My Spooky Stories!

I was an explorer by nature, romping around in the woods behind our meager cabin deep in the Virginian wilds. I would run around looking at everything, bringing home my mother objects I would find during my travels. Sometimes, a bottle cap. Other times, something more interesting. A piece of stained wood stays on the wall now, from one of my visits into the depths of the trees. Black blocky letters worn with age read "EXPLOSIVE! DANGER." A warning to some unknown worker, but interesting nonetheless. My father had stained it for me to prevent it from suffering any more wear and tear. He was always handy with stuff like that.

As I got older, the need to explore the old lake clung to me like a chill. The glittering surface would shimmer and dance against the sunshine, drawing me in like a siren. I would go through abandoned places both in town and in the woods to quell myself for a while. I would find things like old medical documents long forgotten on the worn tile floors of what remained of a hospital or abandoned bullet casings on the second floor of a house that kudzu was busy taking over to stretch towards the sun.

Waking up was a slow process. My eyes blinked open and blearily stared at the ceiling for a few moments before turning to stare at the clock. Nine AM. Early enough. Rolling over and yawning, my cat suddenly leaped onto the covers and trotted over. Her warm sun-toasted fur tickled my skin and she chirped softly. I leaned down and gave her a loving scritch between her ears.

“Hey Miriam.” I half wheezed, coughing and sitting up. The morning sun was pouring in through a crack in my blinds, spilling over the floor in bands of warm golden yellows. Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I gripped the blanket and drew it back with a shiver, letting in the morning cool drape against my skin. I had to get up, whether I wanted to or not. I swung a leg over the edge of the bed, and then another.

I could feel the morning aching in my bones as I got up. It was time for coffee. I shuffled out of my bedroom and down the hall, the rhythmic drip of the automatic coffee pot calling to me. Stepping into the kitchen, I grabbed my favorite mug from off the hook on the wall and poured myself a cup. The smell was practically intoxicating this early in the morning. Two sugars and a hearty splash of cream later, I was at my computer in my office staring at the blinking cursor in the search box. I typed in ‘Scuba Lessons’’ and browsed through my options blankly, taking a sip of my coffee as my eyes flicked over one.

Yes! This was it. It was close to my apartment and, from what I could read, didn’t look expensive either. My eyebrows lifted gently as I clicked through the website, staring at the information presented to me. This...was feasible.
I bought fins, a mask, and a snorkel right off the bat after calling the school and scheduling my starting class. I may as well go in prepared. Taking the last few sips from my coffee, I carried the mug back into the kitchen and set it in the sink with a sigh. Walking to the bedroom again, I pulled my work clothes out of the closet and set them on the bed before walking to my bathroom and starting the shower. The steam was starting to build and it felt good on my lungs. Stepping in, I sighed happily as the hot water hit my back. That first morning shower was always the best.

As I washed my face, I thought about my situation for a second. Had I really spent $60 on scuba diving supplies? Was I really wanting to go through with this? I rinsed my face off and worked on my hair as I mulled the questions over for a while. After finishing my shower, I steeled myself and got ready for work, the concerns of my subconscious still floating in the back of my mind. Grabbing my bag, I kissed Miriam on the head as she jumped up on the back of the couch to watch me leave. Small routines make for a peaceful household, or something like that. Closing and locking the heavy oak door behind me, I smiled a bit. I was going to do this. Fears be damned.

How I wish I had listened to my subconscious.

Months later, I had finally gotten my certification. Each test had been easier and easier as I went along. Stepping out of my truck onto the dried leaves, I stared out over the still surface of the lake. The afternoon was quiet for a tuesday, and the colder air drove away any potential swimmers. A perfect day for exploring. Unhooking my small boat off of the back hitch, I pulled it to the water and put my gear into it. As I placed my oxygen tanks down into the small boat, a firm hand clapped itself onto my left shoulder. Whirling around, Jim was standing there with a wide grin on his face.

“Jumpy, much?”

“Fuck off, man.”

I playfully punched him in the arm with a smile, heading back to the truck to pull out more gear. I heard the leaves crunching behind me as Jim came to help me carry things and plan. Taking a quick detour to the driver’s side door, he grabbed a map from the seat and stared at it for a while before looking my way with a smile.

“You’re sure this is where the town is?” I asked, worry laced in my tone.
“Of course it’s right. The librarian swore this was where the town was when she gave me the map.” He made an indecisive noise at that. Putting the map into his coat pocket, he walked back over to the truck bed.

“So, what do you think is even down there at this point?”

I could hear a twinge of dubiousness in his voice as he spoke. I didn’t blame him. I would have been incredulous too. Jim had lived his whole life here in the blue ridge and had never heard of the town in the lake. In fact, it seemed like a lot of people had no idea about it.

“I already told you, man. There’s a whole undiscovered town under the water and we’re going to be the first ones to take photos.”

My fingers wrapped around my waterproof camera, a suited thumb rubbing on the screen to clear off any gunk or debris. Jim snorted a bit and grabbed a box. “Well, let’s get going before we have no light left to even take your photos.

His eyes were staring up, watching what little clouds were out trail lazily across the Virginian sky. Turning around, I walked back into the boat and climbed in. Jim followed close behind and beamed at me.

“Ready?”

I nodded. I thought I was ready. If I had known then what I do now, I would have taken Jim and ran as far away from that damned lake as possible.

The rumble of the engine drowned away what little concerns I had floating around in my brain. Fingers picking at the side of the boat, we sailed smoothly for a long time as jokes and coarse laughter filled the air. Things were honestly peaceful. Maybe it was from being cooped up at my desk job, but I genuinely felt relaxed. That is, I was feeling relaxed until the boat suddenly sputtered to a stop. Jim lifted an eyebrow and turned his head to look at the engine in surprise.

“Well, that wasn’t supposed to happen.”

He got up, stretching as he did so, and teetered over to the now silent engine. I watched him for a minute, scratching his head over the machine. As he grumbled, a sound caught my attention from the water. It was almost inaudible at first, registering only as low sounds.

“Jim?”

I said quietly behind me, not turning to face him. He didn’t respond. I pleaded slightly louder.

“Jim, do you hear that?”

A sniff.

“I can’t hear shit. That’s the problem.”

He laughed then. A dry hollow sound. I furrowed my brow.

“No, not the engine. It sounds like its...coming from the water?”

I leaned slightly over the side of the boat, staring down into the seemingly bottomless pool. It seemed darker than when we first had sailed out here. Did the water just change color? I shook my head a bit, and the rumbling sound stopping immediately. I must just be hearing things.

With a sudden jolt, the boat roared to life as Jim cheered.
“WOO! Now that’s what I like to see!”

I laughed at his outburst. He beamed at me then and sat back down. “Ready?”

Nodding, we started sailing again through the dark waters of the lake. I drew my jacket closer to my body. The wind was starting to get colder, slicing through the thin material of my dive suit.

“We’re here.”

Jim said after a few quietmoments. It hung in the air for a second, the silence returning like a quilt over the two of us. I think we both swallowed hard at that point, realizing we were diving into unknown territory. I couldn’t tell you why but I had a feeling then of apprehension. Like the breath had been knocked out of me as I stared across the now still water. It put me on edge. I stood up then, sliding on my gear and putting on my mask. I have waited my whole life for this dive. I wasn’t about to throw everything away because it was a bit nippy. I checked my oxygen tanks. Two full tanks and two spares on the boat for Jim and I. We should be set.
Grabbing my waterproof flashlight, I sit down on the edge of the boat for a second before sliding off into the navy blue pool. I shivered upon contact, immediately moving and kicking to get my blood flowing. Jim dove in after me, letting out a loud “Woo!” when he lifted his head above the lake’s surface. A mechanical pop followed by a staticky crackle sparked to life.

“Testing, testing. Can you hear me okay, Nate?”

I shot him the hand signal for ok and he nodded, bubbles trailing after his slow shaking.

“My nipples could cut diamonds right now, dude.”

“You’re a right freak.”

“I’m aware.”

We both laughed. Clicking on my flashlight, I shoot him one more look before diving below the surface. The rush of bubbles from the sudden dive obscuring my vision for a second or two, I swore I saw a dark mass shift. It was a cloud. It had to be. Starting my slow swim, I clicked on the flashlight and shone the beam around the water. Nothing caught my attention as we continued our slow descent towards the town. Thirty minutes went by slowly, Jim and I bantering back and forth about a multitude of different subjects.

“-So, the reason the leg can come off is because they can shut down their whole circulatory system.”

“Jesus christ.”

The light of my flashlight ran against the roof shingles of a long forgotten house. My eyes grew wide as I realized what was going on.

“Yeah, isn’t it disgusting?”

“No, Jim. Look.”

Jim turned to see what I was looking at and stopped.

“Holy fuck.”

It blasted static at me again. Great. The dive communicator could not have picked a worse time to malfunction. Swimming down to the roof, I ran my fingers over the tiles. Dirt particles and long dead algae floated up as I dragged them across the surface. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. The city of my dreams was here in front of me, laying forgotten at the bottom of the lake.

“Let’s go down further. I want to see the inside.”

I said with almost too much excitement, eagerly paddling down to reach a window void of glass. Swimming through the gap, I found myself in a long forgotten bedroom. A waterlogged bed frame lay forgotten by time in the corner of the room, the duvet still on and floating above it. Reaching for the camera I had around my neck, I swam back to get a wider view of the room. Angling the view to my mask, I snapped a photo and smiled to myself. I was really doing this.

Jim swam in soon after me, seemingly stunned silent. All of this lay undiscovered at the bottom of the lake and he had no idea for 28 years.

“Nate, holy shit.”

He sounded as if he was in awe of the old house. His hands delicately brushed against the long forgotten walls, eyes wide and a smile starting to blossom on his face. Swimming to the door frame, I pulled myself through it and started to roam a bit. The stairs sloped gracefully down to a large common area that was full of wood from ceiling to floor. Pieces of vegetation stretched towards the sky, growing triumphantly from in between the gaps and rot. A small silver fish darted by me then, swimming as fast as it’s little fins could carry it. Watching it, I followed it for a bit before idlely floating into the kitchen. The cabinets, long empty, stood tall in the now waterlogged room. I dragged my fingers across the doors of them and stop. Looking around, I imagined what life must have been like living here. Before the lake was made. Who were the folk who lived here before? Did they have a choice in leaving? Gripping my camera tight as the unpleasant realities swirled around in my head, I took a couple more shots of the main living areas.

“I can’t believe how huge this place is!”

Jim chirped from behind me, causing me to whirl around and lose my train of thought.

“I told you it was worth it, man!”

I chided him playfully, putting my hands on my hips dramatically. He pouted at me for a second.
“Listen. I don’t know how you expected to tell me a town exists under a lake I’ve known about for my entire life without me thinking you are on some kind of drugs.”

At that moment, a chill ran down the length of my spine. I visibly shuddered. Why is the water getting colder? Attributing it to the lack of natural light inside the house, I kicked my way towards an open window and slipped through back outside. As expected, the chill subsided as soon as I was out of the house. Taking a long look at the front of it, I saw something. At the top of the door in black was an odd symbol. It looked like a bunch of circles interweaving into one another with some lines going diagonal across the pattern. I had never seen anything like it before. Picking up my camera again, I snapped a photo of the strange design.

Jim came out of the window then, a strange look crossing his face as he did so. He looked perplexed, almost lost in a tangle of thoughts.

“You alright?”

“...Was it cold in there to you?”

He said with a frown. I waited a second before responding. I wasn’t sure why, but that chill was giving me a sense of dread. Cold spots were normal, especially at these depths, but that suddenly?

“Yeah. I figured it was because of the lack of light.”

He made a noise at me before swimming ahead of me to start looking at the other buildings. The more we passed, the more I noticed the strange symbols. They seemed to all look similar, save for a couple minor details, and every design was located right over the front door of the building. Taking pictures as we went, I suddenly bonked my mask into Jim. He had stopped swimming and I hadn’t even realized.

“Hey-”

I started before looking up at what had him so entranced. It was a large cathedral, the stained glass still in tact and the large wooden doors open as if inviting us in.

“How did the glass not shatter?”

Jim mused, almost to himself. I was wondering the same thing. Surely, if they had pumped all of this water into the lake at such a fast pace that the other windows were broken out, this should be too. It was then I felt the lump in my throat. This didn’t feel right at all.

“Well, we may as well explore.”

I said, trying to hide the cracking of my voice. I would never admit it to Jim, but I was a little scared. Taking a photo of the glass effigy of Jesus Christ, we swam in. I wondered for a moment if it would be considered sacrilegious to flood an entire church and leave it stranded at the bottom of a lake. Heading into the front, the church almost looked immaculate. The pews were sat in perfect order, the carpeting was straight and laid evenly on the floor, and even the organ was still here. Jim glided over to it, inspecting the keys thoroughly. With a well placed few fingers, he played a chord. The pipes shook as if in protest. But despite it being muffled due to the water, it sounded completely on-tune.

Something is wrong here. My whole body can sense it. If I wasn’t trapped in a skin tight suit, I’m sure my hairs would be standing on end. As if on cue, what looked like ink begun to bellow out of the pipes. Jim backed away a bit, eyes locked on the now growing cloud above us.

“Get back!”

I shouted as best I could, trying to both swim backwards and watch the cloud rise and swirl. As I screamed, the cloud suddenly sharpened itself as if in response. With what looked like dark tentacles, it began swirling around Jim as if it were sizing him up.

“Oh fuck…”

He managed to mutter before trying to kick at the swell of ink. Once his flipper touched the cloud, we both heard an ear piercing screech. It was clear and cut through the water like a hot knife through butter. I tried to desperately cover my ears through my helmet, wondering if my helmet was going to shatter from the high pitch. It started to bubble furiously, surrounding Jim in an instant. I watched in abject horror as my long time friend was engulfed by the substance, thrashing and kicking. He screamed then. It was the kind of scream you never forget a man making, lasting for a few throat ripping seconds before I heard something wet and drawn out.
Mercifully, the communications device lost connection with a sharp hiss before I could further think about exactly what makes a man make those kinds of noises. All I could do was back up and watch this thing constrict and pulse around Jim before it opened up and let him sink towards the church’s carpet. Bright red blood ebbed into the water above him as I caught sight of his body. His gear had a myriad of evenly spaced puncture holes, helmet and all. His face frozen in a state of shock as what remained of his left eye lost all light. White and pink tissue floated out from the damaged sockets. His limbs looked twisted and broken, fingers at odd angles as blood oozed from his entire body in a cloud. Spikes had erupted from the inside of the oil, almost like an iron maiden, and had bit into my friend. I screamed then, swimming away as fast as I could. I wanted to be as far away from that thing as possible. Moving swiftly, I made it out of the church doors and turned around to see Jim one last time.

The oil cloud had moved down to his body. Seeping into the tiny holes left in his suit. It crawled and sucked his body towards itself, moving almost leech-like into the holes into his suit. It overtook what exposed skin I could see like a black out. Like a swarm of locusts.

Within a few seconds, it flowed back out and in again like ink. The holes widening and pulsing as it tore holes through his body effortlessly. Blood and viserca filled the water around him slowly as he was reduced to chunked pieces, strings of loose intestine and skin dancing between the spikes and oil like some sort of sick jellyfish.

It eviscerated him.

I swam up as fast as I could. I had to get back to the boat and get out of this hellish lake. The cloud noticed me then, gliding almost lazily out of the doors and watching me. I could feel it’s nonexistent eyes bore into my back as I escaped. It could almost be called beautiful, like the fins of a Betta fish gently gliding through the air. Swimming back into the church, the doors slammed with a vibration that shook me to my core.

I surfaced, gasping for air as I panicked. Clambering over the side of the boat, I rolled in and lay on the floor of it. I yanked off my helmet and took a large gasp of air. The air tasted bitter and sharp on my tongue. Then the tears came. Agonizing sobs ripped through my body as I tread water. Maybe God would have felt pity for me, if I screamed loud enough. Maybe I would be saved by some kind boater and his lovely family on the lake on a fishing trip. Maybe he would hear me and, by some sort of miracle, bob to the surface and give me something to at least bury, to hand his family.

Flipping onto my belly and pulling myself up to my knees, I tried to take a few deep breaths. Turning the boat back on, I sat as far down to the floor as I could and started to make my way back. With a loud rumble, something came out from under the water. Impossible inky spikes, sending water flying, shot towards my boat and pierced into the back end. The splintering of wood was deafening as it stuck the boat a couple more times, getting a firmer grip on my only escape route. I screamed again, holding onto the sides for dear life. It violently shook the boat then, knocking me back into the water. Water rushed into my nose as I choked and coughed for a moment, trying to breathe. My lungs burned with lake water and muscles screamed as I thrashed with everything I had. It was pulling the boat under. I swam back as I gasped for any kind of air, trying to get away from the boat as it sank like a stone.

‘Fuck the boat.’ I thought as I swam, my arms and legs burning from the over use. I didn’t look back. I didn’t want to know what was behind me. If I was going to die out here, I’d rather not see it coming. Paddling as hard as I physically could, I finally made it to the shore. Dragging myself up onto the beach, I sputtered and coughed the water out of my lungs. I kept moving through it. Once I felt I was far enough away, I vomited into the sand. My whole body was shaking uncontrollably. I had to get help. I stumbled to my feet, shaky legs carrying me towards the truck. I just had to get in it. That was it.

Ten feet. I was crying again, trying fruitlessly to wipe my wet face with my drenched hands.

Eight feet. My body felt so heavy out of the water, especially with the exhaustion. My adrenaline was running out since I was out of danger.

Six feet. What the fuck did that thing do to Jim? What happened to his body?

Four feet. I reached out now, fingers stretching for the handle.

Two feet. Burning white pain. A sudden bang. It felt like my back was on fire. I fell, fingers barely brushing the car door as I did so.
Putting a gloved hand to my back, I felt something warm. Bringing it back to my face, I turned pale as I saw the crimson liquid soak into my diving suit. This wasn’t happening. This can’t be happening.

The crunch of leaves behind me drew my attention and I looked over my shoulder. A burly man in a flannel and khakis was standing behind me, a hunting rifle held tight in his calloused hands. He took aim again and I screamed out.

“Please! My friend and I need help! Something in the water! It-”

Bang. The bones in my left calf shattered, white hot pain washing over me again. He kept an eye on me, spitting out a stream of chewing tobacco out of his mouth to the side of us both. He shot the other calf soon after. At this point, I was too weak to scream. Blood loss had started setting in and my body was cold and numb. The man scooped me up then, like you would a child who was hurt. Walking me to the lake’s edge, he looked down at me then. His eyes almost looked pitiful.

“Please don’t blame us for this.”

He muttered softly, looking back up at the water’s edge. My boat was gone now. Devoured by whatever that thing was. My eyesight kept darkening and I gripped the man’s flannel like a scared kid.

“We have a duty to protect our town...our children.”

I looked up at him through half lids, a million questions on my mind but none on my lips. He walked into the lake’s waters, letting them lap at his pants as he walked.

“If it’s not fed, it will come up to feed. Do you know what that would do to us?”

He was more determined now, standing at about waist height in the water. I wondered vacantly if he was reassuring me or himself.

“I’m sorry.”

He laid me into the water and backed up, letting me float there. I could hardly stay awake. I felt so tired and cold. I just wanted to go home. I wanted my mom.

Mom.

Mom, why did you tell me these stories…?

As the chilled water rushed up to greet me, I felt a hand on my shoulder. Looking up at the sky one last time, I felt hot tears slide down the sides of my face.

--

Hank Miller, a family man of age 48, took careful steps out of the lake. Looking out towards the body he had laid to rest there, he watched as the void creeped out of the water and took on a form he hadn’t seen in a long time. It took the shape of a woman, placing a careful hand on the man before hugging him close to her chest, pulling his limp body under the water with her. As quickly as it had began, it stopped.

Sighing loudly and pulling a soft pack of Marlboro’s out of his breast pocket, he lit one and absentmindedly took a few puffs before pulling out a cellphone. Quickly dialing a number, he held the phone to his ear as he took another drag.

“Hey Mac, it’s me.”

The other voice answered brightly.

“If it isn’t Mr. Miller! What seems to be the problem, Hank?

“We had two meals today. Jim Haggardy and Nate Taylor.”

Mac sighed audibly.

“Ain’t that somethin’. Anything remaining at the lake?”

Hank looked around, noting the blood pools and truck laying vacant on the dirt path.

“The car is it. We also need a clean up down here. Sooner rather than later.”

“You got it, Hank. I’ll send a collection team out there as soon as possible.”

He breathed a sigh of relief. This was going to be dealt with accordingly.

“You’re a god send, Mac.”

“So I’ve been told.”

They bid farewell and Hank clicked the phone shut, staring out again at the water. The houses dotted along the shore of the lake had opened their curtains and were watching. Eyes transfixed on the still surface of the lake. Hank spit again and turned heel. Walking to his truck, he opened the door and got in, slamming it shut behind him.

He had to get home soon. Jenny wouldn’t wait forever. A smile creeped onto his lips as he turned the key and listened to the engine roar to life. She was making pot pie with her famous flaky crust and he couldn’t wait to get home and relax. Kicking up red dust, the wheels spun as he drove off.

The lake again was silent.

The car flipped, thankfully not killing me in the process. I wheezed, laying on the iced over ground watching wisps of breath flow from my mouth. I had managed to pull myself out of the car. Kicking out the window took a lot more effort than I thought it would.

It was so cold outside. Small flakes of snow gently brushing against my cheeks. I see a guard rail. I crawl to it, fingers digging into dead grass and ice. There's a fire in my chest. It burns so hot against the frigid surroundings. I use the guard rail to pull myself into a sitting position.

Pennies. I can taste pennies now. I cough. It vibrates my whole body. Crimson drops pepper the snow under my boots. What's bleeding? How badly hurt am I? I feel around my clothes for my phone. I found it tucked away in my left pocket. I clutched it. It was a beacon of hope.

Shaking hands unlock the screen. The light is blinding. I press the phone icon and call emergency services. I cry to a woman I've never met. I beg for help like a child.

And then I hear them. The sirens.

--

Detective Parker stared down at his half finished cup of coffee, now lukewarm. He had been reading over the statement over and over. He shifted the papers uneasily in his hands.

This job had never been easy for him. The constant flow of horrific crime and disaster ate at the corners of his mind, only soothed by the loving burn of whiskey on the weekends. He had hoped that exposure was just what he needed to harden himself and be better prepared for the job, incidentally exposing him to the reality of the human condition.

"Parker."

A voice muttered behind him. He turned to face the sound. His partner, Anthony Brown, was standing there quietly. His tired eyes fixed on Parkers, eyebrows slightly furrowed.

"There's been a situation at Brighton General."

He nodded silently, taking a reluctant sip of his cool coffee and standing up to follow his partner out the door and into the car. Stepping into the passenger's seat and sitting down, he could feel the grip of anxiety tighten around his throat. Anthony was extremely good at being to the point, to a fault.

He sat down and started the car, shooting Parker a look and turning back to face the parking lot.

"It's fucking cold out," Anthony spat, reaching to turn the heat on with a shiver. Parker laughed, the quip catching him off guard.

“Yeah. Yeah it is.”

The scenery was dreary at best, winter finally setting into the small town. Blankets of powdery snow were piled to the sides of the roads, obscuring mail boxes and driveways. It was always dreary in January. The now bare branches of trees hung low on the road. Long arms outstretched to suck up as much sun as possible. It would almost be picturesque, if it were spring.

The drive took little time. Pulling as close to the taped off area as they could they parked, both detectives stepped out of the car. Parker drew his coat closer to himself. The 30 degree weather permeated his body and sent shivers down his spine.

‘Anthony was right.’ He thought. ‘It really is fucking cold.’

There they were, amidst the flashing lights and crowds of bystanders, possessed with whatever was in front of them. Pushing through, the scene unfolded.

--
I scream then, waving my arms to wave the cars down. I don’t stop to think about how they got here so fast. I don’t stop to think about anything. I just want to go home.

The car is a black sedan, red and blue lights shining from the dashboard. A man steps out. He rushes over, a panicked look in his eye. He has a long coat on. It flowed behind him with every step. He picks me up now, his touch gentle and caring. I can see his silver eyes overflowing with concern and sympathy. He lays me in the back seat and places his coat over me like a blanket. It’s so warm.

I watch him step back into the car, glasses fogging from the change of temperature. He looks behind the seat at me and gives me a reassuring smile. His teeth are pointed. I’m in too much of a haze to really pay attention.

“Don’t worry. You’re safe now.”

His voice sounds like velvet, my mind going over just how the words sounded rolling around on his tongue.

“My name is Officer Charles. I’m going to get you somewhere safe. Just try to lay down and rest for now.”

My body relaxes as he speaks, almost as if on command. The burning sensation is gone now, replaced with a dull thud. His very presence was intoxicating. Was he my guardian angel? A weak smile bubbled onto my lips. I was saved.

He turns the car on, the revving of the engine drawing me into a state of relaxation.

“You know…” Officer Charles started, peering at me through the rear-view mirror.

“Your eyes are such a gorgeous green.”

--
“Jesus Christ.”

Parker covered his mouth, eyes wide and brows quivering.

A body lay in front of him, swollen and puffy. It’s skin was discolored and greenish black in places. He took a step back out of reflex. Anthony reached out and placing a hand on his back to stop him. Nodding forward, Parker’s gaze rose to the small woman power walking to them, a strange look on her face.

“Detectives.”

She said curtly, stopping in front of Parker and Anthony. She began without introducing herself, eyes flicking over the both of them. Parker caught her gaze for a moment. They were a crisp blue, powerful and distinct but also had this gentle softness in them. He felt like he had known these eyes forever.

“The body was discovered by a patient trying to enter the emergency room tonight at around 9:15.”

Anthony nodded. Parker stared out behind the woman, watching the body intently. He couldn’t describe why, but the way the body looks didn’t seem right to him. The way the skin looked deeply unsettled him. The mottled look to it just...upset his sensibilities. It felt like this was something he very much wasn’t supposed to see.

Anthony and the woman talked for a while, trading information and talking about what was known. Parker nodded again absentmindedly, racking his brain for options. Anthony’s eyes hardened as he spoke, now looking at the body’s swollen face.

“The body is too swollen for identification. Was there any IDs or credit cards on the victim?”

The woman nodded and reached into her front pocket to pull out a plastic identification card. Anthony took it and sighed, eyebrows furrowing as he read it.

“Jesus christ…”

He muttered, handing the card to Parker who gave it a short glance before grimacing. She was about 25. A messy bob of blonde hair with a halo of frizz complimented the band t-shirt she had worn. Her thin lips were sat in a neutral pout, eyes half lidded and bored. She was an organ donor as well, he noticed.

‘Responsible.’ Parker thought, gnawing at his lower lip as he stewed over the things he knew. He would have to take a closer look at the body.

--
I can’t keep my eyes open. The warm air of the backseat as I watch the snowy scenery go by was almost dream-like. How long have we been driving? We should have surely been to the hospital by now. I sit up a little more, my heart starting to thump. Was I being taken to jail?

“E-excuse me.”

My voice comes out a harsh whisper, my throat painfully sore. Watching the rear view mirror, I can see him lift his eyes for a second or two, meeting mine. Those mercury orbs staring through me, eyebrows raised to express concern.

“You’re awake. Was the ride rough?”

He said, eyes snapping back to the road as a smile crept onto his face.

Awake? I didn’t remember sleeping at all. I shuffled a bit more now, trying to sit up straight. My chest burned again, pain gripping me like a vice. The world felt like a weight on my body. Even holding my head up was a chore. Did I hurt my head or something?

“I’ll take that as a yes.”

He said, gently. Reaching a gloved hand up and pulling the hair band out of his hair, silky black locks gracing the tips of his shoulders. I could see those teeth again. Those overly sharp teeth. He chuckled then, dark and brooding. A lake you can’t see the bottom of. Resonant and powerful. My scalp crawled then, every neuron in my skin screaming at me to get out.

I kick then, as hard as I can. The door rattles and the police officer’s head snaps back.

“Hey!” His teeth click audibly, eyes flaring up in anger as he looked down at me. I felt like prey. I kick the door again, forcing him to turn back around and face the road.

One more time.

I have to just kick it-

He slams the brakes. My body lurches and i’m thrown against the brig of the back seat. My breath leaves all at once and I gasp loudly. Without a word, he gets out and slams the door shut. Leaning up against it, I watch him grasp at his breast pocket for a moment, only to pull out a flask and take a long drink. It looked clear. Vodka, maybe? Staring down at me, he pauses and smiles at me.

This time, it wasn’t so reassuring. It overflowed with nothing but ill intent. Throwing open the door, he grabs my arms and pulls me out of the car. I scream with whatever breath I have left. His gloves are cold and moist.

--
Parker hovered over the body for only a moment before pulling out some latex gloves from his left pocket. Snapping them on, he kneels down. Her face had most of the hypostasis, as much as he could tell from the swelling. The eyes were open, now milky due to death. Her eyes were striking to Parker, however. The iris was in tact, two silver eyes staring back at him. Was she wearing contacts?

Taking a closer look at her hands, he collected some of the residue that took residence under her fingernails. Putting the sample in a plastic bag and placing it aside, he checked her for jewelry. Nothing except what seemed to be a thin gold chain. Her clothes were normal winter attire and were surprisingly not water damaged.

‘Strange.’ He mused, chewing at his lip again. Anthony turned to look at him, eyeing him for a second before looking at the body again.

“Her clothes.”

He said plainly, an eyebrow raising slightly. Parker nodded and stood up.

“It’s almost as if she drowned but was moved. Somebody puts new clothes on her and hopes they don’t get caught.”
As they conferred, the forensics team and EMTs began to start the process of removing the body from the steps. People now were gathering around the carefully placed police tape, hands on mouths and eyes wide. It was a spectacle.

Anthony waved Parker over, frustration clear on his features.

“Something’s not right with this. I can feel it in my bones.”

He grimaced, eyes dark and locked on the police car in front of them. Parker nodded in agreement, rubbing his face slightly. The sudden beep did neither of them any good.

“Detectives!”

A voice called out, sweet and almost melodic.

They turned around simultaneously, eyes locking with bright emerald green orbs.

--
The second my feet hit the pavement of the highway, I kicked him. He lurched back, arms wrapping around his stomach as I bolt down the road. My sneakers pounding on the concrete resonated in my skull as I ran as fast as I could, veering to the right to get onto the sidewalk that had started. We were right on the edge of town. The night air around me felt like a sheet of ice as I kept running. In the dark, I could start to see a large red sign. It read emergency. ‘I can get hel-’

A hand wrapped around my throat from behind as I heard...gurgling from behind me.

“You really shouldn’t have ran.”

It was Officer Charles, but this time his skin was more pallid and extremely wet to the touch. Jagged cuts flexed rhythmically on his neck as I stared up at him with a mixture of disgust and nausea. I wrestled as best I could to get away from him, kicking and shouting as he held me up as if eyeing me in what little moonlight there was. From this angle, I could really see the depth of his eyes. They felt so vast and wide, like an unforgiving ocean swallowing and spitting up waves. He laughed again, a sound like a truck pulling into a gravel driveway.

I kick and wrestle more, feeling his hand loosen its grip as he dropped me to the street. Bracing for impact, I skid slightly and felt the road rip at my skin. Pebbles bit into any exposed skin as I scrambled and got up before starting to run again. Except this time, he followed me slowly. A step at a time. The clicks of his heels on the asphalt drowned out my own heartbeat but all I could focus on was the ever brighter red light ahead of me. Those little white letters were my saving grace. It felt like hours but I had made it to the steps. Heaving a bit, I stooped down to catch my breath. Squeezing my eyes shut, it ran through the whole scene. Were they even going to believe me?

It didn’t matter. Anything was safer than out here. I looked up then, Officer Charles grinning down at me with all of those tiny pointy teeth. Cupping my cheek with his hand, I looked down at it and realized.

They weren’t gloved. They were webbed.

With an almost fluid motion, he drew me in close and kissed me. Teeth pricked my face as he bit down, causing me to scream as best I could. Before a sound could come out, fluid started rushing into my lungs. It was...salt water. His grip was iron tight on me, mercury eyes focusing on mine as the color shifts. His deep and thoughtful silver eyes slowly shifted into a dazzling emerald green. My eyes.

Those were my eyes.

Give them...back.

--
The new recruit officer, Charles Hampton, flashed them with a set of pearly white teeth. He walked over, bringing the scent of chocolate with him as he handed the two men paper cups.

“Hot cocoa!”

Anthony immediately softened as he watched Charles speak, graciously accepting the cup and taking a sip.

“It’s too cold today to be running around without something hot!” Charles said before taking a large flask from his pocket. Parker’s mouth hung down like it was hinged that way from the start.

“You cannot be-”

“I assure you, it’s water!” He stuffed the now open top of the metal container under Parker’s nose. He took a sniff or two before slowly nodding but not without throwing the man a strange look. Charles pulled the flask back to himself and took a hearty swig or two before capping it and placing it back in his jacket.

“A gift from my grandfather.” He said dismissively as Parker looked at him. He looked...different. He wasn’t exactly sure how, but the man seemed more full of life. Before he could speak up, Anthony clapped him on the back.

“We need to take the body back to the lab and figure out...what happened.” Anthony trailed off a bit, taking another sip from the cup in his hand as he looked at the various masked workers looking at different aspects of the scene.

Officer Charles nodded curtly.
“I won’t keep you then. Let’s get this solved.”

-- Charles splashed some water on his face, first couple buttons of his uniform undone as he frowned. Rubbing a towel over it, he heard an almost silent foot step. His head snapping towards the direction of the sound, he felt a soft hand touch his back.

“Hello, my love.”

The woman spoke softly, a sultry tone gracing every syllable. His features softened as he chuckled, brushing a hand over her face as strands of midnight hair fell over it.

“You shouldn’t sneak up on a cop, you know.” Arms quickly wrapping around her, he pressed a kiss into the side of her face as she made a sound of feigned shock as it melted into a giggle.

“I know, I know.” Her icy blue eyes locked with his for a moment before she clasped a small hand over her mouth.

“You…”

He gulped for a second, the second seemingly lasting for hours.

“You did it!” She practically cheered, gripping his chin and drawing his face lower to meet hers. “They’re gorgeous…” She mused as she let her fingers wander his skin a bit. Charles pushed into her touch a bit and a sheepish grin formed on his pale face.

“Well, I was going to surprise you…” He trailed off, pushing forward to kiss her. She happily met him halfway.

“The kids are going to lose their minds, you know.” She said, turning to look into the mirror with him in her arms. They...really were starting to look human. Her now pink skin practically glowed as she was held in his arms, eyes drifting over her body and his. Her hands were now slender, every digit meticulously separated from one another. Freckles dotted her skin where scars and lesions had once been. A smooth neck adorned with a small gold chain with a charm, a mother holding two small babies made of diamond.

She could feel it now.

They really were going to become the American dream.

--
‘What...am I seeing?’

‘Where am I?’

‘Who is this woman?’

‘Parker? Parker?! Where are you?’

He woke with a start, hand clasped over his chest, clammy and shaking. He had had another nightmare about her. Staring at his side table in the dark, he shifted a bottle of pain medication to see an old weathered photo in a frame. Grabbing it, he ran a finger over the glass. A beautiful woman was seated behind it, arms wrapped around the shoulders of a much younger Parker, brilliant light blue eyes staring out kindly into his soul.

He sat like this for a while before sleep began to pull at his mind and body. Placing the frame back on the side table, he rolled over and drew his blanket up close as he fell back asleep.

It was just a dream, after all.