Mischiefmakers: Dark Macabre Read online

  Silas screams. He cries out, watching the blood from his chok- ing mouth splatter the ceiling.

  Streams of blood pouring from where his groin and body orifices were, Silas staggers against the wall. He stands there, staring down in horror at himself. Then he shrieks and collapses. The black raven wiggles the human genitals between its razorsharp beak, like a huge juicy worm it’s just snatched from its bur- row. Using its knifelike claws, it clamps down on the penis while slowly swallowing each bloody testicle.

  The raven finishes gobbling. It tours the apartment as its eyes glow with anger. It sees the damage the three men have done to the once immaculate place. Suddenly, a veil of darkness gently settles over the apartment.

  5

  Meanwhile, Melissa and Sarah are on the other side of town, enjoying a memorable conversation with young Sissy Put- nam. Sissy is a runaway teenager who lives on the streets,

  and who sometimes sleeps under a favorite bridge with Melissa and Sarah, but she’s finally going home. Originally from Abbeville, Ala- bama, she’s a petite teen with little-girl freckles and a sunny smile, but with a strong southern disposition. Her southern attitude and high, squeaky voice always make for interesting conversation.

  After experiencing a few months on the streets, and hitchhiking from town to town, Sissy has decided home isn’t all that bad.

  The three women sit around in a moderately furnished motel room, laughing and joking about some of the situations they have savored.

  “I said, ‘Please, Officer Stewart, she don’t know any better. Why don’t you cut her a break? She’s from Alabama. You know things are different down there.’ The officer snatched the gum, laughed, and said, ‘Well, she needs to take her ass back to Alabama. This is Newark. She can get locked up easily up here!’” They all laugh as Melissa gives her comical recollection of one of their more memorable moments. In her strong southern accent, little Sissy Putnam speaks.

  “Hell, I didn’t know y’all were so tuff up here. In Abbeville, they just call your parents or somethin’ simple like that. That Indian man called the damn S.W.A.T. team, all because I was stealin’ some Hubba Bubba and a box of Fruit Loops. I had only been in the city two days, and I was about to go to jail. That is, until Melissa claimed to be an aunt I was visitin’. I know I told you before, but I wanna tell you again, I really appreciate you bailing me out that night. I had no friends and nobody I could call. I just would have been shit outta luck.”

  “It was no problem. You remind me of my sisters, so I had to help you out,” says Melissa.

  “So what made you decide to go home all of a sudden?” asks Sarah.

  “There is just so much going on in the world, so much hate and killin’. I figured I could at least try to work things out at home. Plus, too many people I meet are either dying or disappearing.”

  “Like who?” asks Melissa.

  “You remember Mr. Hurley, the guy who owned Bob’s Pizza?”

  “Yeah.”

  “He died a few weeks ago, and he was one of the first people who really talked to me and made me realize that my problems at home weren’t so bad. We talked for hours over some leftover pizza. He even tried to get me a room at his house, but his wife wouldn’t even consider it, so he just helped when he could.”

  “What happened to him?”

  “Lung cancer, all that damn smokin’, cigarette after cigarette. I had to fight through the smoke just to talk to him.”

  “Too bad. He hooked me up with some pizza a few times. Who disappeared?” asks Sarah.

  “This social worker lady I knew. She was also trying to get me to go home. I had just seen her that morning, and they said she disappeared. You must have heard about her. It’s been all over the news. Seems like she’s from some well-known family, and they think she might have been kidnapped.”

  “Who’s she?” asks Sarah.

  “Mrs. Garrison. And you know what made it even worse?”

  “What?”

  “She had just got married the weekend before she disappeared,” responds Sissy.

  Suddenly Melissa is struck with a collage of pictures flashing through her mind. She sees a woman struggling with an unseen foe, her clothing being stripped from her. Her body being struck down to the ground by a powerful force. Then Melissa sees her nude body lying amongst trash with her mouth frozen open and her eyes fixed into a terrified gaze. Melissa blinks away the hidden memory and buries it once more. The visions disappear, and Melissa cannot remember them, but she feels terror course through her body. Her heart races, then quickly subsides. Everything is normal.

  “We haven’t heard anything about it. We’ve been too busy enjoying the crib we’re crashing at,” replies Sarah.

  “That’s right, so you said this old man just hooked y’all up for no reason?” says Sissy excitedly.

  “That’s what it seems. He said we could stay there as long as we wanted and get rested. He said get rested like I got somethin’ important to do. I guess he don’t realize I have nothin’ planned no time soon,” says Melissa.

  “Well, I find the whole thing kinda strange,” says Sarah.

  “What?” asks Sissy.

  “The old man, he just come outta nowhere, I’ve never seen him in the hood before. The way he stared at Missy, like he wanted more. He didn’t even look at me one time when we first met, not once. All he did was flash his gold and rotten teeth and offer her a place to live. When we got there, he acted like he was mad that I was there.”

  “Maybe he wanted some ass!” Sissy laughs.

  “Well, he wasn’t goin’ to get none, the little freak,” Sarah says quickly.

  “Sarah, stop being so damn mean. I thought he was kinda nice, like a granddaddy. Anyway, he didn’t try to make no moves, he just gave us the key and left,” says Melissa.

  “Did y’all pawn some of that stuff?” says Sissy.

  “No, we didn’t. I mean, if he was nice enough to give us a great place to stay, I’m not goin’ to rip him off. Plus, he probably got the neighbors watchin’ us.”

  “So, who you got for neighbors?”

  “That’s a good question. We haven’t heard or seen anyone since we’ve been there. There’s only a couple of apartments with people, and I figured someone would have at least come by or somethin’.”

  “You invite your boyfriend up?”

  “Who?” Melissa asks.

  “Who? Harry, that’s who. From what I remember, you and the skinny boy were a hot item.”

  “Well, you remember wrong. Me and him were just friends, and I haven’t seen him in a while. Anyway, he’s not even my type.”

  “Hey, sorry, I didn’t mean to make ya’ll mad.”

  “Don’t worry about it. He just turned out to be a typical man, an asshole. He was so full of himself, I could never get a word in, so I just asked him to stop comin’ around.”

  “Yeah right, and maybe one day you’ll get the balls to tell me and Sissy the truth,” says Sarah.

  “I’m tellin’ the truth.”

  “No, you’re not,” says Sarah. “All you did was talk about how sweet he was and how he listened to you, then you stop talkin’ about him, so somethin’ must have happened that you’re not tellin’.”

  “So, Sissy, when are you leavin’?” asks Melissa, purposefully changing the subject.

  “Tomorrow morning, Greyhound,” responds Sissy.

  “Damn, so that means you won’t be here for the get-together me and Sarah were planning.”

  “Y’all plannin’ a party and you didn’t invite me?”

  “We looked for you at the shelter, and Tibbs told us where you were. I guess we got so caught up in talkin’, we just forgot.”

  “That’s awright, but even though I can’t go to the party, that don’t mean you guys will forget me, does it?”

  “How can we forget your country ass? Don’t worry, we’ll keep in touch,” says Sarah.

  “It’s gettin’ late, do you mind if we crash with you tonight?” says Melissa.


  “Naw! Missy, y’all go ahead and get some sleep. Y’all could also help yourselves to them free towels.”

  “That’s okay. We have a closet filled with them at the place.” Sarah yawns.

  The women quickly quiet down as the long day’s activities catch up with them.

  The next morning, Melissa and Sarah wave good-bye as they fight through the thick exhaust that pours from the bus’ engine. The streets at Newark Penn Station are littered with yellow cabs competing for fares. The morning rush hour is typical as cars rush to and fro. The Greyhound buses line up, taking on passengers, then disappearing into the steady flow of vehicles. Sissy sits in the back window, waving at Melissa and Sarah as her bus revs up and slowly creeps into the oncoming traffic.

  “I’m gonna miss that little girl,” says Sarah.

  “Yeah, me too,” Melissa whispers.

  “Well, what are we going to get for the party?”

  “I don’t know, let’s get some Kentucky Fried, chips, and stuff. I still got some money.” Melissa checks her pocket and pulls a few wrinkled bills from it as they walk from the bus station.

  6

  The two women casually stroll down the street, enjoying each other’s company while carrying their bags of groceries. The day is slightly cloudy with the threat of rain; the damp air

  is thick with each deep breath. The clouds hover high above and seem to trace the women’s every step. The sun peeks through every few blocks as if it too is keeping an eye on them.

  Melissa and Sarah walk up the stairs to the apartment and notice a strange odor, slightly different from the spicy aroma they are used to. The hallway is warm as if someone has recently turned up the heat. They walk closer and are surprised when they realize the odor is originating from their apartment. They look at each other with confusion, then try to open the door. When they see it is locked, Melissa nervously pulls out the key, and with a quick turn to the right, the lock unlatches. They cautiously enter, and the aroma overwhelms them. Upon opening the door, they are shocked to see why their apartment smells so strange.

  “Who lit up all these scented candles and cleaned up?” wonders Sarah. The scented candles have an ominous beauty and a smell so thick it can be tasted. Like a drug, it penetrates their skin, placing them in a state of euphoria.

  “I told you Mr. Nicholas would keep an eye on us. You’re right, though. He really cleaned this place up. He probably has a maid or somethin’ that comes in to do this.” They place their bags in the kitchen, then cautiously roam the rooms. The women are amazed as they notice all the rooms are cleaned to perfection. The furniture is polished to an immaculate splendor. The refrigerator is stocked with more food than before.

  “Blow out some of those candles, they’re too strong.” Melissa heads to the bathroom. Sarah blows out a few of the spicy candles. Cupping her hand around each flame, she breathes the ancient spice. Suddenly she is terribly frightened. Standing in the doorway is a young black child. She stands four feet high and seems very young. She is well groomed, wearing a dismal gray dress, and it looks like she has just attended a funeral. Her hair is jet black and partially covers her face. With a demonic grin, she stares at Sarah.

  “Hello there, are you lost? Can I help you?” Sarah says. The little girl does not respond. She holds the fiendish expres - sion, shifting her head, mimicking a lost puppy.

  “Do you live here?” Sarah asks.

  The child slowly opens her mouth and speaks.

  “My father thinks you should leave. The doves will not protect you,” the child says as if reading from a script.

  “Who?” Sarah asks.

  “Sarah, who are you talking to?”

  Sarah quickly turns to Melissa.

  “I’m talking to...” Turning back around, she sees the little girl is gone. “Did you see that girl?”

  “What girl?” Melissa questions, while looking over at the door.

  “The little girl that was standing in the doorway!” Melissa walks over to the door and tries to open it.

  “Not only is the door closed, but it’s locked. I think you’ve been drinkin’ a little too much lately,” Melissa says jokingly. “Standing in the middle of a room, talkin’ to a door ain’t exactly normal.”

  “No, I ain’t kidding! I saw a little girl, she said somethin’ about her father,” Sarah tries to explain. She slowly sits down and attempts to recollect. “I know I saw her, she stood right there wearin’ a black dress. She said her father wants me to leave.”

  “Sarah, relax, I’ll take a look.” Melissa unlocks the door and walks into the hallway. Walking up to the two other doors, she gently places her ear against each and knocks. There’s no answer. Returning to the room, she gives her explanation. “Maybe you got too close to those spicy candles. That’s probably it. You know what, let us get rid of these right now.” She walks around the room, removing all the candles from their holders, placing them in a kitchen drawer. “Well, it seems Sissy may have been right about grandpa. I guess these are no ordinary candles, they make you see things.” Melissa walks over to Sarah, placing her arm around her. While sitting down, she offers some advice.

  “It’s been a long couple of weeks. Just get some rest, and you will feel better in the morning.” It’s obvious to her that Sarah is visibly shaken over what she thinks she has seen. Considering this, Melissa makes no more attempts at humor.

  7

  T he next day is a typical spring morning, with the sweet smell of fresh flowers in the air. Melissa opens a window, invit- ing the enticing aroma into the apartment. Even with a thin

  haze of pollution blanketing the city, the warm rays of the bright yellow sun fight their way through.

  Kneeling down to Sarah, Melissa softly whispers,

  “Hey, how you feelin’ this nice morning?” Sarah looks up, half asleep, and peers over at the locked door before shutting her eyes. “Come on, girl, rise and shine, it’s a beautiful day outside! I know you didn’t forget our party tonight!”

  “What the hell you so happy about?” Sarah grunts. “I’m seeing ghosts and you’re happy.”

  “Sarah, you saw no such thing. Now get up so we can get things ready for tonight.” Lifting Sarah by the arm, Melissa forces her to get up. “Come on, up-up-up. I told you it was those candles, now let’s go. I command you to get up and forget about yesterday!” “You don’t have to scream.” Sarah grimaces.

  Eventually Sarah gives in to Melissa’s demands. They cook and eat a hearty breakfast of scrambled eggs, hot coffee, and French toast. Then they get busy tidying up the apartment, until every room and crevice is spic-and-span. Afterward they put on their best dresses, all the time laughing about the ghosts and phantasms Sarah claims she saw. After awhile, Sarah is ready to totally dismiss the little girl as her wild imagination and the scented candles.

  Several people from the shelter stop to see Melissa and Sarah’s apartment, most with low expectations. As each person enters, the beauty of the rooms instantly captivates them. The enticing aroma of the candles still lingers, and their ability to mesmerize also remains. Members of the shelter wander about, examining each room like a rare exhibit. They touch the fine furnishings with inquisitive stares. Soon, they settle down and begin enjoying their surroundings, toasting with shots of liquor and chugs of beer.

  With her thick blue corduroy shorts and beer-stained T-shirt, Jackie is curious.

  “I can’t see how somebody got this place lookin’ like this in such a short time. Two months ago, it was all gutted out. Seems it would at least take a little longer to fix-up. The walls were fallin’ down and everything. That’s why I didn’t stay here.” Jackie takes a small swallow from her forty ounces of beer.

  No one notices the watchful eyes viewing. Lurking in the shadows, they sway in the evening breeze, cloaked by darkness. Peering through the aged windows, they hover over the decrepit fire escape. Like guardians, they inspect any individual that approaches Melissa as if the person may pose some sort of threat. They take spec
ial notice of Jackie, who talks continuously about the building with a drunkin’ slur. With a 40-ounce in one hand and a cigarette in the other, she bounces from one conversation to another.

  Later in the evening, Jackie gets ideas.

  “I need to meet this old man. If he all that rich, he could hook me up with a place. I know what I’ll do. I’m gonna go to city hall to see a lady I know. She used to be at the shelter. She could tell me who this old man is. Shit, I’m goin’ to check out some of the apartments downstairs,” she says. “You comin’?” Jackie asks her drunken companion, who’s been passed out for the entire conversation. “You ain’t worth shit, I’ll go by myself,” she decides with slurred speech as she staggers toward the door.

  “Where you going, Jackie?” asks Melissa.

  “I’m goin’ to get some air, I be back.” Jackie’s stomach whirls at a dizzying pace as the liquor begins to consume her. Melissa pays her no more mind as Jackie stumbles out the door.

  Stepping into the hall, Jackie shuts the door behind her. The hall is quiet and vacant, and the lighting is reduced to an eerie gloom. Stumbling, she drifts side to side, wondering if that last shot of Jack Daniels was such a good idea. Bumping into the wall, Jackie places her hand against it, and a sudden feeling of warmth swarms her from within. Removing her hand, she stares at the wall as if awaiting a response to an unspoken question. A mist creeps up behind her. She continues to stare at the wall in a hypnotic trance. Like a python, the thick mist encircles her legs and arms, gently lifting her up into the unknown. Jackie, still mysteriously captivated by the deep maroon wall, lays back to rest in the ghostly mist, and, with her eyes slowly closing, she dreams of the past. The magical mist causes distant childhood memories to arise from deep within her subconscious. She drifts softly through this wonderland. Floating silently and willingly, Jackie allows the mist to keep her in its erotic embrace. Forgotten memories resurface.