Tourist Trap

The stretch of Indiana Highway  I was on, Interstate 65, to be exact, was bursting with color this October day.  The crimson and golds of the trees, and not to mention the bright orange of the Indiana State flower, otherwise known as the emergency cone, that were always on this stretch of road that never seemed to be finished being under construction.  It was early in the morning, so not many cars were on this lonely stretch of asphalt as I drove south towards Louisville, Kentucky.... in fact I was the only one on the road at this early hour.  Even though I found that slightly odd, I enjoyed my solitude as I drove on.

I was a little miffed when I first noticed the detour sign, however being that the construction was an on going thing, it wasn't the least bit surprising.  As I let myself off the highway onto the detour exit was my first warning that my day was not going to be very enjoyable.  The sudden lurch of my car to the one side told me I did something wrong, what it was I couldn't tell... however it was the smoke that started rising from the hood of my car that cinched it. To my joy, however, my car rolled to a stop in front of an old garage.  I heard the chime of the bell as the wheels of my car drove over that little black tube that runs in front of the pumps.  I had no idea that those things were still in use, however out here in Rual Indiana, I guess some things have still not evolved to the self-serve-swipe-your-credit-card-and-go pumps that seemed to be sprouting up all over the place these days.  Where it seemed a little pout dated, it still seemed refreshing at the same time.

Right on cue a man in grubby coveralls and a red hanky sticking out of his back pocked came out of the grimy looking room that served as the cashier's hobbit hole.  I watched as he eyeballed my car, wiping his greasy hands on the back of his pants and wiggling the tooth pick in his mouth from one side to the other... How utterly droll, I thought to myself, do people actually look that way anymore?  It is like a scene from a bad horror film!  I then chose to glance up and down the deserted street for signs of spooky hotels or meat processing plants.  Seeing none, as of yet, I focused my energy back on the man approaching my car.  I noticed a scar leading from his temple to his cheek.  His eyes were a shade of gray I had always read about in books, that evil and calculating shade.  I smiled at the man and rolled down my window, "Hello," I said, "I seem to be having some car problems this morning," I explained to the man, slowly, since I was not sure of his comprehension skills, the issues with my car, pointing to the smoke issuing from under the hood.
"Ya'll also gots a flat," he grunted at me.
I opened the door of my car and looked, sure enough the back tire was flat, that could explain the lurching of the car.
"Open her up," the man growled again, so I did. I have no idea about what makes the insides of a car work so I simply stood back and watch him.  He muttered something about a timing belt and distributor cap...I asked him how long before he could get it fixed, "A few days," he mumbled, "got to get the parts in and all," he then looked up at me and I noticed that the name on his shirt said "Bob".
"Well, Bob," I sighed, "Where can a guy get a place to stay for a few days?" being a writer , I was in no real hurry to be anywhere, this place was as good as any to try and get some quiet and work on my newest book.
Bob pointed  up the street and gave some simple directions.  I grabbed my bag from the trunk along with my lap top and headed down the dusty road in search of a resting place.  It still being early in the morning, the small and quaint town looked more like a ghost town than anything.

**************
I walked up the deserted street to a rickety looking Victorian style home, and as cliche as it may sound I could have sworn someone was peering at me through a lace curtain in one of the turrets.  I walked into the entryway and up to a dusty looking desk.... that song from The Great Muppet Caper started running through my head... Happiness Hotel I believe it is....I saw a little glint of silver on the desk... well, this is a place of business, right?  So, I tapped a few times on the little silver bell on the counter.  As I waited I scanned the room, making sure to note that I did not see any stuffed dead animals nor lamps made out of human bone... that was a plus.  I did note a bookshelf, however... with many different types of books on the occult, as well as a few novels... M.R. Sellars, Jim Butcher, P.S. Gifford..... interesting..... nothing by me, however... I wasn't sure if I should feel good or insulted by that.

I heard a rustle of fabric behind the counter and saw a small crone of a woman, brought to mind Aunt Bea.  She wore a chenille robe and had tissue paper surrounding what I guessed to be a beehive hairdo.
"May I help you?" she asked in a sweet voice.
"Yes," I smiled back, it was hard not to, "Bob sent me."
"Ah," she said, and gave me the once over, "car problems?"
"Yes," I sighed, "he said I could find refuge here?"
"I am sure I can find you a place to park your carcass," she replied with a grin and turned to the row of hooks behind her fishing off a key and handing it to me, "sign the registry here," and handed me a pen  I signed my name on the line with all my pertinent information, "How much for the room?"
"Once we find out how much Bob will charge you for the car, then we can discuss about my price," she smiled, "I know what it is like to have things pile up on each other." 
This caught me a little off guard, not the normal way to run a business, but hey, who can complain to a deal like that.  Very small town type of thing, almost endearing.... but on the whole, rather strange.  I brushed it off and smiled at her, nodding in gratitude, picked up my satchel and went to find my room.  It happened to be on the second floor.  I set my luggage down and, in my clothes, collapsed on my bed and soon was dead tot he world.

***************
I awoke to a light knocking at the door,  I groggily looked at the face of my watch... it read 6:45... the question was, is it AM or PM?  I shuffled over to the door and there stood a petite woman with brassy hair.  She didn't smile, but she sized me up.  I had the feeling she could take me if she chose, so I decided to put on my charming smile, "Yes?"
"Housekeeping," she stated and pushed pass me.  She glanced in the bathroom, since I hadn't even gone in there yet there was nothing for her to do in there.  She then glanced at the rumpled mess of the still-made bed.  She walked over to it with a determined step, no one was cheating this gal out of her day's work!  She straightened the mess and fluffed the pillows.  Walked back to the door and glanced at me over her shoulder.  I noticed her eyes ere the color of steel.  I must say it was unnerving, to say the least.  She must have seen it cross my face, for then, and only then, did she smile.  Her face changed  
"Well that was," I started, and realized I had nothing to finish my sentence with.  I stood there in the doorway and watched her walk down the hall.  That is when I got the waft of some nice smell.  Roast beef and potatoes.  My stomach roared to life.  "Must be PM," I said to nobody.  I walked back in the room and started stripping down to take a shower.
The hot water felt good as it quickly reinvigorated me and chipped off the travel grime from my rested body.  I hadn't slept like that in years.  I felt well rested sleeping the whole day away like that.  my body must have needed it.

*************

I walked down the strange corridor.  The blue floral wallpaper was slowly peeling off the walls, revealing wood that was silvered with age.  The floor boards creaked with age and I had that feeling on the back of my neck... you know the one...where the little hairs start to stand on end and you know that some crazy masked man with a chainsaw is going to pop around the corner at any minute?  

I let my nose lead the way... I know at least that part had never gotten me in trouble before, but  there is always a first for everything, right?  The smell of roast and veggies permeated the air, I could almost see the scent of it beckoning to me like in an old Bugs Bunny cartoon.  As I walked into the small dining room eyes all shifted my way and conversation stopped.  
"Oh," crooned Aunt Bea, "our newest family member!"
I noticed the brassy young woman from earlier.  She was sitting next to another young woman, this one who had very interesting hair, it was bleached blonde in some areas and, the only way I could describe it would be spotted with darker patches.  Across from her was a sullen faced young man with very dark eyes and next to him was..
"Bob!" I said with a smile,hopefully I would get some news on my car, "how is she looking so far,any news on the parts?"
The large man just sat there with a puzzled look on his face.
"Oh no dearie,"my sweet little landlady said waving a hand of dismissal, "That isn't Bob sweetie.... that is Robbie, he does the gardening around here."   
My lips formed into a confused o-shape and sat down in the vacant seat.  Must be twins was my first thought, but I saw Robbie lean over to the young man next to him and whisper "Who is he talking about?"Aunt Bea waived her hand in dismissal again and before I could say anything she started introducing the group,or as she called it, the family,sitting around the table.

"As I was saying," she continued as she started to pile food on the plates, "this is Robbie, our gardener," she then placed a loaded plate to the gangly youth next to him, though it appeared to me the young man didn't eat much from his thin appearance, "this is Vincent, he is our handy man,"he nodded his greasy black hair at me and dug in, "these young ladies are Catherine,she is the cook, " placing an equally loaded plate in front of the slender young woman with the strange hair, "and I think you have already met Liz, our housekeeper."
I nodded my hellos and introduced myself to them as Aunt Bea placed my plate in front of me.  It was piled as high as the rest.  The rest of the meal was eaten in silence that was only broken when the two girls whispered and giggled at each other, though that was abruptly stopped by a stern look from Vince.  I was starting to wonder about the relationships playing out in the house.  My eye kept wondering to Robbie, there was no way this wasn't the same guy or at least a relation to the mechanic.
After the dinner was over, which I must admit was delicious, though the roast was a tad different than any I had tasted before,I didn't want to insult the cook by asking what it was I had just eaten... for fear I would be told it was squirrel or raccoon or something of that sort... as they say, ignorance is bliss and regardless who they were  that was a blissful dinner.
"So," Catherine purred from across the table as Aunt Bea served up pie, "will you be joining us at the festival tonight?"
It seemed as if everyone was holding their collective breath waiting for me to answer the question. Why, I am not sure.  I chose to answer the question,with a question...which is my way, "What festival?"
Aunt Bea placed a large piece of mince meat pie in front of me, strangely enough even after the large meal I was still hungry... must be the fresh country air, and even though the score from Sweeny Todd was playing in the back of my mind I took a bite.
"The Blue Moon festival, dearie, " the older woman explained, "it is a big deal around here lovey, people come from all over.  There are booths with crafts and fresh foods and meats and all sorts of things... probably not something you would be interested in."
What?  Now why wouldn't I be interested in a country bumpkin' festival... actually she was probably right... but the sigh of discontent from Catherine made me turn my head her way,she seemed to be pouting a bit. Liz noticed me stare and elbowed her in the side causing the other young woman to hiss at her under her breath.  Liz simply gave me that little smile as before and was playing with that strange charm on her necklace, "I am sure our guest has had a long day, maybe he will check it out tomorrow."

I noticed that all the plates were now empty, even the thin man and the young ladies, glad to see women who had healthy appetites.  So many people these days starve themselves. I watched them all excuse themselves as I finished my coffee. I didn't even miss seeing the scar that ran on the side of Robbie's face. I sat for a moment and returned to my room to think about what it was I saw when the cramping in my stomach started.
********************
I must have eaten way too much....and now my stomach was letting me know... either that or someone poisoned the food, but I didn't think that could have been since everyone ate it.  

From one of my passes from the bathroom to the bedroom I saw a sight from my window that startled me.  The road which was all but abandoned this morning was now alive with activity.  People were milling around the town's single road.  I could see in the distance the glare of what looked like a midway and an elaborate fair. I could even hear the occasional scream from what I guessed was one of the thrill rides.  Then I heard a tentative knock on my door.

I went to answer it, and there was Liz. She was holding a silver tray with a steaming cup of tea on it, "I had a feeling you might want this," she said pushing past me and entering into the room without being invited. Again my stomach clenched up making me race to the restroom. Much to my shigrin, Liz followed me in there, retrieving a wash cloth from one of the shelves and drenching it with cold water,and placing it on the back of my neck as I wretched what felt like everything I had eaten my entire life out of my system, "If you aren't used to Cat's cooking it can be a shock to the system."  I simply groaned in agreement. "No worries, " she continued, "by tomorrow you will be fine."
She walked me to my bed and tucked me in like a mother hen, fluffing my pillows and handing me my tea,"Drink up," she ordered.  I did as I was told and soon found myself drifting off to sleep. I barely heard Liz close the door, nor the tell tale click of a lock as she locked me in from the outside.

***************
I awoke in the middle of a thunderstorm.  The loud whip-like crash woke me from a dead sleep.  Never being shy of a good storm, I crawled out of bed and walked to the window.  It was black as pitch outside, all but the few street lights that lined the street. The darkness seemed to be like a vacuum, the only light that seemed to show was in the solitary sections lit by the lamp, not even the usual gray area that bleeds out from the light in usual circumstances.... just the bright light and then darkness... no gray area at all.... and then I saw something that made my heart stop.  Entering into the first spotlight was a cat... a large cat that looked almost like a panther, but that couldn't be right. I watched as the panther slink from the first light into the darkness  when its tail was left in the light its head reached the second light and it paused as if it sensed that I was watching. Slowly it turned its head up toward my window.  The yellow eyes gleamed in the flash of lightning.  I instinctively took a step back. The panther started to move forward again, to the light right in front of my window. As I watched, I finally decided I must have lost it, or was still asleep. I watched as the front of the panther slunk into the darkness and when the tail was all that was left, the front of the panther was now "Cat?"
I stood there and watched as the tail disappeared and the rest of her lithe form crawled under the light. Her naked form was dripping wet from the rain water, which seemed to shine dark in areas of  her skin...no that couldn't be right, that would have to be another substance... oil? maybe blood?  I stood there mesmerized as I watched her sitting there on her haunches looking up at my bedroom window...then she started to lick her skin, bathing herself.  I had never seen anything so disturbingly erotic in my life...I honestly never knew a woman could bend like that. I heard the blood rush in my ears and felt myself grow hard immediately.  I started to stroke in rhythm with her tongue bath.  Her eyes seemed to be fixed on mine, as if she was enjoying the thought of my carnal reaction to her.  As I watched I could imagine her tongue glide over me. I watched her eyes glaze over with pleasure as she swept her tongue over a dark spot over her leg, as she lapped up the blood? on her leg as if it were a decadent chocolate.  I realized then it had to be blood, it was giving off a red hue.... shouldn't I be disgusted at this sight?  Yet it seemed so natural, so erotic, it gave a new definition to the term blood lust.  Watching her enjoy her treat I closed my eyes as the jolt of release came.  When I opened my eyes, she was gone. 

************** 

"What a dream," I said it out loud to convince myself that was what it had to be.  I heard a tentative knock on my door, so donning the quilt as a robe I opened it.  The hallway was empty save for a silver tray that contained some toast and a glass of tomato juice.  I glanced   up and down the empty hallway and brought the tray into my room. The first thing I noticed was the strange flavor of the tomato juice... definitely not V8 juice... maybe it is clamato juice?  I shuddered to the thought of that and simply stuck to the toast.  I then quickly showered and dressed and decided to check in at the garage to see how my car was.

"Hold up there sunny," I heard the voice of my gracious host call from her parlor.
"Good morning," I said to the lady of the house.
"Afternoon you mean," she replied with a sly smile, "you young folk always sleep so late, but that is fine," she smiled and shook her head slightly as if laughing at some private joke. She motioned to the overstuffed chair across from her, "I have a note for you from Bob at the garage, said he called in your part and there is a delay, but he is working on it."
Well there went my plans for the day, "Well, thanks for the update!" I smiled.
"So, you going out?"
"Looks that way."
"Should check out the fair and the town," she said.
"Ye, mam," I said and feeling as if I was being dismissed, got up and walked out into the sunlight.

On my way out I saw Robbie...who still looked like Bob... pulling weeds out in front of the old house.  Unlike when I arrived, the street seemed to be bustling with activity.  A few old fashioned cars drove by, must be having an old car show at the fair.  I crossed the street and looked back. Robbie was no longer there, must have moved on to the back of the house.

I moved up the road, passing by a diner...making a mental note of the place for a later meal, thinking back to the meal the night before... then thinking of the vision I had later that night... it sent a shiver down my spine, tho in excitement or revulsion, I am still not sure.  As I turned the corner I could hear the sounds of the fair up ahead. Focusing on that I headed toward the noise.  I was not paying attention when I ran smack into the man who was in front of me.
"In a hurry there son," the man said.  
I took a step back... it was the local sheriff, but it looked just like Robbie or Bob... tho I couldn't see his eyes, the rest of him was identical.
A slow smile crossed his face, "Well there, you look spooked.  You feeling ok son?"
"Yes," I said clearing my throat, I looked back over my shoulder to see if I could see the hotel, and in hopes of catching a glimpse of the gardener, "sorry, I haven't had my coffee as of yet, still waking up.  Had a long night and all."
The sheriff chuckled a little then pulled his glasses down to the bridge of his nose and looked me straight in the eyes with those very familiar ones, "Well, if you need anything son, know that Sheriff Roberts is watching you."  I wasn't sure if that was a threat or not, but I simply smiled and nodded and walked around the man.  When I glanced back he was still watching me.  I felt an odd mixture of paranoia and relief that he hadn't disappeared into nothingness.  
"What a strange little town," I said out loud to no one in particular.

**************

I ventured to the festivities of the fair and watched the people milling around.  It never fails to amaze me how people will throw down top  dollar for apiece of wood with paint on it or a jar of jelly that costs more than a jar of Smuckers at the local market.  It is also interesting watching these people as they are corralled through the lines of booths to the rows of buildings serving cold drinks, sticky sweets and fried foods.  The scent of cotton candy and popcorn mingling with the smells of cooked meat and the underlying scent of body odor and something else I couldn't quite make out made my stomach churn. The effects from the night before was still lingering and the thought of food was not easing upon my pain.  I glanced at my watch only to find it had stopped.

Suddenly I started to feel claustrophobic,something was not right here.  Something was out of place and I couldn't put my finger on it.  Not just the events from the night before, or the strange people in the town, but the visitors to the town seemed, well, wrong. It took me a moment to notice the rhythm of them.  They seemed to be walking around in an almost pattern-like style.  It was almost surreal, but I had seemed to put a wrench in the works with me stopping.  I felt the first push against me, someone had walked into my back, they paused and then did it again, and again. I stood more firmly and glanced over my shoulder to see a confused man trying to go forward, as if I was an invisible barrier he couldn't see and couldn't figure out why he couldn't get past.  I moved slightly to the side and he continued on as if nothing happened.  I glanced around and watched as the others that were behind him clambered to get back into the pace again... like ants.

I moved myself towards the edge of the herd of tourists and spotted a clearing by a tree.  As I moved under the branches I heard voices behind me.  Liz and Cat.
"How many people have you invited to the festivities tonight," Liz was asking.
"Oh a handful," Cat answered with a shrug, "about as many as last night."
"How was last night?" 
"Lovely, you missed a nice time," Cat purred, and I shivered remembering how I saw her last, half human, half cat, covered in blood... but that wasn't real...that couldn't have been real. 
"Yes, well I was tending to our guest," Liz replied.
"Yes, our guest," Cat said slyly.
"No." 
"Awwww," Cat pouted like a child being denied a favorite toy, "why not?"
"Because Mother said so," was all Liz replied, "and I agree with her."
"Lizzie has a boyfriend," Cat giggled in a sing song voice, then she became serious, "but Liz, he saw me."
"WHAT?" I saw Liz grab Cat's arm, "What do you mean he saw you?"
"Just that.  I was on my way back to the den last night and I saw him watching me out the window."
"So," Liz sneered, "you mean you let him see you.  And if I know you, you put on quite a show."
"Well," Cat sighed, "I might have, but I didn't know you were interested or that the Mother said no.  I wouldn't have otherwise," she pleaded.
This was one of the strangest conversations I had ever heard...and I have had friends who are Trekkies!
"Oh well," Liz sighed, then she shivered, "Cold chill," she said with a very odd tone, "someone must be walking on my grave."
"Hmmm," Cat said as she preened, "I wonder who."
"I guess we could go and find out," Liz responded in a chipper voice, and the two walked off.  I had to find out what they were talking about... so I followed, but not without noticing the man that had bumped into me before walk past again.

**************

I followed them past the park through a neighborhood full of dilapidated houses, gardens full of weeds and dead plants. And then we came across a cemetery.  I watched as the girls approached a group of teenagers. The young people were obviously not happy to be there but the three young men in the group seemed to cheer up a bit when they saw the young women approach.  The young woman who was with them showed aggravation at the intrusion. I  hid behind a bush close enough to listen.
"Hello," Cat purred as she sauntered up to the first unassuming gentleman she could dig her claws into, "you must be here for the fair."
Liz stood near, head cocked to the side, her fingers toying with the little charm on her necklace, bringing the eyes to her ample breasts. A flirtatious gesture used since the creation of the necklace.  The young men were not immune to it. It was the young woman who answered "Like hell we are," she announced, "Our fucking car broke down outside of this stupid town and we are stuck here until it can be fixed."
"Oh," Cat pouted, "well you aren't liking it here then?"
The boys continued to drool at Liz's cleavage, infuriating the young woman in their company even more.  Cat produced some fliers and handed them to the boys, "Well, if you are interested," licking her lips with her tongue, "there is a concert tonight, local stuff,but lots of free booze and other local stuff," she then winked at them, "it is free,and something to do." She pushed a paper at the girl and she and Liz turned to go, glancing over their shoulders and giggling.  
I stayed to see if I could find out what was on the flier. The young men were looking  it over and back the way the girls had left, the young woman glanced at hers in disgust and wadded it up and threw it on the ground, "Lets go get something to eat," she complained.  Obviously the fun she had been expecting had passed by now.  The others pocketed theirs and followed.  I eased myself from the bush, grazing my hand on some brambles.  
Making sure I was not seen, I crept to where the party was previously standing and picked up the paper.  It was an advertisement for a band, Blue Moon Stalker, must be a Goth band or something along those lines.  The black and white photos showed dismembered bodies and scantly clad women.  Midnight,tonight at the main grandstand in the park.  I pocketed the ad and glanced down at the gravestone, which happened to be marked Borden. I gave a nervous chuckle and left before I saw or heard anything else that would muddle my brain any more than it had been.   I think I need a stiff drink. I thought to myself as I left the cemetery.

On my way out I passed the fair grounds again.  Still not sure if I could handle the grease laden foods there I walked by, however I felt as if I was being watched.  I glanced behind me and noticed the Sheriff standing there , keeping to his word. I shook my head and kept my pace until I got to the little diner.

The tingling of the little bell announced my arrival.  There was a quick pause in the noise as all eyes turned on me,the intruder to the den of locals taking in their nightly routines.  Once they gave me the once over, sizing me up and deciding I fit the bill, I hope, they resumed to their conversations or turkey clubs and coffee. I sat down in a booth that was closest to the door and picked up the laminated card-stock menu that was covered in brown gravy and coffee stains.  The menu had some interesting dishes, including barbecue sandwich and fried green tomatoes, which made me think of The Whistlestop Cafe from the book and movie named after the side dish.  I wondered why everything was reminding me of dismemberment as of late, but I shook it off and decided on a maybe toasted cheese sandwich...then visions of some guy in drag waving a butcher knife at my shower curtain came to mind...a deep throat clearing startled me and I looked up.  I couldn't even speak, my waitress was a very manly looking woman, with an all too familiar face, on the lapel of her pink waitress outfit had the name Bobbie-Sue.

I was waiting for someone to tell me there was a hidden camera in the napkin dispenser, "So, sugar," she said in a gruff voice, patting the blonde beehive  wig perched onto of her head, '"what can I getcha?"
"Um," I said, "coffee."
"That all?"
"Yes," I said placing the menu back next to the  ketchup, "I seem to not be as hungry as I had thought."
She wrote it on the pad of paper and walked away. I glanced around the room and noticed eyes on me again, a few chuckles here and there, someone someplace must be putting me on.  But who and why I had no idea.

**************

The images,sounds, and smells of the day were pounding a tattoo in my head as I arrived back to my room. I wasn't sure how to wrap myself around it all.  None of it made sense, it was to insane to think that any of this was real.  Maybe I am in a coma or died and this is hell?  I wasn't sure anymore.  

I walked into my humble room and saw she was standing at my window. "Good afternoon Liz," I said, tho I felt the knot in my stomach tighten as she turned around and looked straight through me. I felt a jolt and just stood there watching her.  Wondering.

She reached up and pulled the black velvet ribbon from her hair, letting the cascade of light brown curls fall down her back.  I watched as the ribbon flitted to the floor. I stepped over the threshold closing the door behind me with a click.  Still, I stood and watched, she took long strides over to me, her clothes dissolving to a puddle on the floor, I felt my insides go molten as she reached me.  Her lips trailing up my neck as her hands trailed down my chest, my stomach, to find me hard and willing.  My lips found hers out as I grasped the back of her head, none so gently and crushed those curls in my fingers. My other hand found her soft breast, as I teased the nipple in my fingers to a hard peak, I felt her gasp. I  pulled her head back and allowed my tongue to trail down her jaw, her creamy throat, nipping as I went, until my lips surrounded and pulled on her hard nipple, listening to her sigh of appreciation.

I am not sure how we made it to the bed, nor when my own garments had been removed.  I leaned her back onto the bed and continued my exploration of her curvacious body. The tender spot under her breast, nips down her softly rounded belly,  to the patch of crisp curls.  I nudged her thighs open finding her moist .She gasped as I took her into my mouth, teasing her with my tongue.  She squirmed and moaned.  I  glanced up watching her, our eyes locked as I inserted my fingers into her hot, wet folds.  I watched as her eyes glazed over in ecstasy.  Feeling she was ready I trailed my lips up her body once more, finding her mouth again.  I felt her teeth graze and pull on my lip, her hands exploring me, finding me ready as well, she spread her legs wider and thrust herself upon me with force I wasn't expecting from this small woman.  Her nails dug into my skin in a mixture of pain and pleasure as we thrust and ground against each other until, as one we both shattered, and collapsed.

I must have dozed off, for when I opened my eyes I noticed that the sun had set. Liz was tying her hair up again, already dressed and still flushed form our late afternoon's activities. She noticed I had woken up from my short slumber and she simply looked blankly at me, "Don't go there tonight," she said.
"Where?"
"You know where," her eyes flashed, "just be careful. You aren't ready for it yet."
I sat up in bed, "What are you talking about?"
She turned her back on me then and walked to the door. her hand on the door knob, "Trust me," was all she said, and with that she left my room. In the deafening silence I heard the lock click from the outside.

**************

I quickly dressed and attempted to open the door.  It was locked tight. "Unlock the fucking door," I yelled pounding my fists against it until they were raw and sore.  I was either unheard or being ignored, I have no idea... help just didn't arrive. I knew it wouldn't.

I moved to check the windows in my room, as I knew they would be, they were painted shut.  No way out... how typical.  I was not surprised, and not amused by the turn of events.  They couldn't keep me here, could they?  Locked in this room?  I sat down on my bed, still rumpled with the delights I had just shared with Liz.  Uncertain what to do at this point I simply sat, the entire weekend thus far running through my head... trying to make sense of it all. I just couldn't.  All it did was give me a headache.

I glanced out the window.  It had to be close to dinner time.  I had to figure a way out of here.  I watched as the group of young people I saw Liz and Cat talk to start walking towards the fair.  My hand thrust in my pocket in pure frustration, and I withdrew the paper I had found on the Borden plot. Liz must have seen these teens heading to the cometary, I tried to convince myself, that would make sense. I looked at the band's flier. I am probably not wanted at this thing simply because I am older and the young people at this wouldn't want me there.  Yes, that made more sense, there is no strange plot here.  Damn my over active imagination.  It really can be a cursed thing  from time to time.

So I laid down on the bed, wallowing in the devastation,that more than likely there was no strange plot against me and that I am just too old to go to the party,.  This made me laugh at first, then some deep seeded anger started to rise, a feeling I hadn't had since my days at secondary school when I was considered too uncool to go to the party... no this wouldn't do at all.  I am an adult, hell I am published, some group of young people are not going to tell me where I can and cannot go!  

The knock at the door snapped me out of my one man protest.  I had to figure out how to leave the room first. "Who is it?"

"It is Cat, I brought you up some dinner."

"Um," I remembered last night's dinner and was not sure if I should partake in it...however, Cat seemed to be interested in me being there tonight, maybe she could be my ticket to going, my curiosity was definitely roused now, "yeah, well the door seems to be locked, so I can't seem to open it."

I heard the key in the lock and the door swung open.  Cat stood in the door frame holding a tray of covered dishes.  She smiled at me and sauntered in and placed the tray down on the table.  She turned and saw the state of the bed and cocked an eyebrow at me, smiling knowingly as I blushed.  She then walked over to the window where I stood the night before, "I always enjoyed the view from this room," she said grinning.

"Yes, it is a nice room," was all I could get out, "So, I hear there is a big to do tonight."
She turned to  me, a little confused, then I saw that she realized that I was aware of the concert.... was it that big of a secret? "Oh yes, the concert, " she giggled, "yes, it is tonight, I didn't know you had heard about it," she said a little more carefully, "did Liz say something to you?"
I thought on this a moment, and decided that a half truth would be appropriate, "Yes," I lied, "she sure did.  Sounded like a great time," I took a chance and looked into her amber cat like eyes, "I wish there was a way for me to go."
Cat chewed on her lip and thought on that for a moment, then her eyes narrowed, "Hmmm, " she said, I could see she was weighing her options, "Well, it could happen, but you might not be ready for it."
"Ready for it?" I asked, "When would I be ready for it?"
She simply nodded.  An with that she left my room.  This time I didn't hear the click of the lock..

*******8*******

I waited, the food left untouched on the table.  From the episode the night before I didn't want to risk illness again.  I watched the early evening darkness turn to an inky black.  Judging by that I guessed it would be as good of a time as any to head out.  I felt as if I was a teenager again, sneaking out of the house to meet a girl to neck with in the back alley.  I straightened myself up, remembering I was an adult, and I was no longer in my mother's house.... tho it felt as if I were disobeying in someway.  I was told not to go.

Because Mother said so.

I heard a creak and froze, then shook my head and chuckled when I realized I was taking this cloak and dagger thing a little too seriously.  I was simply going to a concert.  To see what they hype was a bout.  To find out what it was that no one wanted me to see.

I walked as silently as I could as to not disturb the other members of the house hold and slipped out the front door to the dark, silent street.   I followed the illuminated street lights to the location of the fairgrounds.  What I saw surprised me, even at this late night I could see quite a few people milling around.  It must not have been as late as it seemed.  I walked around the side of the booth area, away from the main throng of people, so as not to be noticed to where I could hear the base line thumping.  Apparently it was that late, and the concert had started.

As I crept toward the music I saw a small group of young people jumping up and down and banging into each other in something they might consider a dance.   I watched the three young men from earlier collide into each other like apes beating their chests.  The young woman was swaying to the music, seductively rubbing her hands up her thighs and lifting her skirt to tease whoever had the pleasure of noticing.  I scanned the audience and watched as the music started to explode in my head, the tribal like beat enthralling the people into a lusty fever of movement.  I looked up at the band that was causing such heat in the audience and noticed the lead singer was Vincent the handyman, his long black stringy hair was hanging dankly in his face that so many of today's young musicians donned.  I couldn't make out the words he was slurring and mumbling into the microphone,   maybe this was why I was asked not to come... told not to come...

Because Mother said so.

The rest of the band were pretty nondescript group of greasy looking men, all wearing scowls and glaring at the crowd with destain.  Then I saw Liz and Cat over on the edge of the stage.  They were looking out over the crowd, watching the people and whispering.  I moved back into the shadows so as  not to be seen.  The frenzy of the music built as did the excitement of the crowd..  I watched as Vincent raised his hands to emphasize the end of his song, I supposed, he raised his head and glanced at the sky and then quickly looked down at the crowd.  Lightning flashed across the sky and his eyes turned blood red. His grin was evil looking.  The audience cheered and screamed. Another flash and the band leapt onto the group of people.

They moved to fast to see what was going on, I saw people rushing to escape from the slaughter.  I watched as body parts were  torn away from their hosts and the smell of fresh blood, piss and fear filled my nostrils.  I moved further into the shadows and watched with a sickly fascination as a black panther pounced on one of the young men that I had seen earlier that day.  It was close enough to me that I could hear the sickening crack of his neck as it broke in the fierce jaws.  Another flash and I saw a naked  Cat on top of the man as I watched her she licked the blood off the dead man's throat and  I to my own disgust I felt myself start to become  aroused. I took another step back in retreat and stepped on a branch.  I had hoped that with the noise of the screaming people being chased down and slaughtered it wouldn't be noticed, but my luck was not with me.  Cat looked up from her feast and stood, blood dripping off her chin and down between the valley in between her breasts. She took a few slow, sensual steps towards me, holding her eyes with mine as she trailed her finger down the line of blood and circled her hardened nipple, then returning her finger to her mouth.  There was another flash of lightning and I was blinded for a moment.  She was gone.

I saw a shape run past me, I turned to see the girl in the skirt from the cemetery.  Her clothes were drenched in blood, her eyes were red and tears streaked her face with black from her eyeliner.  Her knees were scraped up and she was limping,look back to  make sure nothing was in pursuit of her.  She wasn't paying any attention to what was in front of her and she smashed right into me. I grabbed her arms and held her at arms length.  She screamed and kicked,  "No!" she pleaded, "Don't kill me."  And she started to sob.

"Shhh," I tried to sooth her, "Come on."I had to get this poor child to safety.  I pulled her with me and we ran down the path which I had come.  She stumbled again and I stopped to help her backup, "Who are these people,"  she gasped, "what are they?"

"I don't know."

Then I saw Liz step out of the shadows behind the young girl.  I watched in horror as her eyes glared into mine, I watched as anger then regret flashed in her eyes. Still focused on me, she brought up a hatchet, its blade glinted in the next flash of lightning. It came down quickly and sliced straight through the young girl's back.  She didn't scream, she simply fell forward.  I watched as Liz pulled the axe back out of the girl's back and stood over her, bringing  the blade down again and again in a sickening thwack.  I chose not to stick around and ran towards the lights of the fairgrounds.  Safety in numbers, right?

*************

It had started to rain at that point, the razer sharp droplets were like needles on my skin as I trudged through the marshy ground to the lights up ahead.  However as I approached I noticed  that something was just not right.  I stood back and watched the people shuffling through the pathways of the booths and vendors.  It seemed that I was seeing it all for the first time.  I saw the people staggering slowly , I had seen something like this before, but I couldn't put my finger on it. As I reached the first person, I was out of breath and panting.  I touched the man on the shoulder and he stopped. "Oh man, I need help," I panted, I noticed he hadn't turned He just stood there. Sniffing the air, "Sir?"  I walked around to the front of him, my jaw dropping horror.  What I saw was not a man any more, but something not quite human any more.  I recognized the outfit of the man  that had run into me earlier that day.  Why I hadn't noticed then I do not know, his eyes were glazed over in that ice blue color found only in death,his mouth hung slightly a gape, a string of drool hung from his bottom lip, guttural grunts came from his throat.  He started to open his mouth and I saw row after row of grayish-yellow teeth.  He started to lunge towards me, causing me to fall back.  From this angle I saw more of them, all of them, still walking in a never ending loop around the grounds.  I rolled out of his way and he ambled on.

I ran again, trying to keep out of their way as to no interrupt their endless sleep walk, fearing that one of the others would find me.  I ran around a corner and found myself in the midst of the food court.  A sweetly sick smell hit me at that point.  It seemed to permeate the entire area.  That is when I noticed the line of tourists, such as my friend back there, standing in single file line at the vendor.  From my vantage point I could see Bobbie-Sue from the diner, in the wig and waitress garb in the service window.    I watched as, ladled from a large pot, a mess of strange looking shapes emerged.  Was that a heart? The sound of the mass of stumbling creatures grew louder in anticipation as what looked like a lower intestine was tossed to them.  In shock they fought for it like a heard of wild dogs.  Trying to control the bile rising into my throat I ran once more, away from the sound of muscle and organs being torn apart.  The ripping of the flesh as another body part flew from the window.

I ran onto the midway, trying to find my way out of this maze of wrong ways.  The rain was starting to blind me, the smell of it all was consuming me.  My heart was battering in my throat  as I ran past a booth, where some of the locals were standing tossing darts at mounted heads on a board.  A dart flew from one man's hand and with a pop I watched it embed into the eye of one of the heads, I heard the scream ripped from the open mouth, they were still alive.  I heard the roar of laughter of the towns folk as another dart went flying.  I backed up, and felt myself  hit a wall.  I turned around and saw Bob, or was it Robbie, or maybe another one of them staring at me.  His hand shot out of nowhere and connected with my neck, squeezing tightly.  My air became instantly cut off.  I kicked my leg out and hit him directly in between the legs.  His face turned red from rage then pain and he dropped me and fell to the ground.  I pulled myself out from under his weight and scooted crab style away from his beefy hands.  

I pulled myself up again and darted from the main path.  Into the wooded area I darted, in hopes that I could get away.  Probably not one of my better ideas, for not knowing the area well, I was bound to find myself  in even more peril, I have watched enough horror films to realize that, but in my state of panic I chose not to remember.  I crashed through the woods to a clearing. I heard the snap of a twig behind me, felt a rush of air and then it was knocked out of me.  I crashed my skull on the hard ground and felt a heavy body on top of me, then I felt a ripple and the weight shifted.  I could feel the lithe body pressed against my back, the whisper  of breath on my neck as a tongue slid into my ear, "Hello," she whispered.

I lay as still as I could,  trying to think of what to do, then I heard another voice, "Cat," the woman crooned, "let him up dearie."
"Yes, Mother," she said and got up.
"Stand up, boy," Mother sweetly said, and I was compelled to follow her orders.
There she stood, her gray bee hive hair do, starting to wilt in the rain.  Her weathered skin looked almost translucent, "I think you have had enough excitement for one night, sonny."
"I need to leave," I announced, tho I felt rooted to the area.
"You will come home," she said sweetly, "you will come home."
"I need my car."
I saw humor gleam in her eyes, "You know better."  Was all she said.
"I am leaving this place!" I yelled.  I saw shadows in the woods, Cat had resumed her other form and was pacing,and glaring at me. Liz stepped out from behind a tree, her hatchet red with blood.  I saw Vincent  and his band,with their red demon eyes flashing, sharp teeth glistening.  I could feel eyes watching me from all corners.
"I am leaving this place," I said again, more quietly  this time.
The sky flashed again,  I saw them approach me, the scene darkened and all went black.

**************

"Awake, my love," she whispered in my ear, "write for me."
I picked up the scalpel from the table.  The young woman lay bound to the bed.  I had seen her before, but I couldn't think where. It was a fog.  I just knew what needed to be done.  Liz stood near by, as she stroked the panther at her side. 

I looked into the young girl's eyes as the filled with terror. I strode up o her and placed the blade to her skin.  I watched as the tears flowed down her face, mingling with the beautiful color of the red blood that oozed from her skin.  Her beautiful creamy skin first turned pink, then red and as I continued down her body writing the words that came to me from some unknown source, across the swell of her breast, the smooth surface of her abdomen, dipping into her lower region, where her hair had been shaved away, she had turned white as her essence left her body.  

I could hear Mother rocking in her chair.  I knew what she had wanted, and I did it.  And when the veil opens again on the next Blue Moon, I will do it again.

The End