Borderland Page 13

Logan looked around the room, terrified of what she might see. She grabbed her sweater and threw it over her shoulders, and before she could get a response, quickly ran down the stairs to the garage.

  When she reached the bottom, she grabbed the doorknob and something made her stop dead in her tracks. A cold had descended on the downstairs family room and it was perturbing. Her hand held onto the knob as if frozen in place. She nervously looked around, hoping not to see any apparitions, but knowing that the drop in temperature meant he was here.

  Plus, when she finally tried to open the door to the garage, the knob rattled, shook in her hands, and refused to open. Panicky, she increased pressure on it, pushed and pulled to no avail. Her palms were sweaty from the effort to open the door and the fear that was building inside.

  Her heart had started to pound about the time she realized she was not alone. Shivering in response to the drop in temperature, conversely her fear mounted. He was here…with her!

  Frenetically clawing at the doorknob, her grasp getting weaker, she gave it one last powerful tug. The door flew open, giving in to the applied pressure, but causing her to fall forward into the garage. Unsteady on her feet, she punched the garage door opener and ran to her car, never looking back.

  Nor, did she look as she backed out of the garage. If she had, she might have seen Travis. He was the reason she felt the cold in the family room. He hadn’t meant to scare, but to warn, and he regretted deeply that he had intimidated her into battling with the door.

  Neither one realized that Jake was applying force from the other side.

  Better to wait; she’s had enough for today, Travis decided.

  Jake slipped away to pay a visit to Betty and Lou Gleason.

  * * * * *

  Watching a boring talk show on TV about the same time that Logan left her house, Betty and Lou were grappling with what had happened that morning, troubled about Harry and Logan, and wondering what the connection was between them.

  Betty stood up and walked over to the window, deep in thought. While standing there, she instinctively looked over at Harry Parker’s motel room. A face? Why did he say he saw a face in the window? She continued to stare.

  Wait a minute! She blinked and looked closer. Blinking again, a face! Did she see it too? Something…what was that? Not sure…but there was something in the window of that room!

  She turned and saw Lou dozing in his chair. She didn’t want to disturb him but she wanted verification of what she had seen. She wavered on what to do, but finally called out for him to come to the window.

  Startled at hearing her shout, he jumped and opened his eyes. “What’s wrong?”

  Shaking her head in disbelief, “You know when Mr. Parker said he saw a face in his window?”

  Lou sat and waited for her to continue, shaking his head in agreement.

  “Well, I think I just saw something too.”

  Slowly he pushed himself out of the chair and came over to the window, squinted his eyes in the bright sun, hoping to discern a face…or anything.

  Nothing was there now but Betty was quick to explain, “You probably think I’m crazy, but I saw something. It was in that window. And, I think it was a face.”

  Desperate and embarrassed, she garnered sympathy from Lou, even though he doubted she saw anything and assumed she was probably still a little emotional over the whole affair.

  “You really think you saw someone?”

  Betty just nodded her head up and down.

  “I suppose you want me to go over and check it out, right?” Lou sighed. “But, maybe we should call the police first.”

  “We’d look like idiots if we did that! The man had a heart attack. We saw it happen and now, I see a face in the window too?” Putting her hands up in the air, “Oh, just forget it! It’s probably nothing.”

  Lou could see in her eyes that she really wanted him to check it out.

  “I’ll go and investigate, just to be sure,” he said.

  “I’ll go with you.”

  He stopped her short, “Like you said, it’s probably nothing, only your imagination, but I’ll go and see for myself.”

  As he walked across the parking lot, Betty watched, biting her lip nervously, not sure it was such a good idea to let him go.

  This is ridiculous! I must be seeing things. He’ll check it out, come right back, and tell me what a fool I am, she told herself, …and we’ll both laugh about it. In fact, he’ll probably never let me live it down!

  Turning off the television, she started working on the computer, convinced he would be fine, oblivious to the danger that awaited him.

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  Tom exited the barn, fresh from tending the horses, and saw a small cloud of dust in the distance. Immediately after, he heard car tires rumbling and crunching on the long gravel driveway. As the car came nearer, he lifted his hand in an inviting wave. Logan rolled to a stop in front of the house and he hurried over, enthusiastically waiting for her.

  He noticed the slim, shapely contours of her body as she got out of the car; her legs were tan from months in the summer sun. She must like the outdoors, he thought. A low whistle threatened to escape his lips when he noticed her curves emphasized by the khaki shorts and matching short-sleeved shirt. His attention was diverted when she brushed her cheek, fingering a few curls. Apart from the dynamite body, he acknowledged, her face is incredibly beautiful too.

  When she saw him studying her, she managed a wan smile. But, even though her thoughts were on what had happened the last few days and what she needed to tell him, she couldn’t help but notice how handsome he was.

  Wow! Those jeans and t-shirt really show off his muscular build. A tingle ran down her body when she recalled this morning and how his arms felt, hugging her in the middle of the street. The warmth spread as he came closer. Undoubtedly, working with animals has kept him in shape, she thought, noticing the muscles bulging under his shirt. Feelings long suppressed came rushing to the forefront as she watched him dust off his jeans. “Very sexy,” she purred quietly, an attraction growing inside her.

  “You’re right on time and I’m not.” He took her hand, “I still need to clean up. I was feeding the horses and let time get away from me.”

  God, she’s so pretty, he thought. I could get lost in those eyes, staring for hours on end.

  Logan saw something too; it was in the look he gave her.

  I can trust him; I know I can. He’s a good person; I can see that…but hopefully he doesn’t think I’m a lunatic when I tell him about Jake Turner.

  Not realizing how long they stood there staring, Tom finally broke the concentration, “Listen, do you like to ride?”

  “Pardon me,” taken aback.

  “Horses. Do you like to ride horses?”

  “Oh, yes! Of course, I don’t have many opportunities to ride, living in Indianapolis, but I used to ride all the time with my parents. I love animals. We used to have a dog when I was a little girl. I don’t have any pets now; where I live, you can’t have any pets, but I do love animals.” She knew she was talking on and on, adding more information than he really asked for.

  “This is beautiful!” She surveyed the ranch, drinking in the scenery, truly appreciating the lush green, rolling hills and trees, and asked, “How long have you lived here?”

  Deep satisfaction evident on his face, Tom looked around, “It’s been in the family for years. See over there,” pointing, “That’s Brown County State Park. My land borders it.”

  She took in the view, “It’s breathtaking.”

  “Yeah, I agree.” he replied, “When Jenny and I were married, my folks gave us this property as a wedding present.”

  Her eyes flew wide-open. “You’re married!” she gasped. “I’m sorry. I … I didn’t know.”

  Quick to explain, he held up his hand, “Hold on…I WAS married. My wife died four years ago.”

  Attempting to regain her composure, “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to…” taking his hand, squeezin
g affectionately, “You must miss her.”

  “Yeah,” a faraway look in his eyes, “I do.”

  “Do you have any children?”

  He shook his head, “No, by the time we started talking about it, we discovered she had breast cancer. We felt it best that we not try after that.”

  Grasping his hand firmly, “I bet you have plenty of friends and family to give you support.”

  He grinned warmly, lifting the mood, “Yes, I do! In fact, I have members of my family standing by to meet you right now.”

  Curious, she responded, “I’m intrigued. Let’s go meet them.” Looking around, she half-expected to see a crowd gathered on the porch.

  Tom pointed in the direction of the barn. “This way,” he said, “They’re waiting patiently. I told them you were coming.”

  Not quite sure whom he was planning to introduce to her, “Okay, I guess I’m up for it.”

  They started walking towards the barn when a beautiful longhaired golden retriever came strolling out to greet them. His fur was a shiny, copper color, almost the same brilliance as a brand-new penny. His ears perked up when he saw her.

  “Oh, he’s gorgeous! What’s his name?”

  Before Tom could answer, the dog bared his teeth and let out a low, menacing growl. He seemed to be staring right at her while continuing the fierce display of emotion, barking, backing into the barn.

  “Alex! What’s wrong with you, boy?” shocked and dismayed by his dog’s curious behavior.

  Logan spoke gently, “Hey, Alex, I’m not going to hurt you.” She put out her hand in hopes that he would lower his guard and come out to meet her.

  He continued to back up, snarling, teeth gnashing.

  Tom just stared at the dog, stunned at his reaction. When he turned to look at Logan, he noticed something out of the corner of his eye, just a brief flitting vision, nothing more. Whatever it was, it was gone. He blinked but no amount of refocusing could bring it back.

  Maybe it’s my imagination, but it looked like there was something right there, right behind her! And now, it simply isn’t there.

  He stared at her with his mouth open. He started to say something, but just as suddenly he thought better of it and remained quiet.

  She watched apprehensively. He wanted to tell her something and then he didn’t. “What? Did you see anything? She sounded urgent and almost hysterical, upset at the way the dog reacted to her.

  Again, he seemed ready to speak. “Nothing,” he finally offered with a hint of reluctance, regret, she wasn’t sure what.

  Grabbing her hand, he started toward the barn again, “Let’s go meet the others.”

  “Whoa! Let me make friends first. Alex didn’t seem too happy to see me. I’d like to make it up to him so he might respond better next time.”

  She reached out and this time the dog licked her hand and allowed her to pet him, his tail wagging.

  “That is so strange! I don’t know what got into him a minute ago, but he sure seems to be over it now.”

  Reassuring her, he continued, “It doesn’t have anything to do with you. In fact, he likes you, don’t you boy.” He bent down, talking directly to Alex, “Did you see something, boy?”

  “Must have seen something that spooked him,” he looked up at Logan and noticed she was momentarily startled.

  But just as quickly, she regained her composure, waiting in anticipation of what he might say next.

  For a second, Tom looked like he wanted to speak, but then he just shook his head, petted Alex, and said, “Come on up to the house with me. I need to check on supper.”

  Logan took his hand and they walked towards his house. She had to make big strides to keep up.

  * * * * *

  Jake materialized again, far enough from the barn and house to avoid detection. If he were any closer, the animals might have sensed his presence.

  The dog…I’m responsible for the dog. So, it’s true! Animals can sense spirits before humans. That dog saw me! How wonderful! The sniveling, little shit of a dog is afraid of me…and better yet, the man thinks the dog is afraid of Logan!

  I think that man saw something…maybe imagination? Have to be careful…might have seen me…maybe hasn’t figured it out yet. Need to take advantage before he’s on to me for sure.

  His thoughts were becoming more erratic the longer he stayed on earth… and he didn’t have much time left.

  A flicker of worry crossed his ravaged face. The lines on his forehead resembled the jagged edges of broken glass, so sharp that if you reached out to trace them, you might cut yourself and feel blood oozing like the life force flowing from him. He knew he had to pick up the pace, because before long it would be too late. Anxiety flowed from within, increasing until it threatened to burst forth dramatically as rage, a rage so powerful that it might erupt into a violent explosion at any moment.

  It had given way at the motel. Yes, it certainly had.

  Having the power to decide whether someone lives or dies... Well, let’s just say, it will be fulfilling to watch everyone’s reactions when they realize what I’ve done.

  A cruel smile on his lips, he remembered what happened to the old man they called Lou.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  Lou hadn’t shown his fear to Betty because he didn’t want her to know how scared he was. His heart raced, his pulse quickened, and tiny drops of sweat glistened on his cheeks. No, he didn’t want her to know, but he was filled with terror.

  As he grasped the doorknob in one hand and the key in the other, something warned him not to enter. You could call it a sixth sense, pricking at his consciousness, until it took hold and made him stop at the threshold to Harry’s room.

  He tried to force his courage into the open, but it was secreted away in the small, private space where it always went. Shaking his head in disgust, he was unable to prevent it from hiding, and he remained frozen in place.

  Lou had experienced this fear before, back during the War. He had seen it destroy so many good men, and he vowed never to let it happen to him. After watching other soldiers give in to fear and die from lack of finding their courage, he had perfected a visual ruse, one where he imagined the courage hidden in a secret place, refusing to come out.

  He always managed to coax it out… until now. However, now it was refusing his commands, ignoring his pleas, secreted away when he needed it the most. His courage not only remained disguised, it had taken leave, forcing him to face his fears while feeling the most vulnerable.

  This is stupid! Probably hysteria, he thought. You know, like when someone in a building gets sick, smelling fumes or something like that, and everyone else inside starts to have the same symptoms. They drop like flies. What do you call that? Mass hysteria? Group paranoia?

  Lou played mind games while gathering his senses and trying to reason with his courage. The word exercise helped take his mind off what might await him in the room.

  No! There is nothing in the room!

  He fumbled with the key and quickly placed it in the lock, hoping swift action would salvage the courage and force it to the surface.

  Before he even had time to turn the key though, the door flew open to reveal a dazzling display of psychic energy moving around the room. Feeling himself being forcibly propelled inside, Lou heard the door slam shut behind him.

  His eyes opened wide in wonder and horror at the sight of the visual fireworks in the room. Items floated above the nightstand, as if supported by unseen hands. A lamp came crashing down to the floor in front of him.

  He jerked his head toward the bathroom and saw the faucets being turned on, hot water steaming up in the air. The vapors drifted up and enveloped the space in a white mist. Lou closed his eyes and opened them again in disbelief, in time to see the mist begin to take shape. It resembled a human but nothing like he had ever seen before.

  A slow, steady growl emanated from the cloudy form, bouncing off the walls, reverberating around the tiny room.

  Lou clutched his chest a
nd his knees began to buckle. As he reached out to grab a chair and steady himself, he saw features composing on the semi- transparent being. They were barely distinguishable but still took on the characteristics of a nightmare. He observed glowing eyes, a wicked, jagged shape of a mouth, liquid oozing from the pores on a face, evil seeping from the whole being. As he slid to the floor, the last thing he did in his final act as a human being was thrust his hand out to stop the hideous shape. Defiant to the end, Lou had finally found his courage.

  * * * * *

  The clock ticked steadily in the background. Betty was hunched over her computer, unaware of the happenings in Harry Parker’s motel room. Her single-minded purpose was to complete this month’s budget before Lou came back. Once or twice she glanced up. Her nerves were on edge, aware of the minutes ticking away.

  Be patient, she told herself. Give him time to search the room.

  But, as the seconds and minutes flew by, at least by her account, she wondered what was taking him so long. Her glances at the clock became more frequent until finally, her concentration was broken.

  Betty slid her chair back and heaved a big sigh. He should be back by now, she thought. Maybe I should go over and check on him.

  Teetering on the two back legs of the chair, she looked out the window and almost fell over. What she saw made warning bells go off in her head. The door was closed but it was as if the room was alive. Lights flickered inside, shadows played around the edges of the door. She would later tell the police that the room looked like it was pulsating, but of course they didn’t place any significance on her impressions.

  She jumped up, bumping her knee under the desk, in her haste to run to the window. What she saw only increased her fears. The room was no longer alive, but silent, and, in only a matter of seconds.

  Rushing out of the office, running across the parking lot, she quickened the pace as she approached the room. It might have been her imagination but she thought she felt a slight tingle when she touched the doorknob. That too she would tell the police, only to fall on deaf ears.