already killed my family and many others.

Isn't that enough? Let me go. 'He begged. He is weeping.

'We will kill you too. You can be with your family. My,

uncle will grant you quick death and eternal life.'

Leon couldn't recall the last time he had been so scared;

nothing compared to this nightmare-if only it were that-this

is the most frightening moment of his life.

He felt chills freeze his backbone, as he made eye

contact with the old man before him. He appeared out of thin air,

it is Harry Pine. The man looked normal; the smile on his face,

pure evil, that would terrify any human or animal that had

before, whenever he looked upon someone or thing, now it is

happening to Leon.

Leon screamed. Lucy shook her head.

Harry disappeared. Two men appear from nowhere and took

Leon by arms and led him to the church, Leon weeping didn't think

to fight.

There is no escape. Lucy called to two other men who had

materialized in front of the church to go and get the body of the

old man on the highway and take it to the church. Lucy watched Leon being taken into the church before heading back across to

the park where she liked playing. She smiled. Ravenscross had

gathered six more citizens that night.

Leon woke up in the church. The morning sun threw a shaft

of light from a high window. He sat up in a pew then stood and

moved towards the open doors.

He felt different; no panic and no worries at all. He feels

relaxed, unlike the previous night. He felt good strong and fit.

He looked outside, the town crowded, full of people going

about their daily business. Apparently, everyone appears happy and

smiling. Leon felt a spring in his step. He walked out of the

church and saw two policemen walking up Herseley Street towards

the police station.

Must have been the cops from last night, he wondered.

He felt happiness and a love for this town he'd never

visited before. There is nothing to no longer fear.

Leon walked down Bennet Street past the cemetery. There,

Les Snobes, talking to another senior citizen in the old grocer

shop. Les waved to him. Leon waved back. He saw Janet and Jill

walking towards him.

He felt sudden joy on seeing them. It was no great shock to

know that he was now a ghost like his wife and daughter. They

were both beautiful still and full of joy with their new lives;

like everyone else in the town.

Jill ran to her father, Janet followed. The three of

them stood embracing. They are ghost's but these ones can make

contact with another.

'Leon, we are free. We can do whatever we want, when we

want.' Janet said.

Leon smiled in acceptance.

They had become different people. Just like Les and the two

policemen: eternal happiness. It had been the best family

vacation ever, and unlike other trips away, this one would not

end, and that was terrific for the Kline family.

'Hey Jill, want to play.' Lucy Rose called from across the park.

Jill ran to play with her new friend for eternity.

Ravenscross is full of supernatural history

3

Nicole had been rambling when Ricky heard the telepathic

Call. Mid-thirties, Ricky Stone and Nicole Goldman lived in a run

down apartment that satisfied their needs. No desire to buy a house.

'Lots of couples rush into house buying with no thought

About forthcoming financial burdens.' Ricky said. 'We may not be college educated but were wiser than most.'

Ricky an adopted child after losing his parents as a child

and a high school drop-out worked as a building window cleaner, a

job he found just all right, no happiness with it. Nicole was a

dress designer who finished high school and went to college. She

met Ricky through a dating agency and they hit it off in minutes

after their first rendezvous. They had been a couple for over ten

years and engaged for two months, he proposed in bed. Apart from

ten pin bowling with mates, they liked to both fuck each other a

lot. Despite mid-thirties, they had sexual urges with spare time

bonking. Ricky wanted her tonight like any other night. He

would soon change his mind.

'Children would be nice, though let's wait till were

thoroughly ready.' Nicole said.' I'm over thirty but we can

always work something out.'

Nicole rambled on about the wedding plans and the

organising of everything.

(Ricky Stone it's Harry Pine.)

Ricky felt a mild chill, no movement. He looked around the

Restaurant, they had the table to themselves, other couples in

a distance and a family other side of the restaurant.

Ricky felt cold and he heard his heartbeat.

(Ricky return to Ravenscross.)

The voice makes a friendly invite, yet it compels.

(Remember me Ricky Stone)

Ricky shivered and fell off his chair, in a brief faint.

Seconds later he came too. Nicole didn't notice him starting to

look afraid or distracted till he collapsed. Nicole had his head

in her lap. Restaurant staff and patrons surrounded the couple

great concern. Restaurant staff might be worried Ricky got food

poisoning. Nicole told everyone he was fine, just work stress, he

needed a vacation.

Nicole drove home, it was his car, but he was in no

condition to drive. On the way back to the unit, Ricky told

Nicole about memories of a man named Harry Pine in Ravenscross,

and Nicole felt chilled all over.

4

More deaths in Ravenscross when Lucy met four teenagers a

broke down car. They had been university students back from a

week away at the Gold Coast. They had gotten lost with a wrong

turn and ended up in Ravenscross.

Greg, his partner Laverne and another couple Randy and

Jenny all studying to become future teachers; there would be no

future.

The four born into middle class wealth looked worried,

especially the women. They saw two flat tyres after stepping out

of the vehicle.

Greg uttered "fuck" several times. He had purchased new

tyres a month ago. The others slower to anger unlike Greg felt

frustrated too.

Jenny is frightened, knowing of Ravenscross and somehow it

Abducts people, she shared with them staying very close to

Randy.

'Jenny, it's all bullshit. This is a dump, 'Greg said. He

scanned the area, what a weird small place. Hard to believe

people could live here.

'I see a police station.' Randy said.

Couldn't see a garage so police station is best solution.

both Greg and Randy had run ins with the law: fined for

speeding. The guys hoped the cop isn't anyone familiar.

The walk on this warm night chilled Jenny more than Laverne

felt a light touch of fear that passed; Greg and Randy

sceptical.

The town had no streetlights, Jenny noticed yet a dim

lighting of whitish glowed down from the sky, giving the

town a yellowish glow; none of the others noticed.

A light on in the police station. Nothing but old desks

and an old counter. No fancy furnishing, no technology or

Policemen walking about. A young man stood behind the counter.

Greg. Laverne. Randy and Jenny. Lucy Rose informed me you

Were here, she wants to see you herself.

'What the fucking hell you on about?' Greg said.

'Honey chill.' Laverne said.

The small child that is Lucy Rose entered the station and

looked at the policeman.

Jenny found the bold looking child to be frightening.

Laverne smiled at Lucy.

'Hi sweetheart. You're up late.'

They only looked away from the policeman for a few seconds.

They looked back and Lucy rests on top of the counter.

All four are frightened, Greg the least in a bad mood,

they had to get back home to continue their university studies.

Greg the most impatient didn't give a flying fuck how the child

moved from doorway to counter fast.

'Lucy what is going on here?' Randy asked.

Lucy found he sounded pleasant. She stared at them all.

'You broke down, now you may never leave.' The child said

in her sweet voice looking evil as always.

Greg took control before she could speak.

'No garage. No technology. We checked our mobile phones.

No signal.'

Lucy's eyes blazed red and Greg felt his head hurt. She

stared at the other three and their bodies glowed in red light

that made their flesh and bones vaporize into red atoms that

faded into nothingness.

Greg screamed as his head hurt then it is over, his brain

shuts down.

Lucy decided to not let these ones join the ghosts of

Ravenscross. She doesn't find them worthy to be living among

the ghosts of Ravenscross.

5

Hungover Diane Anderson made the trip to Ravenscross in her

Old vehicle searching for her missing grandparents after a

string of nightmares involving her facing her grandparents in

the town of Ravenscross. She ran up a small street to embrace

them then they would disappear, and the sky would darken and

hovering in the sky is an old looking priest with a big smile

in old purple garb.

She woke up screaming only once out of the four times she

had the nightmare. Her female flatmate had knocked on her bedroom

door to check if she was fine. Diane said she was, and told her

flatmate she had had the same bullshit dream.

Diane Anderson delivered pizzas as well as work in a pizza

joint, unhappy with her life she wanted to be an author-like

numerous others-writing crime fiction like Elmore Leonard and Sue Grafton. In her early twenties she'd suffered over a hundred

rejections. She wished fame and fortune on herself.

Diane recalls an old high school memory of erupting into

laughter while learning algebra, she flunked like most subjects

except English. Diane who is a sceptic and atheist like Ricky

Stone and Nicole Goldman didn't care for bullshit subjects that

she didn't think people would need in life.

She had socialised with the wrong people, she loved alcohol

and knew a friend who had weed, she sometimes indulged in. She

had gone through four boyfriends in three years. Like most men

her past lovers failed at commitment. She'd done several detentions

for saying fuck to teachers when she didn't approve of

her grades and when she got into a slapstick with other

students on school grounds. She had very few regrets, but her

favourite moment was during Algebra study. The male teacher

crapped on about numbers and letters. Diane had snorted laughter

and fell back on her chair managing to keep balance from falling

over. She had yelled out in front of the class. 'Boring."

She had friends who agreed and laughed in silence.

Diane had copped a detention, she shared with others that

maths except the basic shit people need is boring. She managed to

graduate high school, she had cheated from a smartass student at

The school, she wanted to graduate so she offered a blow job and

that excited the guy, she obliged and passed. After graduation

the guy came to Diane and she told him to fuck off.

Diane had the weekends off and often hung out and chilled

with mates, today she is alone. That annoying dream had been

getting under her skin and she ended up being anxious to find

out if her grandparents are still alive, she didn't see them often, now she has these nightmares: they are in Ravenscross, a town Diane had heard about. A town she heard people say that those who enter

never leave.

Diane felt sick, the alcohol in her sounded like it was

time to bring it up. She saw a sign saying welcome to

Ravenscross. She drove into the odd settled town where there

was a cemetery across the road from a school and children's park.

Deserted street and empty shops on a warm day. She parked the

vehicle close to the park.

She needed a restroom, couldn't see one. She leaned against

a tree in the park and threw up, several minutes later she felt

better. Diane looked around, no one in sight except a little

brunette girl in a white dress who came up to Diane's shoulders.

The girl's shady stare chilled Diane but it is good to

finally see someone.

'Hello.' Diane said. 'Sorry you had to see me throw up.'

The child looked at Diane's stomach content and the mess

literally disappeared. Diane freezes staring at the child.

'How?'

'I'm Lucy Rose and you are Diane Anderson.'

'How did you know my name?'

'We know everything here.'

Diane had a headache. She isn't up to several questions.

'Lucy, I feel ill, too much alcohol last night.'

Lucy grabbed Diane's hand. Diane felt cold all over with a

pleasant sensation dominating her body. The headache is gone and

she no longer feels sick. She believes she can go home and play

some netball with female friends.

She is a good netball player, yet also a great lover of alcohol, mostly beer. She has no addictions but knows the hangover and sometimes not fit for netball.

Diane smiled at Lucy who never responded.

'I don't know why you are here Diane, but you can be a guest

at my uncle's church.'

'Lucy what is this place? Ravenscross yes, but what is this place?'

Lucy still holding Diane's Hand took the girl cross the

street and led her into the church to be greeted by the priest

Harry Pine. Diane who is all well faints.

6

The bible salesman had arrived in Ravenscross as Diane

Anderson rests in Harry Pines church. Hubert Kerr who is

religious to the core had never broken a commandment. A goody

two shoes who in his thirties never been laid remaining

sex free until marriage. Always a good boy born into a religious

family never got into trouble in his life except when he was

thirteen and caught masturbating to a playboy by his mom got the

strap and has been straight ever since.

Hubert had been educated in private schools but had

dealt with tormentors. He squealed on them. God would punish

them, he is faithful of that.

Hubert Kerr arrived in Ravenscross and parked outside

somebodies house. He knocked on the old wooden door. A blonde

girl about ten answered, she stared at Hubert.

He greeted her with pleasantness. 'Hi there. I speak to

your Mummy or daddy.'

A woman who happened to be the child's mother appeared.

'Afternoon. I'm Hubert Kerr. Could I sell you some Bibles? and we can discuss the words of Jesus.'

'Leave.' The woman told him. 'We don't require your

services here.'

The door was slammed into Hubert's face, he is used to

that, this woman was one of the people who didn't give him a

chance to be persistent.

Hubert could have walked the block but decided to drive and

park around the corner and knock on doors.

Hubert stepped into the vehicle that is empty then when he

sees the passenger side he sees a child he doesn't know her name

is Lucy Rose.

He is startled and smiles at the child's cold stare.

'Get out.' Lucy orders.

Before Hubert responds, the door is open, he is yanked

outwards by some invisible force onto the ground. The preacher

Harry Pine Stares at Hubert on the ground.

Harry smiles and points, Hubert is lifted rocketed

through the air and crashes down to earth uninjured. Hubert is

afraid but God will help.

'I'm a servant of God.'

'There is no God here bible man.'

Harry points to the vehicle that hovers in the air

placing Hubert into shock, unable to gasp what he observes.

The car is above Hubert who is frozen to the ground

upright under the influence of Harry Pine's dark power.

'God help me.' He whimpers.

The mother and child stand either side of Harry and Lucy

staring at the frightened salesman.

Harry releases and the car falls down crushing Hubert

underneath.

Harry smiled looking at the damaged car and amputated legs

sticking out from underneath the car. He looked and everything

disappeared.

7

Nicole Goldman had been persistent into following her

partner into Ravenscross. Ricky told Nicole about a childhood

incident one evening in the bedroom.

The Stone family heading home to Toowoomba after a vacation

took a wrong turn and came into Ravenscross, the odd settlement

of a town. The father thought the police station might be able to

help, there weren't many people walking around.

The family had left the vehicle and only eight Ricky Stone

feels afraid of Lucy Rose who stands outside the police station.

The priest appeared behind the mother and father and looked

at the pair. Their heads banged together so fast; they fell

and died on the spot. Ricky screamed, through tears he saw the

evil grin of the priest known as Harry Pine.

Ricky fled the town in terror, making good distance for a

child, he'd gotten onto the highway and walked side of the road

in shock. He ended being picked up by some crazy teenagers

breaking the speed limit. The law breaking two couples aided the

child and took Ricky to his next of kin.

When Ricky spoke to the medics and authorities, he only

remembered seeing his parents fall and die. Presumed dead

there was a memorial and Ricky ended up being adopted.

Searches for Ricky's parents were made, no luck and some

of the searchers who went to Ravenscross never returned home.

Ricky got better and all he remembers that he's parents

died in Ravenscross, no memory how, then it all came back to him

in the restaurant.

He was able to stay focused in the week and Nicole kept

him entertained wearing the Wonder Woman outfit that turned the

guy on. Ricky is a Wonder Woman fan. He liked the Marvel and DC

comic characters since childhood, mostly Wonder Woman and Cat

Woman. To him Nicole made a sexy Wonder Woman who is blonde

instead of brunette. Nicole liked crime novels and films mostly

stuff like The Blacklist. The CSI shows and the books of Patricia

Cornwall, Sue Grafton and Thomas Harris.

The couple still indulged their entertainment weeks despite

worrying. They argued this morning. She wanted to be with her

lover he wanted his partner to stay safe. Neither had a strong

voice but Nicole put a bit of exclamation into hers and he let

her follow him to Ravenscross, telling her we don't split up.

Nicole drove, they entered the town that gave them a

cold feeling in their heart especially Ricky.

Nicole parked the vehicle behind another one near the

children's park. They saw parents playing with their kids

including the Kline family who were in the paper this week.

'I don't like the layout of this place.' Nicole said. 'It

is compact but not in the normal sense. You ok?'

Ricky stepped out of the vehicle; Nicole followed. At the

church across the street he saw the girl. He remembered her,

didn't know the name but they'd met.

Ricky walked to her; her voice sweet, her stare eerie.

'Hi Ricky. I'm Lucy Rose. I saw you when you were a child.

You fled in terror.'

'He nodded.

'The priest?'

'Yes Ricky. That is Harry Pine my uncle, the ruler of

Ravenscross. Come on in and we might be able to answer any

questions.'

8

The evening before, Harry Pine hovered in the night sky

in the glowing light he made appear and disappear. He did this

many nights and up here he can foresee who will be

venturing into his town tomorrow or the following week. It is

time to call Ricky Stone back. He had done so this week from high

up sending a telepathic message where he can send it to the

outside world.

Ghosts here including him, and Lucy could not leave the

town but able to use telepathy on anyone and summon them here,

people answered, even the non-believers arrived. This is heaven.

his obsessed father priest was an afterlife fan interested in the

occult and of course wrote a book that only his son had read.

Harry's mother passed away long before the father wrote the book

at an old age. He was just a regular preacher until he read

fathers' book. His father passed away and Harry read the book

and killed himself afterwards then came to life in Ravenscross

over a century ago. In the book Anthony Pine sold his soul to the

devil so he said and that was what gave Harry his power after his death.

The priest ruled the town. People now ghosts could indulge

in their hobbies of fitness or things that relaxed the mind. No

one had to work. Demonic magic kept everything looking good. The

weather in Ravenscross is the same as anywhere in the world. The

ghosts didn't feel hot or cold. Rain or thunder.

It had been a busy week. A professional exorcist from

Sydney New South Wales entered Ravenscross. The man old as Harry

used various chants to rid evil spirits. Harry walked through the

man's body and he fell dead after the heart stopped beating.

A young reporter who came into Ravenscross hoped to

find a scoop; Mark Talbot and his associates it seemed

couldn't find. One guy trespassed and entered the morgue

following a beautiful smiling blonde woman. He didn't think why

she was going into a morgue. The guy an easy sucker for

beautiful women followed his temptation. He looked around

inside. Nobody until a voice went "boo!' a frightening old male

voice. The guy turned and saw Harry Pine.

'Unworthy!' Harry roared.

The guy fainted. Moments later woke up lying down in a dark

place. He called for help then screamed for help. The guy is in a

crematorium and Harry using his demonic powers and lights up the

place and the reporter burned to death. Not many deaths this week

but over the century there had been so many numerous happenings in this small ghostly community.

The night before Lucy Rose floated up into the air and

joined her uncle in the sky hovering by his side looking down at

the town under the dark priests lighting spell.

Lucy had found many items over the years from VCR's to DVD

players. Walkman's and stereo systems, that all didn't work in

Ravenscross. Portable devices worked, until batteries ran down, Lucy

would wave a hand over the device and it would crumble to atoms.

Lucy read books by author Anne Rice loved the Vampire

Chronicles. She hated Twilight series but enjoyed the Harry

Potter novels. She treasured Interview with A Vampire cause

of the female vampire child who wanted to grow up but couldn't.

Lucy is like that except she is satisfied as an immortal child

ghost.

She'd viewed movies on portable devices. She loved ghost

films and vampires, even enjoyed The Walking Dead and Game of

Thrones with her uncle and friends. Portable devices are popular

here. They didn't have any connection to the outside world, but newspapers would sometimes appear in people's vehicles and

outsiders spoke of the happy and terrifying events of the outside

world.

Lucy Rose after she became a ghost killed her mother and

father as they slept cutting their necks, then Harry brought them

back to life.

She'd observed pictures of beaches and palm trees and found

those places attractive but in Ravenscross she agreed with her

uncle that every day is heaven and you do what you want.

she believed it would stay that way, even after tomorrow

when the couple would arrive.

10

Lucy led Ricky and Nicole into the church where they

met Diane Anderson in a pew up the front close to the altar where

the priest Harry Pine stood.

Nicole thought he looked like a charming man, as the girl appeared more frightening. Ricky and Harry stared at one another; evil grin widened.

'Hope I didn't startle you too much when I summoned you Ricky.'

Ricky shrugged. He kept thinking about his mum and dad.

The couple sat next to Diane and they spoke among one

another while Harry Pine and Lucy Rose had a whispered discussion

at the altar. They faced the guests.

'I won't speak long.' Harry said. 'It's not heaven but when

you are dead; here will be paradise. No magical rainbows with palm

trees and beaches. After your deaths I guarantee eternal

happiness. What looks to you now as a small desert of non-entity

will become divine sanctuary. Past abductions, several numerous

incidents. Just recent an exorcist visited the town with a

chant and ludicrous as it sounded two ghosts were killed. I had

to kill this man: I stopped his heart and same for another who

entered our sanctuary this week. He wasn't a qualified exorcist, but he was smart, now he is here as one of us.

Four days ago, a young man a bad boy reputation back home

came here on a dare and Lucy here saw the guy step out of the

vehicle and her capabilities able to foresee, she had to kill the

young guy. Soon as he entered, and about to step out of the

vehicle, Lucy with her intrepid stare made the vehicle explode.

'People over the century have grown to accept Ravenscross

bliss. There is no need for ocean view. No need for the beauty

of the countryside. Heaven is here. You can pass time by

socialising with your own pleasantries. Some technological items

cordless have made their way from the outside world. Eventually

the gadgets break down. No technical facilities in Ravenscross.

Ricky, Nicole and Diane felt desire to join. The humans

didn't find the ghosts here to be fear-provoking in appearance or

the way they spoke, they sounded no different than the mortals

except they were undead. Harry and Lucy vanished. The humans

wondered around and satin the park. A glorious day like the last

time Ricky was here, yet rain hail shine or snow had no effect on

the ghosts of Ravenscross.

After walking around Ravenscross, the ghosts were all

sleeping but could wake up when they wanted and pass out when

they wanted. The three spoke about their lives to one another.

Ricky and Nicole didn't tell Diane they were sex fiends. Diane commented about a cemetery and morgue close to a school and park for

children. They agreed it was demented settlement. Harry Pine

mentioned past relatives of his were mad for demonic power and

didn't care about the town's layout.

'Sounds like it might be pleasant here after death.' Diane

said.' 'Yet more lives will be lost.'

'None of us know any exorcism chants or are demonologists.'

Ricky said.

They spoke for minutes agreeing that life after death here

sounded too good to be true but didn't want to see others die.

'Ponder your decision my friends.' Harry commanded nicely.

Ricky, Nicole and Diane were free to wander, they sat in a park, surrounded by ghosts that looked human, now they have passed on and become ghosts who behaved like ordinary citizens.

The three talk and like the offer of living here as ghosts, temptation strong but not strong enough and all agree lives cannot be taken by ghosts.

They explored the small town speaking in silence. The ghosts cannot foresee any outcome and that made Ricky think.

Almost night-time when Harry arrives at the park with Lucy,

to find the three mortals holding hands making a circle, standing

close.

Ricky joined hands with the others and made a chant of his

own. He didn't like it, but watched horror movies to give him an

idea on how to combat evil. Nicole and Diane had no better ideas,

they didn't like Ricky's plan and neither did he, yet it is worth

a shot. If the effort is wasted the outsiders would find a way to

remain together no matter what the ghosts in the town required

and they would accept their fate, unafraid of death, but wanted

to see no more innocent's fall victims in this small town.

The three visitors are not killers and came to an agreement

after a real long discussion decided to end the

abductions and deaths.

'If there is a God. I command you in the name of all that is

Righteousness to rid the town of Ravenscross of all evil demonicness

back to all darkness.'

They are still atheists, though they know they are among ghosts. Ricky believed evil can be conquered by people with all types of different beliefs.

The three held the circle. Harry and Lucy awe-stricken by

the three sceptics for such a wily chant.

Lucy hovered into the air above the three and yelled. Enough!'

Lightning flashed; thunder rumbled. The sky all evening black

and Harry Pine for the first time in over a century looked

petrified. The magical lighting glow appeared but it was on fire

suspended in the sky. Nicole and Diane screamed. Ricky commanded

they don't break the circle.

A fireball sphere in slow rotation spun. It is about the size of the town and hovers spinning in the same spot in the clear evening sky that produces lightning flashes.

Ricky, Nicole and Diane, eyes now closed hold the circle and move closer chanting. "I command the evil in Ravenscross departed". They kept chanting that in murmurs.

The three mortals know they are in a no-win situation, whatever happens next. The chant kept coming.

Diane and Nicole followed Ricky's lead and chanted at the same time.

'I command evil spirits in Ravenscross to depart.'

It is happening. The ghosts of people that have gathered in the park hoping to meet the three outsiders are screaming. They are fading into invisibility that is permanent.

'I command evil spirits in Ravenscross to depart forever.'

Men, women, children are vanishing into a white blur hiding their appearance. The white figures explode into white atoms. Ghosts are disappearing forever.

Harry and Lucy rose up into the air. They floated towards Ricky and the two women with that little chant that caused a great disaster no evil being could foresee.

'Stop!' Harry demanded.

'I command evil spirits in Ravenscross to depart.'

Ghosts of Ravenscross were disappearing first into white figure shaped spectres before exploding into atoms that fade into the evening.

There was a crack of thunder. Lucy screamed and it is over.

Lightning struck the fireball; it exploded and the town of Ravenscross is destroyed by three in a circle, killing all the good and evil. The fireball that exploded fell to earth and a holy fire all white lit up the town destroying all the good and evil within.

No one saw their fate. No one would know why it happened

this way. Harry Pine had conquered exorcists before, some

with difficulty. Outside doubter's minimal belief in the

supernatural arrive, the man has the woman make up a

limb in the moment chant and those few words bring the

obliteration of Ravenscross. The head ghosts failed to foresee destruction from three people in a circle uttering some chant had they lived would have been rejuvenated in their outlook on life.

Unknown forces beyond the demon priests control occurred

bringing down the ghost town of Ravenscross. Forces of light or

darkness no one would ever know what killed the ghosts of

Ravenscross. Ricky, Nicole and Diane had caused the forces to defeat the ghosts he wouldn't know if he or the other two had lived. It

might have been time for Ravenscross to cease to exist. The mysterious holy fire that lasted a short time did it's magic and wiped out the town leaving nothing standing.

Nothing remained of Ravenscross, it was literally burned to

the ground now covered in ash. No debris or remains of the town

to see, nothing for the scavenger except two items: A priests

cassock and two white shoes that once belonged to Lucy Rose.

THE END

