Awake.

Darkness to black.

Can’t see.

Trapped.

Can’t move.

Cold.

Oh so cold.

The voice!

His voice!

“Awake my child. You are safe. The hour is close, at hand. Do my bidding, and seek your revenge.” His voice sounded like a warm blanket. She began to violently thrash around. Her body hitting the cold smooth walls of her confine.

###

Yesterday was hell of a day. For Detective James Rigby. Standing in the doorway, of the storage room. At the town morgue. Nursing a mild hangover. At six forty five in the morning. He already knew today, was going to be like yesterday. If not worse.

“Has the body been id’d?” He asked Officer Ted Gibson.

“Yeah. Terry Mann. He was working the overnight, this week. It’s a fuckin mess in there.”

“Thanks for the warning.” Rigby said. Slipping past Gibson, and making his way, toward the little cluster of people.

Laying on the floor. Beside the storage cabinets. Was what remained of Terry Mann. His eyes open and lifeless. Blood covered his white lab coat. There was a hole, in the center of his torso.

“Holy shit.” Rigby croaked.

Officers Williams and Cody. Turned their heads in his direction. After clearing his throat. Rigby asked. “What the hell happened to him?”

“Don’t know Detective. Just waiting on the okay to move him.” Officer Cody replied.

Officer Williams face was pale, and his eyes glazed.

“You okay Officer?” Rigby asked

“I grew up with Terry. He was a great guy. Beautiful family. I’m gonna find who did this and, and kill the son of a bi---.”

“Okay.” Rigby interrupted. Putting a supportive hand on Williams shoulder.

“Don’t let personal emotions. Get in the way of doing your job. Why don’t you head outside, and take a breather Officer.”

As Williams left. Rigby turned his attention, back to Officer Cody.

“Where’s Doctor Cane?”

“He’s sitting at his desk. He’s a little shaken. Which is understandable.”

Rigby turned and began to walk away.

“Um Detective. There’s more. Drawer eighteen is empty.”

“Okay.” Rigby said a bit confused. “What’s that have to do with the body on the floor?

“Well sir. I’m not really sure. But the drawer, contained the body of Rachel Adams.”

Rigby didn’t know what to say. Instead he turned, and made his way over to Doctor Canes desk. His mild headache turning into a bigger one.

Doctor Daniel Cane sat at his desk, fidgeting an empty Styrofoam cup. His graying hair disheveled. He didn’t look like, the neat and in control doctor. That Rigby had come to know. In his short time here in Shady Creek.

“Hell of a morning.” Rigby said. Dragging a stool over to the desk. “Any idea on. What happened to him?”

“Looks like a wild animal carved him up. I’ll know more once I get him on the table. I’ll have the assistants move him.” Doctor Cane said. His eyes never leaving the cup in his hand. “The Adams’ girl body is missing. James. I seen her placed in eighteen myself. What the hell is going on?”

“I don’t know Doc. We’ll get to the bottom of this. Just do what you do here. And I’ll do what I can out there.” Rigby said. Standing up, and heading to the door. Before leaving he called Officer Cody over.

“Get Reverend Mcreed, and drag his ass to the station. I have a few questions for him.”

###

Robert Mcreed sat in the same uncomfortable chair. That he sat in yesterday. Waiting for the Detective, to make his appearance. Lost in thought, of what to add to Sunday’s sermon. When the office door opened, and then shut forcibly. Startling the Reverend. Rigby made his way to his desk, and fell back in his chair. Releasing a sigh.

“So here we meet again Reverend.”

“Yes it would seem. I assume that I’m not here, for a pleasant conversation. I have to admit. That I was a bit startled. To find one of, your officers at my door. Why am I here?”

“Reverend. You are here, because I need some information.”

“Please Detective. You may call me by my first name. Would it be alright if, I did the same?’

“No. Detective is fine.” Rigby answered.

“Very well. If I may ask wh----?”

“No you may not ask any questions. It’s me who’s going to be asking, and you are going to do the answering. You and the boy mentioned the name Shadow Man. Who is he? What am I dealing with?”

“Dear God. She’s already woken. It’s beginning.” Mcreed whispered to himself.

“Yes Detective. I’ll tell you what I know.

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