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Post by sparacus on Oct 29, 2021 16:29:12 GMT -5
Part 1: The Howling Wind
Slowly the thing stirred into consciousness, awareness descending upon it like the first flakes of snow on a dark, cold evening. It could smell the damp and mould of the cold, dark belfry as it writhed around, testing its limbs. It had lain in the corner under damp sacks for a long, long time. It had slept for too long. The hunger was fierce and unforgiving. As was the desire to kill, to inflict pain, to corrupt....
The wind howled around the steeple of St John's Church, Cambridge, driving the cold, October rain down over the gloomy stones. Nathan Rogers had been curate here for two months and already was becoming tired and weary of the work. He had hoped for a London parish where he could help people with inner city social problems, he being an idealistic young man. He was finishing setting out the hymn books for the Sunday service next morning and then he was going to lock up the church and go home to enjoy a cup of warm horlicks and watch Midsomer Murders. Then he heard the sounds, a kind of loud scratching interspersed with a slow moan. He wondered if a cat were trapped somewhere in the church, however the groaning sounded like a man's voice.
"Hello? Is anyone in here?" He shouted, feeling rather foolish. The scratching and moaning became louder and Nathan thought it was coming from above the ceiling under the spire. The belfry. He flinched and a feeling of strange fear came over him. As far as he knew, no one went to the cold, stone stairs to the bell tower. The single bell was rung every week but never seemed to have any issues. Rather reluctantly he fiddled with his set of old keys until he found the one that opened the little wooden door beyond which were the stairs. He wondered whether he was doing the right thing but knew that he couldn't leave an animal, or person, trapped in the belfry. He unlocked the door, switched on his torch and began to climb the stairs. He was immediately hit by a strong, pungent smell of mould and something decaying. He gagged at the smell and shouted out:
"Hello? Is anyone trapped up there?"
The moaning and scratching intensified and Nathan nervously climbed the stairs wondering what he would find up there. He reached another wooden door, which he nervously unlocked with the same key. As he entered the belfry, the thing tan at him, driving a pointed piece of wood into Nathan's left eye, right through to the brain......
The following morning Ben Chatham was relaxing on the sofa of his apartment reading the annual Operation Delta SAR (Self-Assessment Report) that Corinne and Paul had brought round for him to approve. The SAR was an essential requirement in order to secure continued government funding. Paul had brought along a CD of Webern's Symphony op 21 for them to listen to as they perused the report. Corinne sipped her cappuccino:
"I think you'll find everything in order Ben. I've stressed how much progress we have made on equality and diversity since we lost a certain person and have set us what I believe to be achievable goals."
Ben sighed:
"I do not have time to read the whole thing. I trust your judgement Corinne."
Paul sipped his cognac as the CD finished:
"Well, what did you think of that?"
"The report or the Webern?" Ben responded.
"Both", he shot back, laughing.
Corinne grinned:
"I'm sure Ben found both to be challenging but satisfying. He does after all have discerning taste."
They laughed as the door buzzer of Ben's apartment sounded. Luigi stepped out of the kitchen and answered the door, letting in the Reverend Allsopp of St Johns, who was in a bit of a state, sweating and out of breath:
"My dear boy, you must help me, you must. Evil is upon us and the forces of doom are unleashed."
Ben sighed:
"Look Reverend, if its more money you are after for repairs to your church roof then why didn't you just ring me. There is no need for the stressed out act. Philanthropic work for the local community looks good in the SAR and I've always given generously to your church."
The Reverend Allsopp sat down and helped himself to a glass of Ben's cognac:
"My dear boy I always appreciate your donations. But its not that. Satan is abroad in the land and darkness is upon St Johns. Come to smite the unshriven. This morning my curate was found dead at the foot of the stairs leading to the belfry. A piece of wood had been driven into his eye. Can't say that I took to the boy but even so it was ghastly. The cleaner, Mrs Davies, who found the body has been taken to hospital with shock. But that is not all. I've been told of gathertings in stoneycroft woods. Satanists. I fear that they have unleashed dark forces. You and your team must investigate."
Paul fought to suppress a laugh and Ben sighed wearily:
"Look Reverend, I suggest that you leave this to the police. Whoever murdered your curate needs to be caught but that is not my job. There is nothing supernatural involved. As for satanists in the woods, I suggest you inform the police about that as well although I can't see them getting involved with such trivial matters."
"Trivial matters? Mr Chatham are you suggesting that the devil and his demons are trivial matters? Thou art a c*** my son"
"No, I'm suggesting that you are bothering me with religious nonsense when I'm trying to work. And should a clergyman really be using language like that? *rubbing his forehead* Look I'm sorry but I've had a very difficult week. My relationship is on the rocks and I've been on a bit of an emotional roller coaster. I know that you are a man of faith, but really this sounds like a police matter and not a case for Operation Delta. However if it gives you some peace of mind, I'll send one of my team over to your church to take a look at the scene." Reverend Allsopp smiled:
"Splendid. I knew that you would oblige. *swirling the cognac round in the glass* This really is a very fine cognac Mr Chatham. It is never too early in the day to appreciate fine brandy."
A short time later, Kyle was examining the bloodstained floor of the church tower, having used his Operation Delta pass to get through the police cordon. Several SOCO officers were dusting the church for fingerprints and Kyle approached one:
"Ere mate, any signs of a break in?"
"Not that we can see. Bit of a mystery here. The victim must have let the killer in. Probably knew him, or her. Some local nutter no doubt who the church was trying to help."
Kyle frowned:
"Yeah probably. Foul smell in here innit?"
"Tell me about it. Smells like mouldy bread mixed with dead fish."
Outside in the trees beyond the churchyard, something watched. And waited for nightfall........"
..... to be continued.
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Post by sparacus on Nov 15, 2021 16:27:52 GMT -5
Ok folks, here is part 2 of this Halloween adventure:
Part 2: Web of Horror
Twenty something couple Phil and Angela Harding were driving back from a party in Cambridge to their home in the village of Shenerton. It was dark and late as the car sped past Stoneycroft woods. Angela was drunk, much to the annoyance of Phil, who found his wife increasingly unbearable, especially her constant demanding that they attend every party laid on by their friends.
"You really don't have to get totally pissed every time we go out to enjoy yourself", Phil grumbled. Angela lay back in the passenger seat, swigged from a wine bottle and laughed:
"Oh you really are a boring sod these days. No wonder you were so desperate to marry me before I could work out how dull you really are."
Phil was about to respond when something ran out from the trees to the left of the car and they felt a thud. Phil stepped on the breaks and the car skidded to a halt.
"What the ¤¤¤¤ was that?" Angela shouted.
"I dunno but we hit it. Too big for a fox", Phil shot back.
"You've hit someone you idiot", Angela shouted, spilling the wine.
They got out of the car and looked around. The air was damp and thick with the smell of rotting leaves. They couldn't see anyone lying in the road and Angela belched loudly:
"They couldn't have been hurt. Come on lets ¤¤¤¤ off".
Phil scowled at her:
"No they may be hurt. Look there's a path leading into the woods, they might be lying down there injured or something."
He went off down the path to the woods and Angela followed, grumbling. After a short while they heard the sound of voices and saw lights among the trees. The air was thick with damp and the smell of smoke.
"What the hell is that?" Angela asked.
As she spoke, two hooded figures appeared out of the trees, carrying what looked like guns. Phil and Angela instinctively ran and kept running even as the path narrowed. Then Phil tripped on something and fell into a tangled web of sticky, silken twine. He yelled out in horror as the thing came upon him and he felt something sharp stab into the side of his neck. Then all was darkness. Angela screamed and fell to the ground as the two hooded figures approached.
Ben was back at his apartment enjoying a reconciliation meal with Julian when he got the phone call from the Reverend Allsopp. He answered it wearily:
"Look I'm sorry Reverend but there is no more news about your curate. What? Stoneycroft woods? No I can't come there now, I'm having an evening meal. Ok, Ok. Look this really is inconvenient..."
Julian gave him an anguished look:
"Just tell him to do one Ben."
Ben sighed:
"There's been another death and he's got some strange notion that there is some connection with the curate. We'd better humour him and take a look."
Julian threw his fork down on the table:
"This is tiresome Ben. An evening in would be nice given how you've treated me".
Ben held his hand:
"Come on Jules. You never minded working with me before. We're good together you and I. Same sense of humour. Come on, lets go and laugh at that ridiculous cleric together."
A short time later, Ben arrived at the Nags Head pub in Shenerton where the Reverend Allsopp sat with two police officers and Angela Harding who was crying and shaking. The Reverend was holding up a brandy for her which she sipped:
"Ah Ben my boy, glad you could make it. It's the devils work afoot round here tonight. This lady has seen the demon devour her husband *to Angela* here now get this brandy down you my dear. Hair of the dog is a good remedy".
A policeman gave Ben a suspicious look:
"Mr Chatham, the Reverend insisted that we speak to Operation Delta before taking the witness home. Frankly I don't think she's in any fit state."
The Reverend Allsopp glared at him:
"Nonsense I tell you. Brandy is all she needs. Speed is of the essence when dealing with the devil. Conjured up by Satanists in the woods."
Ben sighed:
"Reverend, what exactly has happened?"
The policeman interjected:
"There has been a somewhat suspicious death Mr Chatham. A man we have identified as this lady's husband has been found half-eaten by some animal in Stoneycroft woods. We suspect that there may be a large cat or wolf at large in the area."
The Reverend Allsopp glared at him again:
"Nonsense. It is a demon".
Julian felt impatient:
"Look why don't you listen to the police officer, you unbearable fool. It is obviously an escaped animal not the hounds of Lucifer of some other imagining of your senile mind. I want to go home with Ben and finish our meal".
As he spoke, Angela began to scream.....
Meanwhile on Riverside estate, at the edge of the village, Olly Peters and Jack Fletcher, two 14 year old boys, were returning home after a night of trick or treating. They still had a few eggs left so they threw them at a pavement parked car and laughed as the yolks slid down the windscreen:
"That'll teach 'im to park on the pavement, the ¤¤¤¤", Olly laughed.
As they entered the dark, unlit alley that led down to Tile Street something lept over the wall and onto Olly, sinking its teeth into his scull with a crunching sound....
...........to be continued.
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Post by sparacus on Jun 26, 2022 10:18:38 GMT -5
Ok folks, here is part 3 of this dark, seasonal special:
Part 3: Forces of Darkness
As the police officers prepared to take the inconsolable Angela home, the door of the pub swung open and a middle-aged man with a beer belly afternoon shadow and generally unkempt appearance strode in. One of the police officers turned to him:
"Oh evening Sir. Did you want to talk to the witness before we take her home?"
The man scowled and took a drag on his cigarette:
"No time for that now Willets. Where's this Chatham character?"
"Over there Sir *pointing at Ben*". Ben was not happy at the newcomer's attitude:
"Excuse me but I'd prefer that you address me as Ben and not as 'that Chatham character', whoever you are."
The man strode up to him:
"I am Inspector Ashford and I'm taking charge of this case. I want no nonsense from you Chatham or the mad vicar here. There has been another killing, this time a young boy. I want you to come with me to look over the crime scene."
"What right now?" Julian asked.
"Of course right now you asinine twerp. Get your coats."
Ben stood up and glared at the inspector:
"You cannot talk to us in that manner. Plus you should not be smoking in this pub as it contravenes the current law".
Inspector Ashford took a drag on his cigarette and blew smoke in Ben's face:
"Shut your cake hole and come with us."
As they left the pub, one of the police officers approached Ben for a quiet word:
"Hey, I wouldn't antagonise Ashford if I were you. He's old school and doesn't play by the rules. However he's a top-notch detective". Ben frowned:
"He is completely unprofessional and I will be making a complaint about his behavior towards me this evening."
A short time later they arrived at the Riverside estate in Shenerton and entered the alley while led to Tile Street, which was full of police officers. The pathologist had just finished inspecting the body:
"Well?" Inspector Ashford barked at him.
"This is a strange one Inspector. He seems to have been attacked by some kind of wild animal. There are teeth marks in the skull. Maybe a big cat such as a puma or leopard. I'll know more when I get the kid on the slab".
The Reverend Allsopp saw the body lying on the alley floor and began making the sign of the cross:
"Bless my soul, it is the devil's work. He walks among us this evening."
"Oh shut up you religious nutter", Ashford barked at him. Meanwhile Ben and Julian took a closer look at the body:
"This is clearly the work of some animal, however I'm not convinced that its a large cat Julian. Given the varied nature of the wounds on the three victims, I suspect that we are dealing with some alien entity."
"So what now Ben? I'm guessing our nice evening in is definitely off now", Julian stated.
"I'm really sorry Julian, you know how much I want us to spend time together to mend our relationship. *sighs* However I feel duty bound to make some effort with these killings as it will look good in the SAR. I suggest that we get some of the team together and investigate those woods."
A short time later, after leaving the police at Riverside estate, Ben, Julian, Kyle, Paul and Corinne had assembled in the Nag's Head pub. The Reverend Allsopp had bought them all a round of drinks which the landlord, Rick Norton, brought on a tray:
"You'll need these before going into them there woods tonight. Rather you than me. Strange things happen in them woods", he stated.
"The devil himself walks among us tonight", the Reverend Allsopp added. Ben took charge:
"I'm sorry reverend, but I cannot accept that conclusion. We are rationalists and this has to have a secular explanation. I suspect that this creature is of extraterrestrial origin. I must thank you all for following my instructions and not inviting Martha Jones to join us. I cannot face that woman tonight, this is stressful enough, and its good that we left her out of our Operation Delta team Whatsapp group. Now I think we should drink up and get going, before that awful police inspector gets the same idea."
Rick Norton overheard:
"Aye lad, that Inspector Ashford is a real nasty piece of work. He tried to have me closed down over some health and safety nonsense about my kitchens. Yet he always comes in here with a fag in his mouth. Bastard".
Ben frowned:
"That is completely unfair on you Mr Norton. The police should be setting an example not picking on licensees trying to run a successful business. Anyway, come on team, lets go."
A short time later, they arrived at a small car park area on the perimeter of Stoneycroft woods. Two cars shot out of the car park at speed as they were arriving.
"That's odd, those drivers seemed overly keen to get away", Ben observed. Kyle laughed:
"Ere Ben, you clearly ain't 'heard the rumours. This car park is notorious for dogging at night."
"And what, pray tell, is 'dogging'? The Reverend Allsopp asked. Kyle laughed:
"You don't wanna know reverend".
Ben intervened:
"Kyle, I do not think that dangling the concept of dogging before a member of the clergy and then withdrawing explanation is what we should be focusing on tonight. Lets search those woods."
They left the cars and ventured onto the pathway that led into the woods. The air felt damp and musty and there was a tinge of wood smoke in it. Strange animal sounds emanated from within the trees.
"I don't like this. Shouldn't we be doing this in conjunction with the police?" Corinne stated.
Ben shone a torch into the trees:
"Why let them take credit for Operation Delta work? Come on".
As they walked further down the path, a fox darted across their path and dead leaves fell from the trees around. Suddenly there was a piercing scream from just in front of them......
....... to be continued
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Post by sparacus on Jul 17, 2022 13:29:24 GMT -5
Ok folks, here is part 4 of this menacing seasonal tale :
Part 4: The Beast from the Belfry
A piercing scream ripped through the dark, foreboding trees as Ben and the team were walking through the path through Stoneycroft woods. Julian was alarmed:
"Right, this is neither sensible or intriguing, it is just plain grubby police work. I propose we leave."
Kyle glared at him:
"Mate this is an Operation Delta case. If you ain't up for it then go find a posh wine bar to drink your pretentious cocktails in".
Ben intervened:
"Kyle, please don't talk to Julian like that, he's sensitive. But I agree that we need to investigate that scream. Come on team!"
Ben, Kyle and Paul began to run down the path in the direction of the scream and, turning a corner, Paul shone a torch and saw three hooded figures beside a fourth that was lying on the ground. As they got closer they could see that the figure of the damp path had been savagely mauled around the head.
"Hey, what has happened to this guy? Who are you people?" Ben shouted. One of the figures turned to him and pulled back his hood to reveal himself as PC Willets, one of the officers they had seen in the pub.
"Mr Chatham, our friend Jim Tyler here has been killed by that.. that thing. I saw it myself, it was like a huge spider with talons and claws that grabbed him by the head, tearing."
The Reverend Allsopp approached them, panting for breath, along with Corinne Shaw:
"Awake ye heathens! Ben these are the evil satanists I warned you about. They have sacrificed this man to Lucifer, Prince of Darkness".
PC Willets gave a sigh and turned to Ben:
"Mr Chatham, this vicar is talking nonsense. We are members of the local pagan society and we meet in the back room of the Nags Head on the last Friday of every month. None of us are in any way connected with satanism, which is just inverted Christianity. We practice only white magical rites and are nothing to do with black magic, human sacrifice or any of that stuff".
Another figure removed her hood to reveal a middle aged woman with a 'mumsy' look about her:
"And I am Dorothy Squires, Chair of Shenerton Womens' Institute. I certainly do not practice human sacrifice."
Reverend Allsopp held up a silver cross:
"Turn from the devil, ye temptress, ye scarlet woman..."
"Oh shut up please Reverend, this is getting us nowhere". Ben interjected. He turned to PC Willets:
"Constable, your benign pagan beliefs are your own business. Please excuse the Reverend Allsopp, he's been under a degree of stress as his curate was killed by this creature from the belfry of his church. Such an occurrence would put pressure on the mind of even the hardiest of people. Now what happened here?"
"Well Mr Chatham, it were like this. We were lighting the incense on the table over there and Mrs Squires was about the recite a little poem about Herne the Hunter when this thing came out of the trees. As I said, it were like a giant spider and had claws and it didn't half stink. Me, Jim Tyler and young Jeb here, the butcher's son, started whacking it with our hazel wands when it grabbed Jim and tore his throat out. It was like the other killings but at least we rescued that woman Angela in time."
Ben felt slightly nauseous at the sight of Jim's wounds:
"Yes this is not a very discerning sight. Team, I think we can rule out any connection between the killings and this pagan group. What we are dealing with here is something ancient that has lain dormant in that belfry for centuries. I suspect of extraterrestrial origin."
The other side of the woods, keen angler Bill Travis was setting up his kit for some early morning fishing on the riverbank. Bill liked to catch the bream and tench in the early hours and if lucky some of the big chub found in the river. He had brought his young grandson Oli with him and was showing Oli how to fix a lump of cheese paste to the hook:
"Look here lad. You flatten it out then lay the hook on it. Then curl it round the other side of the hook."
Oli fixed his cheese paste on then cast out.
"Good cast lad. Now lets see who gets the first bite. The winds blowing from the south and that's a good sign." He began to recite a poem:
"When the wind's a-blowing from the south,
It flows the bait into the fish's mouth,
When the wind's a-blowing from the West,
The fish are biting at their best,
When the wind's a-blowing from the East,
The fish are biting at their least,
And when the wind's a-blowing from the North,
I'm sorry to say but its time to piss orf".
Oli laughed however his laughter was cut short by the sound of something rushing through the undergrowth towards them. Oli let out a yell as the creature grabbed him and flung the kid into the river. Then it ran a talon right through Bill's neck, blood spurting out onto the fishing skip......
...........to be continued.
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Post by sparacus on Jul 31, 2022 15:23:08 GMT -5
Ok folks, here is part 5 of this dark, chilling adventure:
Part 5: Ancient Evil
Ben and the team had returned to the Nag's Head in Shenerton with Dorothy Squires and the pagan group, who were served drinks to calm their nerves by Rick Norton. Rick poured Ben a glass of Courvoisier:
"Here you are Mr Chatham, enjoy. *To everyone* Hey you lot, you'd better get these drinks down you sharpish before that bastard Ashford gets back as its after hours".
Paul Farraday sipped his brandy and made a few further notes. He turned to Corinne:
"We really need to wrap this case up quickly if it is to be worth adding to the SAR at this late stage. I suggest that we gather together as many locals as possible and go out and search for that thing ourselves. I have brought some kit."
Paul reached down and lifted up a leather bag which was half open. Corinne, Ben and the others could see guns inside. Kyle grinned:
"Ere now we're talkin'. Time for some action."
Ben frowned:
"I think we need to be careful here. We are not UNIT and we should not be putting ourselves in undue danger Paul."
As he spoke, a youngish man in his late twenties entered the pub and began looking around. He had a refined look about him and he walked over to Ben:
"Excuse me, but you must be Ben Chatham of Operation Delta. I'm Anthony Lytton, a reporter with the Cambridge Gazette. I do hope I can have a brief interview with you about these awful incidents".
Ben stared at Lytton and felt an instant attraction to the handsome stranger. He ushered Lytton to one side.
"Er yes, of course. How did you know that I was Ben? Have we met before. Perhaps in the Blue Angel Jazz Cafe?"
"No, I recognised the photo that our editor showed me. And I don't go to gay venues as I'm straight. Now can I ask you about the deaths?"
Ben was irked:
"No you can't. I find you to be insincere and annoying".
As he spoke Inspector Ashford strode into the pub with Willets, a look of anger on his face:
"Norton, what the hell are you doing serving drinks at this bloody hour? Give me a free double scotch or you're nicked. And what are you doing here Lytton? We aren't talking to the bloody press about this yet so sling your hook. *To Willets* As for you constable, I ought to suspend you right away for throwing a sickie to join in that daft nonsense in the woods but you know all these nutters so that could be useful."
Ashford strode up to Ben:
"Chatham, you ought to know that there's been another victim, a bloke out fishing with his grandson. Shouldn't you be out there with your lot doing something instead of sitting in here drinking?"
Ben was annoyed:
"Excuse me Inspector Ashford but please don't address me as 'Chatham'. My name is Ben or Mr Chatham. And my team are discussing recent developments in a considered manner."
Norton brought Ashford his scotch which he downed in one:
"Ahhh, warms the belly that does *belches*. Chatham, are you and your bods going to do anything or do I need to bother the Assistant Chief Constable and ask for an armed response team, costing the taxpayer money?"
Paul stood up:
"There is no need to do that. We have weapons here in this leather bag. I suggest that we calm down and finish our drinks. Lets have some music on to calm our nerves before we set out."
Paul handed Rick Norton his CD of Webern's Symphony op 21 which Norton put in the pub sound system and pressed play.
Inspector Ashford scowled:
"This is bellyache music".
Paul grinned:
"You need to give it a chance. Its minimalist, yet able to convey great depth."
Lytton was impressed:
"I quite agree. Me and my wife both love Webern. Also Schoenberg and Berg. I'd like to branch out into writing for a serious classical music magazine as well as journalism."
Ashford laughed:
"You're no journalist Lytton. Got no fire in your belly or the ruthlessness to sniff out a good story."
After the drinks were finished, Ben and Paul began organising the group into two teams. Paul and Ben would lead team 1 and Kyle and Inspector Ashford team 2. Paul started distributing the weapons. Ben was speaking:
"The plan is that each team enters the woods from an easterly and westerly direction and fan out. We are looking for something that resembles a giant spider. It has killed several times to we must be prepared to shoot."
As he spoke, Dorothy Squires interjected:
"Excuse me, excuse me. Is violence really necessary young man? Can't you just capture the beast?"
Ben gave her a resolute look:
"I'm really sorry but we have to take no risks. The creature has killed people."
"Two wrongs don't make a right", Dorothy shouted back.
Inspector Ashford nudged Ben:
"Look Chatham, just tell the daft bat to shut her silly cakehole".
Ben was bemused:
"I do not use expressions like that."
A short time later, the two groups were gathered at each side of stoneycroft woods. Ben, Paul, Corinne Shaw, Julian, the Reverend Allsopp and PC Willets were at the eastern side at the path entrance. On the western side were Kyle, Inspector Ashford, Rick Norton, Anthony Lytton and a couple of Ashford's police officers. Kyle spoke:
"Ere, as soon as I get a text from Ben givin' the go ahead we go in. Any sign of that thing and we waste it".
Ashford nudged Lytton:
"I reckon that lad's done time. I can sniff a wrong-un a mile off, Copper's nouse."
Meanwhile Ben was having a quiet word with Julian:
"Look I know that things have been difficult between us recently but I really want us to make our relationship work. When this is over, how about we take a break and go to Venice or the south of France? My treat. "
Julian hugged Ben.
Ben then texted Kyle and the two groups set off into the dark, dank woods. Somewhere the creature lurked.... waiting....
.............to be continued.
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Post by sparacus on Aug 2, 2022 14:31:32 GMT -5
Ok folks, here is the next part of this dark Halloween special:
Part 6: Web of Horror
The two groups advanced slowly into the dark, dank woods. Ben had a torch in one hand and a gun in the other as he led his group. The pathway was partly overgrown with brambles from the summer and Julian tripped over some:
"Ah ... these wretched things have scratched my leg". Ben was concerned:
"I'm really sorry that you have had to endure all of this Julian. After this is over I promise to take you away to an exclusive hotel somewhere really nice".
"You'd better make sure that its chavscum free", Julian said, forcing a grin as he got up.
"Of course", Ben replied, grinning. They pushed on into the darkness and the damp, autumnal smell of rotting leaves was all around, tinged with something else; something like the smell of rotting fish. Paul was chatting to Corinne:
"I really admire all of the work you've done professionalising this organisation Corinne."
Corinne flicked back her hair and gave him a resolute look:
"Getting rid of that bitch Katie Ryan is my proudest achievement on that score. She had better not try to worm her way back in or they'll be hell to pay. She even walked off with the office coffee machine and nothing made cappuccinos quite as nice as that machine. Plus she was not good for Ben, overly obsessed with him in an unhealthy way."
Meanwhile Kyle led his group into the woods from the western side, shining his torch into the trees looking for movement. Inspector Ashford lit a cigarette:
"I'm guessing you know how to use that gun lad. You look the type", he said to Kyle.
"Ere I ain't some bank robber or summat. I've done gun trainin' with Operation Delta, before that I never used one. Just knives." Ashford grinned:
"Now why ain't I surprised. I mean you look like a criminal yob, speak like a chavvy London yob and I'd kind of associate you with knives. Along with cheap tracksuits and rap music. I've nicked your type loads of times". Anthony Lytton intervened:
"Look Inspector, do you really have to talk to people like that? Its not helpful". Ashford glared at him:
"You make me sick Lytton. Hiding away on a local newspaper because you're too posh to get a decent job with the tabloids. Afraid to get your hands dirty with real journalism that's your problem. You should be out there hacking into celebrities phones and giving my officers bungs to get the gory details of murder investigations". Lytton shook his head:
"You call that proper journalism? You have no idea Ashford.
As Ben's group moved in from the eastern side, the Reverend Allsopp thought that he heard something moving through the undergrowth to the left of them:
"The beast cometh upon us. I heard it over there."
Ben and Paul shone their torches to the left but could see nothing. They walked on a few steps further when something shot out of the woods and ran across the path, a fox. Ben gave a sigh of relief.
Kyle's group moved further into the gloomy trees and a smell like that of rotting flesh suddenly surrounded them. All at once the creature was upon them, grabbing one of Asford's police officers and sinking a talon into his face with a sickening squelch and then twisting it. They shone their torches on it and gazed in horror at what resembled a giant black spider with pointed talons at the end of its front legs and thick, damp fur. The creature opened its mouth revealing long, yellow teeth, pointed like those of sharks. Kyle yelled fire and he, Ashford, Lytton and Rick Norton all shot at the creature. It gave a hideous yelp and ran off down the path away from them and straight towards Ben's group. Paul Farraday saw it first and fired a shot into it, followed by Ben, Corinne and the others. As the groups converged on the scene, both saw the creature shoot off down a side path.
"Why the hell is that damn thing not dead? It must have taken over ten bullets?" Ashford shouted.
"Its of alien origin probably. Or some kind of mutant. Either way do not expect it to act predictably. Where does that path lead?" Ben asked. Anthony Lytton gave him a worried look:
"It leads to Birch Grove Farm. Its just been bought by a young farming couple with six children." Ben turned to the others:
"Unless we can stop that thing, that family could be massacred...."
.......... to be continued.
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Post by sparacus on Aug 3, 2022 13:37:17 GMT -5
Ok people: here is the final part of this classic special:
Part 7: Deliver Us From Evil
Ben led the way down the path towards Birch Grove Farm. Julian was concerned:
"Look Ben, this could be really dangerous. Shouldn't we just leave it to a police armed response team. We matter as people and likewise it matters if we die or not, unlike most of the mundane people we have to share this country with". Ben grinned and gave him a hug:
"You do make me laugh Julian. But this will look great in our Self Assessment Report, especially if we kill the thing just before its about to rip apart some horrible screaming kids. I can see the government funding rolling into Operation Delta after this and the organisation needs it as we are strapped for cash."
They emerged from the woods and in the moonlight they could see the farm house on top of a hill and set off on the winding farm pathway up to it. As they came towards a gate they saw a group of people converging on them from another direction. It was Dorothy Squires and the pagan group. She held an incense burner in her hand and a golden pendulum dangling from a rainbow coloured string:
"Young man, we have come to lend assistance", she shouted at Ben who grimaced.
"Madam we do not need your assistance as you may be placing yourselves in danger. I suggest that you go back to the pub." Dorothy was firm:
"Young man, I must insist. We do not condone violence towards the creatures of the earth." Ben was annoyed:
"Please don't take this the wrong way madam but you are clearly the local crackpot and are eccentric to the point of being unhinged."
Inspector Ashford strode forward:
"Look you old bat, the lad's right. Bugger off and let us do our job."
PC Willets intervened:
"Sir please don't talk to this lady like that. I phoned her and asked the group to come. There are spirits of the earth that we can call upon." Ashford was furious:
"I'll have you back on traffic duty for this Willets. How dare you involve these nutters. You are a useless police officer and a dolt. Thick as mince." Anthony Lytton was taking notes:
"Gazette readers will love this. Police inspector calls his officer a dolt". Ashford rounded on him:
"I ought to punch your lights out Lytton". As he spoke a fearful screaming came from the farm house. Kyle interjected:
"'Ere look, while we stand 'ere arguin', that thing's attacking those people. Come on."
They ran up the pathway to the farm house and saw the creature spread across the front of the house and using its talons to smash the windows in. In an upstairs window, a young woman was holding a small child and screaming. Ben and Paul began firing at the creature but the bullets had no effect.
"Damnation, that thing must have some kind of outer skeleton that is absorbing the bullets. This is really stressful", Ben exclaimed. He reached into his pocket for a packet of Fox's Glacier Mints, offered one to Julian and had one himself. Suddenly all around him seemed to swirl and multiple colours flashed before his eyes. He sank to the ground as he reached for a new and higher form of consciousness.
"I suggest that Mrs Squires has a go at dealing with that thing. I have just had a realisation".
Ashford glared at him:
"What are you on about Chatham? Have you gone doolally too?"
Dorothy Squires and her group moved towards the creature chanting:
"Earth, fire, air and water,
Let the elements stop the slaughter..."
She swung her gold pendulum backwards and forwards and the creature stared at it as if mesmerised.
"Fire, earth, water, air,
Return to sleep without a care".
Slowly the creature slid down the wall and curled itself up into a ball. It began to emit a silken web substance from a duct in its body which enveloped in until it was just a large, silken ball. Ben turned to the others:
"If my theory is right that creature is now in long term hibernation which will last years. We can load it into the back of Paul's car and get it to the Operation Delta lab for tests and then safely confined".
Back at the Nag's Head, Rick Norton had served everyone a round of drinks to unwind after a stressful night. Anthony Lytton was still making notes about the night's events:
"This will be front page in the Gazette. Tell me Ben, how did you know that the pagan lady would be able to subdue the creature with that pendulum thing?" Ben grinned:
"After I had the Fox's Glacier Mint I remembered an old fairy story I read as a child involving a giant spider attacking children in the woods until a genie appeared and made it go to sleep with a pendulum. I realised that such folk tales were probably part-based on fact. My guess is that this alien creature has been on the earth for a very long time and that there may be others".
The Reverand Allsopp was not impressed. He sipped his damson gin and frowned:
"I must say I do not approve of that devilry with the pendulum." Ben laughed:
"Oh come on reverend, Dorothy is hardly Countess Dracula or something".
Inspector Ashford walked over to Ben:
"Well I'm bloody glad that's all over, *downing a double scotch* nice working with you Chatham."
Anthony Lytton stood up and proposed that they all drink a special toast to Ben for saving the day.
THE END
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