Two Souls: Into the Fire # 154

Two Souls: Into the Fire # 154

warning … adult content

***

Soon, Steve was pulling into the back parking lot at the Whirling Disc record shop. As he and Ghost went inside, the little bell on the door tinkled, and Terry looked up from stocking CDs in the bins.

“Hey, look who’s here,” he said. “It’s about time y’all made an appearance.”

“Hey, Terry,” Steve said. “Yeah, we’ve been taking it easy…been working on some stuff, and look…” he held up his cast free leg. “Just got it off this morning.”

“All right, good to hear that,” Terry said. “What were you working on?”

“Well, I got a list for ya here, of what we’re putting on the CD. It’s for sure, this time,” Steve said. “You and R. J. can go over it. We need to get busy and actually do this, so you think y’all can be ready, say tomorrow or the day after?”

Terry reached out to take the list. “Let me see it…yeah, no problem. Are you wanting to do them with all of us at the same time, or separate, then mix ’em later?”

“I was hoping to do it all at once, but let’s see how it goes first, and see how it sounds,” Steve said.

“Ok, we’ll do it how ever you want. I’ll get ahold of R. J. and tell him to be over here in the morning,” Terry said. “Yall come in as early as you can, and we’ll knock these out in no time.” He looked over at Ghost. “Hey, Ghost, do you think your voice will hold out if we do all these? Or, Steve, if not, we can split ’em up and do some in another day or two.”

Ghost looked at the list, again. “I can probably do all these. I can sing a lot of songs when we do a show.”

“Okay, then that’s settled.” Terry said. He slapped Ghost on the back, then chuckled. “What else are y’all up to? I tell ya, Zach and Trevor were pretty upset that y’all didn’t show up last night.” Shaking his head, he said, “I don’t know what they have in mind, but they’re still antsy about it…all that séance stuff.”

“I  don’t want to talk about it anymore, though,” Ghost said.

“Well, you still need to see what he’s wanting. Maybe it’s nothing…probably just his paranoia.” Terry shrugged.

“Guess he won’t leave me alone about it, unless I do,” Ghost said.

“Hey, Terry, can you close up for a few minutes? We want you to come down to the club with us, to talk to Kinsey,” Steve asked.

“I suppose I could…why?”

“He’s there isn’t he?” Steve asked, avoiding the question of why.

“Umm-hmm, as far as I know, he’s there. When ya want to go over there…now?”

“Yep, let’s go,” Steve said.

Terry put his ‘be back later’ sign on the door, locked up, and they all walked down the block, to the club.

“Knock, knock,” Ghost hollered, as they came in through the back door.

“In here guys,” Kinsey said, looking up as they all trooped in.

“Well, look at the three stooges, come to pay me a visit,” Kinsey said, as he laughed and leaned back in his chair.

“What’s a stooge, Kinsey?” Ghost asked.

“Oh, it’s an old tv show that had three crazy guys in it doing slapstick comedy. It was hilarious back in the day.”

“Oh,” Ghost said, but looked confused.

“Never mind,” Kinsey said. “What’s up?”

Terry sat down on the couch, and shrugged. “Don’t ask me…these two came in and said I should come over here with them.” He looked at Steve, “Well…?”

Steve looked over at Ghost, and cleared his throat. “Uh, Ghost, you want to explain, or ya want me to?”

“You start, and I’ll add stuff when I think of it.”

Steve started explaining. “First of all, Ghost had a dream the other night. He said it was about both of y’all talking…”

Ghost added his explanation now. “Only it was a real dream. I heard you talking in my head. Not that I was trying to eavesdrop or anything, but y’all was talkin’ loud enough for me to hear…or something…” He looked at Steve to continue.

Steve nodded, “Yeah, anyway, he said y’all were planning on taking a vacation together, real soon.”

Terry and Kinsey were surprised that these two knew about it. They’d not mentioned it to anyone, yet. But, then they weren’t surprised, after all, because Ghost could pick up conversations out of thin air.

“Hey, yeah, that’s right,” Terry said. “You heard us talking about it, Ghost?”

Kinsey was smiling. “Yeah, we’ve been discussing that. We haven’t firmed up the plans yet, though.”

Steve continued…”Well, so Ghost had an idea, and I think it was an excellent idea, and now we’re presenting it to y’all.” He nodded at Ghost to get the cards out.

Ghost reached into his backpack, taking out the cards. “This was my idea, and this here gift is from both of us, and I made y’all these here cards, and…just read them.”  He handed them to Terry and Kinsey.

“At the same time?” asked Terry.

“Yes, then you can read each other’s if you want to.”

Terry and Kinsey opened the envelopes, and began reading.

Steve and Ghost watched their reaction, hoping it would be good. Kinsey admired the artwork on his card, then read the inside.

“Guys…” he said, as his lip quivered, and he sniffled a bit.

At the same time, Terry looked at his. “Hey, it’s like tie-dye…cool, Ghost.” He read the inside…”Aw, dudes, this is so nice of y’all.” He cleared his suddenly tight throat.

Then, they both opened the smaller, money envelopes that had been enclosed.

“Oh, my God,” Terry said, his mouth dropped open.

“What? For me? This is too much, guys,” Kinsey said.

Ghost and Steve were smiling big. “Yeah, for both of ya. We love y’all, and wanted to do something nice for y’all,” Ghost said, hopping up and down.

“It’s our way to show y’all appreciation for all you’ve done for us,” said Steve.

“Well, thank you, this really is a surprise,” Kinsey said. He came over to give them a hug.

“We’re gonna have some fun with this, right Kinsey?” Terry said. “Thanks, dudes.”

Terry looked at Kinsey, “Dude, we’re gonna have the time of our lives. We’ve got plannin’ to do.”

“I’ll say,” Kinsey said. “Really, guys…thanks. Hey, I’m getting excited, now.”

Ghost hugged Kinsey and Terry. “I’m so happy y’all liked our present.”

“When are you planning to go, Kinsey?” Steve asked. “And, for how long?”

“As soon as we can, Steve. I’d say by next week, if we can get it all planned out. What do you think, Terry?”

“Man, I’d go right now, but yeah, next week should give us time to get plane tickets, and reservations, and all that,” Terry said.

“You already know where you’re going, then?” asked Steve.

“Yeah, we already talked about it,” said Kinsey. “We’re going to do some things we both always wanted to do.”

***

***

Next part coming soon!

***

Thanks for visiting! Peace ☮️

© 2021 BS

***

***

This is a work of “fan fiction” based on the novel, “Lost Souls” by Poppy Z. Brite. All credit for the original characters, places, and some backstory mentions, belong to Ms. Brite and her publishing affiliates. Only newly introduced characters, places, and original elements of this story are entirely from my imagination. Character descriptions are a blend of the original book descriptions and my interpretation of them.

All songs included in this work will be solely owned by the original performers/writers and will be credited. Creative license is taken in including them in this story.

No harm is intended toward author, musicians, or people and situations to whom there may be a resemblance.

warning      warning      warning      warning

The content herein is rated by me as being at the high end of MA (Mature Audience). It includes strong language, violence, sexual themes, including same sex pairings, religious themes, and fantasy horror.

Two Souls: Into the Fire # 153

Two Souls: Into the Fire # 153

warning … adult content

***

As Ghost went outside, Spirit dashed out with him, hoping to chase any moths that might be flying around the light coming from the windows. It was an unusually warm night for the middle of November, in Missing Mile. It was already dark, even this early in the evening. Ghost walked down to the far end of the driveway, to better see the first stars start twinkling.

His vision adapted to the darkness, and he began to see the constellations take shape. The big dipper, the North star, Orion, Sirius…he knew them all, and where they were in the night sky in each season. He’d always felt connected to them, somehow, and had a need to greet the night, just as he welcomed the rising sun, as often as he could. It re-energized him, being out in nature.

Ghost inhaled, taking in the Christmassy fragrance of the pine trees. He held up his arm, pointing to a star. As he squinched up his eye, it seemed as if he could touch it.

Steve had only dozed off for a few minutes, so after waking, he went outside to join Ghost. He leaned on the porch railing, watching Ghost. He could barely make out the pale figure, in the distance, but saw him raise his arm up to the sky, as if he was talking to the heavens. He’d seen Ghost do this many times before, but never got tired of it. To him, Ghost did look like an apparition, and it moved him every time.

He walked out to be with Ghost. “Hey, show me the stars, Ghost,” he said, his voice soft.

Ghost smiled, and began naming them, and he held up Steve’s arm, so he could point at them, too.

“How do you know all this stuff?” He was truly astounded at Ghost’s knowledge of things other worldly.

“It’s just inside me, Steve,” Ghost said. “It’s like I just know it. I can’t explain it.” He paused for a second, and sighed. “Sometimes I think I’m from somewhere else. It’s like up there is real, and here is a dream, and someday I’ll wake up and remember all this here, and think I’d been living in a dream down here for years and years.” He smiled at the thought. “It pulls at me, ya know, wanting me to come back to my real home…to wake up. And, I know it’s you up there with me. It’s you that’s begging me to wake up, ’cause something must have happened to make me go to sleep. We’re both there, but we’re both here, living in this here dream world.” He sighed, again.

“Sometimes I wish that was a true story. It’s a nice story, don’t ya think so, Steve?”

“Mmm-hmm.” Steve hugged Ghost, and whispered in his ear, “It’s a real nice story, Ghost.”

But, inside, Steve was freaking out at this story. It couldn’t be true, could it? He’d thought for years, that maybe Ghost was from somewhere else, when he’d catch glimpses of Ghost’s knowing things he couldn’t possibly have known. It was so impossible, yet it gave him so much to think about. .

Ghost, from the very beginning had always seemed like a stranger in a strange land…not quite wholly in either world…and he could easily cross from one to the other.

Steve shivered. “It’s getting chilly, let’s go inside.” He took Ghost’s hand, as they walked back to the house.

~

Back at the Sacred Yew, Kinsey had told Terry, Trevor, and Zach, that Ghost and Steve weren’t coming. “Guess we’ll have to do this another time,” he said.

“Why aren’t they coming?”

Kinsey shrugged, “They didn’t really say, just that they were tired, and would see us later…and they were tired of talking about the séance.”

“But, I still have questions,” Trevor said.

“Well, you should have made that note you left say we were calling a meeting,” Zach said. “Not just you needed to talk to Ghost.”

“Well, if there’s no business to conduct, guys, I’m going home,” Terry said, getting up from the table. “Let me know if there’s another meeting time.”

“Well, that’s that, then,” Kinsey said. “Y’all going to stay here tonight?”

“We might as well,” Zach said. “Our room is cleaned up, and we washed all the clothes, so yeah…and I’m heading up there, now. “Nite, Kinsey.”

“Yeah, me too,” Trevor said. They went up the stairs, and Kinsey heard the door shut and lock.

“Huh, now what?” he said to himself. He was disappointed that the meeting got cancelled. It was still fairly early evening, at least for the usual hours that he kept. He walked around the club, making sure the doors were locked, and everything shut off in the kitchen and office. He didn’t much like the quiet of his club. It needed music, and people, and noise.

He’d thought about retirement a time or two, but if it was boring like this night, he knew he’d go crazy. As he went upstairs to his apartment, he passed by Zach and Trevor’s room. He could hear them talking and laughing about something. He smiled…at least he wasn’t totally alone in this lonely club.

~

Morning came, and Ghost and Steve actually woke early. They both got bowls of cereal to eat in front of the tv. Ghost turned it on, hoping some channels would come through good enough to see.

“Hey, look, Steve…it’s on, and it’s clear today.”

“How many?”

“I think all of them,” Ghost said, as he flipped through their usual three.

“Cool,” Steve said, as he watched. There was a local Raleigh news program on, and a kid’s show, and a classic sit-com channel. They watched a few minutes of the news, but it was too depressing, hearing about crime, wrecks, and the crop report, so switched to the retro program. As they watched, and finished eating, Steve asked, “Hey, what is today?”

“How should I know,” Ghost said. “It’s a day like all the other ones, I guess. Why ya wanna know?”

“‘Cause it feels like something was supposed to happen today,” Steve said. He hobbled back into the kitchen to look at the calendar that was hanging on the wall by the back door. “Oh, no…that’s today?” he said as he saw the red circle around the date.

“Ghost, my doctor’s appointment is today. What time was I supposed to be there, shit, I can’t remember,” Steve said, all flustered, now.

“Well, call them and ask,” Ghost said.

Steve grabbed his phone to make the call. As he ended the call, he hopped on one leg, down the hallway, saying, “Get in the car, Ghost, we have to hurry. My appointment is just an hour from now. We gotta go…where’s my keys?” He hopped back into the living room, only to see Ghost laughing. “Don’t just sit there, get dressed…we’ll never make it in time.”

“Steve, stop hopping around. You’re gonna fall and break your other leg.”

“Well, go get ready…you can’t go in your underwear,” Steve said.

“Neither can you,” Ghost said. He was still laughing as he went to find clothes to put on.

“Oh, yeah…” Steve said, hopping into his room to get dressed. He flung clothes around, muttering to himself.

Ghost got ready, without hurrying, and was waiting by the front door, by the time Steve came out. “Here’s your crutches,” he said, as he handed them to Steve.

~

Steve drove them down the highway to Raleigh, at his usual speed, which took them about twenty minutes, instead of the normal thirty it should have been.

“We made it…” Steve said, taking a breath. He felt he’d been holding it the whole way.

They went into the hospital, and spent only minutes in the waiting room, before being called back to be examined. Ghost went back with him.

“Hey, Doc, can I get this cast off, now?” Steve asked.

“Well, we’re going to take it off, then we’ll see how your leg is doing. We need to x-ray it, to see if the bone has grown back together,” the doctor said. He got his cast removal saw, and began. Steve watched him, as he worked, and wasn’t afraid he’d get cut. He’d had his arm cast cut off several years before.

Ghost had been through it, too, for his wrist cast, the past summer, but still didn’t want to watch. He covered his eyes, but kept peeking through his fingers, anyway.

Soon, the doctor brought in the portable x-ray machine and took a picture. As Steve waited for the results, he and Ghost looked at Steve’s leg.

“It looks funny,” Ghost said.

“Yeah, I know, so did my arm, that time. It’ll go back to normal.”

The waiting was taking forever, it seemed, so Ghost prowled around the small room, looking at things. There was a poster on the wall, depicting symptoms of strokes, and when you should see a doctor if you experience them.

“I think I probably have these all the time,” Ghost said, then read them aloud to Steve.

“No, you don’t have strokes, Ghost, you have seizures once in awhile.”

“But, all this is what happens to me,” Ghost frowned.

“Well, it’s not the same, and knock on wood it never is,” Steve said, even though some of the symptoms did seem to fit Ghost’s problems.

After another few minutes, the doctor came back in. He had the x-ray films, which he put up on a lighted screen mounted on the wall. “Ok, let’s see,” he said. He studied it a minute, and pointed out where the break had been, and how it was now fused together. “Well, Steve, looks like it healed just fine, so no more cast. Let’s see if you can put some weight on that leg, and try to walk.”

Steve carefully stood up, holding the edge of the examining table to steady himself. “Hey, it’s not as easy as I thought it would be,” he said. He practiced walking around the room.

“You may need to keep using the crutches a little longer, until you’re more sure of yourself,” the doctor said, “but, gradually, you’ll be just as strong in that leg as you were before.”

“It sure feels lighter, now” Steve said. “I thought it’d be easier when I got it off, though.’

“Nothing to worry about, Steve,” the doctor said. “Just take it slow a few days, and now you’re ready to go.”

“Thanks, Doctor. You ready to go, Ghost?”

“Yeah, let’s go.”

They walked out to the parking lot, then headed for home. “You still want to go in to the studio, when we get back,” Steve asked.

“Yeah, and do our surprise,” Ghost said.

When they reached the house, Ghost jumped out of the car, and went in to get Steve’s guitar, and the two surprise envelopes.

“How are we gonna do this? If we’re at Terry’s place, we should get Kinsey to come over there, so we can give them these prizes at the same time, don’t ‘cha think?” Ghost asked. “But, how do we get him to come over there without telling him why?”

“We just call him up, and say get over there…easy” Steve said.

“I can’t wait to see their faces, when they open them, can you?” Ghost asked. He was getting excited about it.

“I know, me too,” Steve said. “Let’s do our business stuff first, though. Hide those envelopes in your backpack, or something, ok?”

“Okay,” Ghost said. He smiled as he put them away.

***

***

Next part coming soon!

***

Thanks for visiting! Peace ☮️

© 2021 BS

***

***

This is a work of “fan fiction” based on the novel, “Lost Souls” by Poppy Z. Brite. All credit for the original characters, places, and some backstory mentions, belong to Ms. Brite and her publishing affiliates. Only newly introduced characters, places, and original elements of this story are entirely from my imagination. Character descriptions are a blend of the original book descriptions and my interpretation of them.

All songs included in this work will be solely owned by the original performers/writers and will be credited. Creative license is taken in including them in this story.

No harm is intended toward author, musicians, or people and situations to whom there may be a resemblance.

warning      warning      warning      warning

The content herein is rated by me as being at the high end of MA (Mature Audience). It includes strong language, violence, sexual themes, including same sex pairings, religious themes, and fantasy horror.

Two Souls: Into the Fire # 152

Two Souls: Into the Fire # 152

warning … adult content

***

Sometime before dawn, Steve and Ghost had made their way to bed. Now, as the sun rose, Steve did wake, and went out to the kitchen, to make the morning coffee. Coming back to the bedroom, he watched Ghost trying to wake up. He always had a hard time breaking away from his dreams of the night. Ghost almost always dreamed…sometimes good, sometimes bad, but always fantastic and magical. He’d dream so vividly, that he sometimes thought they were real…and sometimes they were. He’d tell Steve, in detail, what he did during those dream escapes from his awake self. Sometimes, Steve even believed it, too.

As he watched, Steve wanted Ghost. He carefully untangled the blankets, pushing them off to the side of the bed. He then helped Ghost out of his clothes, while Ghost lay there, his eyes blinking up at him, totally relaxed.

“You’re beautiful,” Steve said in a whisper, his throat closing up with emotion. He continued to look at Ghost, taking in the whole of his body, fully exposed in front of his eyes. Every scar was a reminder of Ghost’s strong spirit, his endurance, to keep a positive light to his very soul.

From the scars on his skull from the fractures, his damaged eye, that still gave him pain, the cigarette burns, from long ago, the missing toe, and even his brain was scarred…Steve took it all in with his gaze. Now, Ghost had the scars from Nothing’s fangs, on his neck, and the scratch marks from the evil demon, on him. He still had a slight crook in his left hand, too, from Steve smashing it during the hurricane. And, the invisible scars to Ghost’s heart and mind…the emotional scars that he’d dished out on him…were the worst of all.

And still, he was the most beautiful thing Steve had ever seen. “You’re beautiful,” Steve had to whisper, again.

Ghost had heard everything Steve had been thinking, and now he shook his head no, and his eyes squeezed shut, as tears fell down his face.

“I’m not, Steve…I’m not…” he cried.

“Yes, you are, Ghost. You’ve got the pure light of your soul shining through. You give me your unconditional love, when I don’t deserve it. You have tamed me and claimed me, and I can only try to keep pleasing you…because if I fail, and you deserted me, I’d have nothing. I would not live a day without you. So yes, you are beautiful, and I love you.”

Steve leaned close, and kissed Ghost’s tears away. “I want to please you, now…” he said.

Ghost nodded. “Yes…”

~

That afternoon, Ghost got out his markers to create a card for Kinsey, and one for Terry. He didn’t consider himself an artist, but he loved to draw and make designs. Of course words and lettering were his favorite.

“Hey, Steve, how’s this look?” He held up the folded cardstock.

“It’s, well…it’s very colorful. Here, let me get a closer look,” Steve said. He reached over for the card.

Ghost had written Kinsey’s name in calligraphy on the front, in black ink. Curling around the name, in brown ink, was an exact replica of the Yew tree that was carved into the club’s wooden door. He’d done it from memory. In between the branches, were different colors, making it look like stained glass.

Inside, he’d written: Kinsey, we appreciate everything you do…from helping us when we’re in trouble, for being a shoulder to cry on, and most of all for being our friend. Please accept this as a small way of saying thank you. Have a wonderful vacation! We love you!

There were lots of hearts drawn on the card’s inside, too. “Now, we both have to sign it,” Ghost said. “Oh, and put the money in it…don’t forget that part.”

This is amazing, Ghost. It’s better than any card we could have bought. He’ll love it,” Steve said.

Ghost smiled, then said, “Now I gotta do one for Terry.”

They both signed Kinsey’s card, and Steve put in the $1,000, and sealed the envelope. Ghost took a break for some snacks, and to rest his hand. Steve went back to his guitar, and song list for the CD.

“Hey, I’ve just about got the list done,” Steve said. “We should get back to the studio, maybe tomorrow? And, we can deliver the surprise. Sound good?”

“Yeah, guess we could. I’m really ready to get to sing again, and get a show planned. Maybe when they get back from their trip,” Ghost said. “We can do a welcome back show,” he said, as he munched on potato chips.

“Let’s call it a plan, then,” Steve said, and reached for a handful of chips.

After Ghost washed the grease from his fingers, he asked, “What should Terry’s card look like?”

Steve shrugged. “That’s your department. Think of something he likes or…hell, I don’t know…things he likes could get a little tricky, if ya know what I mean.” Laughing, he pretended to smoke a joint.

“Yeah, guess that wouldn’t work. Well, I’ll figure something out,” Ghost said. He lay down on the floor, staring at the ceiling. Steve went back to playing a song.

After a few minutes, Ghost got up and got some water, bringing it back to the living room. He tried out a few ideas with his markers. “Ok, I think I got it,” he said. This time he colored his finger tips with several colors, and stamped them on the card front. Then he took his fingers and dipped them in the water, then smeared them around on the card. The effect looked like tie-dye. When it dried, he wrote Terry’s name in black calligraphy.

“Hmm, not very fancy, but guess it’s ok,” he said.

“He’ll treasure it, Ghost,” Steve said, and snickered.

“Shut up,” Ghost said, then wrote on the inside of the card: Terry, we want to thank you for being our friend for so long. You show you care in so many ways…from sticking with us in hard times, to sharing your music on stage with us. And, for giving Steve a job, and for letting us use your studio, and for sharing laughs, and “more”. We want to show you our appreciation by gifting you with this small token. Enjoy your vacation! Love, from both of us.

“Okay, I’m done…read it, Steve.” Ghost handed him the card.

Steve smiled, as he read. “This is perfect.”

They signed it, and Steve put Terry’s money inside, and sealed it.

They sat quietly for a few minutes. Steve leaned back on the couch, resting his eyes, and he massaged his calloused finger tips. Ghost gathered his markers, remembering to put the caps back on. Taking the cup of water back to the kitchen, he noticed that Steve was almost asleep. As he came back through, he gently kissed the top of Steve’s head.

“I’m going outside for awhile. The stars are shining, now.” And, he went out the front door, the screen squeaking, as he opened it.

***

***

Next part coming soon!

***

Thanks for visiting! Peace ☮️

© 2021 BS

***

***

This is a work of “fan fiction” based on the novel, “Lost Souls” by Poppy Z. Brite. All credit for the original characters, places, and some backstory mentions, belong to Ms. Brite and her publishing affiliates. Only newly introduced characters, places, and original elements of this story are entirely from my imagination. Character descriptions are a blend of the original book descriptions and my interpretation of them.

All songs included in this work will be solely owned by the original performers/writers and will be credited. Creative license is taken in including them in this story.

No harm is intended toward author, musicians, or people and situations to whom there may be a resemblance.

warning      warning      warning      warning

The content herein is rated by me as being at the high end of MA (Mature Audience). It includes strong language, violence, sexual themes, including same sex pairings, religious themes, and fantasy horror.

Two Souls: Into the Fire # 151

Two Souls: Into the Fire # 151

warning … adult content

***

“You remember how to do it, don’t ya?” Ghost asked, as he handed Steve his gun.

“Sure I do,” Steve said. “What are you going to do, pitch a plate up in the air?”

“Yep, I’ll throw it up, and you shoot it.”

“Okay, let’s go.”

They went outside, and Ghost threw up the first plate, as high as he could. As it came down, Steve aimed and fired, shattering it.

“Wow, that was great,” Ghost said. “My turn, now.”

Steve threw the next plate up, and Ghost shot and broke it with no problem.

“Good shot,” Steve said.

“That’s all the plates we used, though,” Ghost said. “But, we could just get some out of the cabinet, ya know…want to?”

“If we’re gonna get more at the thrift store, anyway, we might as well shoot what we have.”

So they kept tossing plates and shooting them down, until there were no more left.

“That was so much fun,” Ghost said. “When we get more, let’s get a bunch so we can do it again.”

“Yeah, need to keep in practice,” Steve said.

Just then, they heard a car pull up out in the driveway.

“Wonder who that is?” Steve asked.

They heard someone knocking on the front screen door. As they went inside, and through the living room, they could see a uniformed man standing there. It was the sheriff of Missing Mile. Steve opened the screen for him.

“Hey, Jimmy, come on in,” he said, letting the officer in.

“Hey, Steve…y’all okay out here? There was a report of someone hearing gunshots in this area,” Jimmy said.

“Yeah, we’re fine…just doing some plate shooting,” Steve said.

“Plate shooting?”

“Yeah, me and Ghost were just practicing.”

“Steve, I’ve known you and Ghost for a long time, and y’all hardly ever cause any trouble, but it’s my job to ask to see those guns, and see if they’re registered, and to see y’all’s carry license,” Jimmy said.

Steve swallowed hard. “Um, well, we don’t exactly have that, and…”

“Steve, it’s the law. I don’t care one way or another…hell, most everybody around here has one. But, now it’s been reported, that y’all are firing off weapons, I gotta do my job. I can’t afford to lose it.”

“You wouldn’t turn us in, would you? I mean, we go way back, Jimmy. We just have them here for protection, out here, ya know. Sometimes we do target practice…”

Ghost came into the living room just then, and immediately sensed the situation. “Hey, Jimmy, what’s up?” he asked, anyway.

“Hey, Ghost, I was just asking about the guns y’all have. Someone heard ya shooting out here, and reported it. So…” Jimmy said.

Ghost knew the sheriff didn’t want to be here having this talk with them. “The guns were my grandmother’s. She left them to me, when she died. She had them registered, and had a license or permit, and all; we just shoot ’em once in awhile,” Ghost said.

“Do you still have the paperwork on them?” Jimmy asked.

Ghost thought a minute. “No, all of the papers we had, got ruined in the flood from the hurricane. Sorry…”

“Hmm, well, nothing to be done about that, then,” Jimmy said. He narrowed his eyes, feeling like he’d been manipulated, but not sure how. “Guess I’ll file my report as everything checked out ok. Sorry to bother y’all, tonight. Just be careful using them, from now on,” he said. He headed for the door.

“Sure thing, Jimmy,” Steve said. When Jimmy had left, Steve turned to Ghost, giving him a look. “What did you just do?”

“I didn’t do anything,” Ghost said.

“Yeah, ya did, ya got us out of trouble. That stuff about your grandmother leaving both guns to you…and paperwork getting lost?”

Ghost shrugged. “So, she did, and they did.”

“But, not mine. I got that one on my own, from some guy Terry sent me to. You left that part out,” Steve said.

“Oh, guess I did, huh?” He grinned.

“You’re bad, dude,” Steve said, shaking his head.

“I am when I have to be. Didn’t want you to be hauled off to jail.”

~

As they continued to enjoy their evening at home, Steve forgot all about calling Kinsey and Trevor, again. So, when their phone rang, it surprised them. When he answered, it was Kinsey on the line.

“Where are y’all?” Kinsey asked. “We were supposed to have a meeting tonight.”

“A meeting?” Steve asked, “I never heard about a meeting. What for?”

“Well, that’s just great…I thought Trevor went out there to let y’all know,” Kinsey said, then hollered over to Trevor, who was now at the club. “Hey, thought you told ’em.”

“I didn’t see them. I left a note,” Trevor said.

“Hey, Steve, Trevor said he left a note. Didn’t you get it?”

“Well, we got a note, but it didn’t say anything about some big meeting. Just that he wanted to talk to Ghost about something. I meant to call, and I tried to, but nobody answered,” Steve said. “Why are you calling a meeting with the Séance Six?”

Ghost snickered at the label.

“So, what’s the problem?” asked Steve.

“No problem, Steve, we just wanted to go over everything…closure, you know,” Kinsey said. “Oh, and Trevor has an issue, and wanted to see if Ghost was having it, too.”

“Well, Kinsey, sorry about the mix-up, and not being there. We’ll do it another time. We’re just exhausted, and want to stay home, and relax for a few days. We’re fine…and as far as me and Ghost, the whole thing is over. We don’t want to talk about it, anymore. So, we’ll be in to town in a few days. Don’t worry,” said Steve. “Oh, Ghost has a surprise in the works for you, so…anyway, we’ll talk soon.”

“Fine, I’ll let them know. Y’all be careful out there, ok? The sheriff came by here, and said somebody was shooting guns out your way.”

“Really? Okay, we’ll be careful, then,” Steve said.

They ended the call. “Sheesh, Kinsey seemed all put out that we didn’t show up to some big meeting. Give us a break.” Steve sighed.

“What did you call us…the Séance Six?” Ghost laughed. “That’s a great name for us.”

“Yeah, well it just popped outta my mouth,” Steve said.

~

Before Kinsey’s phone call, they had been watching a movie. Settling back down on the couch, they tried to get back into the story. “Let’s finish this, then I’m going to bed,” Steve said.

Ghost lay his head in Steve’s lap, while Steve absentmindedly played with his hair, braiding and unbraiding the long strands. They’d turned out all the lights, except for the small, salt crystal lamp in the hallway. The movie ended, turning the screen to blue, but neither of them noticed; they’d fallen asleep.

***

***

Next part coming soon!

***

Thanks for visiting! Peace ☮️

© 2021 BS

***

***

This is a work of “fan fiction” based on the novel, “Lost Souls” by Poppy Z. Brite. All credit for the original characters, places, and some backstory mentions, belong to Ms. Brite and her publishing affiliates. Only newly introduced characters, places, and original elements of this story are entirely from my imagination. Character descriptions are a blend of the original book descriptions and my interpretation of them.

All songs included in this work will be solely owned by the original performers/writers and will be credited. Creative license is taken in including them in this story.

No harm is intended toward author, musicians, or people and situations to whom there may be a resemblance.

warning      warning      warning      warning

The content herein is rated by me as being at the high end of MA (Mature Audience). It includes strong language, violence, sexual themes, including same sex pairings, religious themes, and fantasy horror.

Two Souls: Into the Fire # 150

Two Souls: Into the Fire # 150

warning … adult content

***

As Steve waited for Ghost to explain why he was not happy with anything, Ghost shrugged and said, “I can be in a bad mood if I want to.”

“Yeah, but why today? Did I upset you about something earlier?” Steve asked.

“No, it’s not you, Steve. I just feel like something is off, with me. It’s like I forgot to do something, or I’m missing some piece of a puzzle…just a kind of empty, sick feeling inside,” Ghost said, then sighed.

“I…I think I can’t do the mind stuff, anymore, Steve. I think it went away. Why is it gone away?”

“What are you talking about…your psychic mind reading stuff?” Steve asked. “You think you can’t do it anymore? That’s not something you just lose, I don’t think.”

“Well, maybe you can…my head feels like mush inside, and I don’t like it, and I’m worried about it, and…and..I don’t know why…and that’s because I can’t get any sense back,” Ghost said, trying to explain the feeling.

Steve almost laughed, but knew Ghost was scared and serious about it. But then, Ghost losing his senses was kind of a funny statement. He bit his tongue to keep from laughing, while thinking of something encouraging to say.

“It’s not funny, Steve. I lost my senses, not my sense…there’s a difference, ya know,” Ghost said.

“Wait, wait…I didn’t say anything, Ghost. You just now read my mind. You’re fine; you didn’t lose anything…sense or senses.”

“Really…I did?”

“Yeah, really,” Steve said. He was smiling now.

“So the demon didn’t steal it from me, after all?” Ghost asked, still not sure.

“Huh? What are you talking about now,” Steve asked, still confused.

“I thought the evil spirit got my senses out of me when it scratched me, ’cause I’ve been feeling weird, ever since.”

Steve tried hard not to think, but everything Ghost said kept having more than one meaning to him. This time it was that Ghost was just now feeling weird, when he’d been weird all his life.

“Stop it, Steve, you know what I mean,” Ghost said. He was getting upset, now.

“Sorry, sorry…I can’t help what pops into my head, Ghost. So, you’re fine…stop worrying, you’re reading my mind almost before I can even think it.”

“But, why do I feel so crappy, then?” Ghost asked.

“Dude, it’s because you’re tired…I’m tired, we all went through a bunch of shit, then slept so long, we lost a whole day. Then we ran around all day, in town, and we haven’t even eaten anything. You have a right to feel like crap. I feel like crap, too,” Steve said. He scrubbed his hands over his face, and into his hair. “It’s just been stressful for so long, building up to that séance, ya know. The adrenalin was pumping so high and now, it’s over, and we’re crashing. That’s all. We just need to chill for a few days.”

“You’re probably right, Steve, but what about having to go see Trevor, tonight?”

“We’ll call and say we can’t make it over there. We’ll tell ’em we’re chillin’ for a few days, and we’re fine, and we’ll see them later on. That’s the truth of it, and whatever it is can wait,” Steve said. “I’m calling them now, then we’re fixing us a decent meal, and relaxing the rest of tonight, and however long we need, ok?”

As Steve went inside, to make the phone call, Ghost was feeling a little less worried, but he figured he should practice his mind reading some more, but there wasn’t anyone, or anything to practice on, except Steve. He went inside to listen to the phone conversation.

Steve was punching in Trevor’s number, but after several rings, he got no answer. “Well, guess I’ll call Kinsey, then,” he said, as he tried the number to the club. Frowning, he hung up. “That’s weird…no answer there, either. Where is everybody?”

He looked at Ghost, as if waiting for Ghost to do his thing, and sense where they were. “Well…getting any cosmic vibes?” he asked.

Ghost closed his eyes, to concentrate. He turned toward the direction of town, sharpening his focus.  “Ok…ok…there…I can barely tell, but Kinsey is over at Terry’s. They’re talking about their vacation. Oh…we do need to go over there, to give them the surprise,” Ghost said.

“Tomorrow, maybe…” Steve said. “What about Trevor…where’s him and Zach?”

“Just, uh…wait…” Ghost said, “yeah, they’re at the motel…their phone is tuned off, and, uh-oh.” Ghost’s eyes flew open.

“What, what did you see?” Steve asked.

“Well, I didn’t want to know any more…they’re kinda busy, ya know…with each other.” Ghost was actually blushing.

“Dude, you can see that?” Steve asked.

Ghost shrugged. “Well, not really see it…just know it.”

Steve cleared his throat. “Guess your shit is working just fine, then. Is it fun to do that…to kind of spy on people?”

“I don’t spy on people, Steve,” Ghost said.

“You just did,” Steve said.

“You wanted me to find them, though. I don’t go around doing that, hardly ever. I try to block stuff like that out, and besides, it’s none of my business. I wouldn’t want anyone spying on us, so I don’t do it to them.”

“But, you could if you wanted to, right?”

Ghost nodded.

“Man, I wish I could be you for just one day, to see how you do these things. That’d be so cool.”

“You’d freak out, and you know it.” Ghost laughed at the thought. “Remember back at that graveyard, when you did do it?”

“Yeah, that was pretty weird, but guess I’d get used to it,” Steve said, thinking back to that day. “Well, enough of that…I’ll try calling again, later.” He went into the kitchen. “I’m finding us something good for supper…a whole meal. Wanna help?”

“Okay, guess I’d better,” Ghost said, as he followed Steve, “I’m not used to your cooking, yet. I need to supervise.”

As they looked through their fully stocked cabinets and refrigerator, they decided on grilled out steaks. Steve got the grill ready, out on the back porch, lighting the charcoal. Ghost put a couple of potatoes in the microwave, and made them a salad, then coming outside, he handed Steve a beer. The smoky smell of the meat cooking out in the open air, was making his appetite come back in a hurry.

The air was a bit cool, and the leaves were still falling, scattering their orange and red leaves over the graves. Ghost sat on the porch steps, as he watched Steve turn the steaks over. He smiled, and could feel the tension draining away. Spirit came and snuggled on his lap and purred, as Ghost stroked him, and murmured soft words to him.

Just as he kissed the top of Spirit’s head, Steve looked over at them. His breath caught. He was transfixed at the sight. I’m so in love with Ghost…

Ghost looked up into Steve’s eyes, and smiled. I’m so in love with you, too, Steve…

Steve’s eyes widened…he’d heard Ghost’s thought as clear as if he’d spoken them aloud. He grinned real big, and said, “I got it.”

As the steaks were done, they came inside to eat. “I think this is the best steak I ever had,” Ghost said.

“Why, thank you, kind sir,” Steve said. “It was quite delicious.”

They both burst out laughing at their attempt at being pretentious.

“We couldn’t be fancy pants, even if we tried,” Steve said.

“I know, and I wouldn’t even want to, for real,” Ghost said. “It’d be too hard to be stuffed up all the time.”

“Stuffed up?”

“Yeah…all la-di-dah, and polite and junk.”

“Oh, you mean like, stuck-up?” Steve asked. “Nope, couldn’t do it,” he said, then burped. “See?”

Ghost laughed. “Hey, I have an idea. It’s kinda stupid, but might be fun.”

“What’s that?”

“Let’s not wash the dishes. Let’s shoot them.”

“What? What do you mean, shoot them?”

“You know, like that old movie we saw, where the kid shoots the dishes. We should shoot our guns once in awhile, anyway, ya know, to keep in practice. And, we can get some more dishes at the thrift store,” Ghost said. He got up to get their guns from the hiding place up in the top cabinet.

***

***

Next part coming soon!

***

Thanks for visiting! Peace ☮️

© 2021 BS

***

***

This is a work of “fan fiction” based on the novel, “Lost Souls” by Poppy Z. Brite. All credit for the original characters, places, and some backstory mentions, belong to Ms. Brite and her publishing affiliates. Only newly introduced characters, places, and original elements of this story are entirely from my imagination. Character descriptions are a blend of the original book descriptions and my interpretation of them.

All songs included in this work will be solely owned by the original performers/writers and will be credited. Creative license is taken in including them in this story.

No harm is intended toward author, musicians, or people and situations to whom there may be a resemblance.

warning      warning      warning      warning

The content herein is rated by me as being at the high end of MA (Mature Audience). It includes strong language, violence, sexual themes, including same sex pairings, religious themes, and fantasy horror.

Two Souls: Into the Fire # 149

Two Souls: Into the Fire # 149

warning … adult content

***

Steve drove over to the bank, in downtown Raleigh. As he looked for a parking spot, Ghost asked, “How are we gonna do this, Steve…just hand over a handful of cash to Kinsey and Terry?”

“Sure, or maybe we can get a card, and stick the money in there, ya know, like a happy vacation card, or even a thank you one. I’m sure we can find something that would work. We can write in there why we’re giving it to them.”

“Well…you get out how much to give them, then,” Ghost said.

They went into the bank, to open up their safety deposit box. Steve took out two-thousand dollars in cash, to give half to each of them.

“I figure this will take them someplace nice,” Steve said.

“I’ll bet they will be so surprised, too,” Ghost said. His eyes lit up at the thought.

“Okay, where to now?” Steve asked, as they left the bank.

“Well, before the grocery store, can we go by the magic shop, where I got my potions? I want to tell her that it worked.”

“Sure, let’s go,” Steve said. He drove down the street, finding the little shop again.

The lady greeted them with a hug, when they came in.

“We came to tell ya the potions worked real good,” Ghost said.

“Let me look at you,” she said, as she looked into Ghost’s eyes. “Umm-hmm, yes…I can see you encountered the evil spirit, Ghost. And, I can see you and everyone present were strong and united as one, and were able to banish the demon.” She was nodding and smiling. “It was difficult and tiring, but you all are lighter in spirit now, for having rid the world of one more evil.”

“That’s right,” Ghost said, “it happened just like you said.”

“Are you in need of more supplies, today?” she asked.

“Don’t look at me, that’s his department,” Steve said.

“Well, we don’t have any more séances to do, but I need some more sage brooms. I used the others already,” Ghost said.

“Very good, I’ll be right back,” she said, going to get them.

Steve paid for them, when she returned to the counter. “Thanks, and we will be back, if I know Ghost.”

Back in the car, Ghost opened the package. “Hey, look…she put in some free samples, too.” He pulled out several small vials of essential oils. “This here one is for calm…and this one is for energy. They all say stuff on the bottles,” he said.

“What do you do with them?” asked Steve. “Do ya drink ’em?”

“No, you just smell them,” Ghost said. “Here, smell this one.” He held up an opened bottle under Steve’s nose. “It’s the calm one…do you feel calm, now?”

Steve took a big inhale of the aroma. It smelled of oranges. “You know what…I think I do,” he said.

They were pulling into the hospital parking lot, now. Inside, Steve explained his wanting to get the cast off early, but the person behind the counter wouldn’t hear of it. Since it wasn’t an emergency, and he did have an appointment for the coming week, she told him he’d have to wait. His regular doctor would have to examine his leg, as soon as the cast was off. They would have to come back, then.

“Well, guess I’ll have to wait a few more days, Ghost,” Steve said, as they went back to the car. They headed out down the road to the grocery store. “Let’s try to get this done before they close up.” he said.

“Here’s the list,” Ghost said, taking it out of his pocket.

~

As the entered the grocery store, they saw it was already decorated for the upcoming holidays. There were fold out, honey-combed, paper turkeys, hanging from the ceiling. They were all twirling around in the breeze from the store’s fans. One aisle was for left-over Halloween decorations, candy, and costumes. Most of it was haphazardly arranged on the shelves. Items for holiday cooking were stacked up on the end of the aisles.

“I don’t know, Ghost…this is maybe too much for me, even,” Steve said, as he stared at the bright colors.

“There’s too many things to look at,” Ghost said. “I think I’m getting dizzy.”

They hadn’t gone all the way into the store, yet, and the crowds of people were pushing past them, and bumping into them, too.

“Why is it all crazy, today?” Ghost asked.

“I don’t know…I’ve never seen it like this, before. Here, let’s move out of the way,” Steve said, as he led them over by the baskets. “Do ya think we can handle it?”

“Yep, just hang on to me so I don’t get lost from you.”

“Okay, then…here we go.” Steve grabbed hold of a cart, and they headed for the first aisle. Ghost had to push the cart, so Steve could maneuver his crutches around. They managed to get everything they’d come for, plus some extra snacks. Finally, they were ready to check out. The lines were long, and people were getting cranky at the long wait.

“Steve, I think I need to get out of here.”

Steve saw that Ghost had broken out into a cold sweat, and was breathing fast. “Okay, just go wait in the car. It may take awhile, but I’ll be there as soon as I can.” He handed the keys to Ghost. “See if you can re-arrange those books, so we can get the groceries in there.”

“I’ll try,” Ghost said, and he headed out the door.

Steve watched him go, hoping he wouldn’t have to go looking for him when he got done here. The line inched forward.

Ghost made it to the car ok. He got in and leaned his head back on the seat, letting the panic slowly decrease. After a few minutes, he looked at the back seat full of books. He knew the trunk was full; there was no more room. “How am I supposed to make more room?”

He got out to open the back door. The two boxes took up all the space. He decided to open them, to lay the books flat on the seat. “That’ll have to do,” he said, wiping sweat out of his eyes. He wasn’t clammy anymore, just hot. Looking toward the store, he saw Steve finally coming out, and an employee was pushing the full basket.

“I moved ’em around as best I could, Steve,” he said, when they reached the car.

Steve was relieved to see Ghost was still there. “We’ll make it work…somehow. You might have to hold some of the bags, though.”

In the end, that’s what they did. As Ghost sat in the front seat, he had the bag boy hand him the last four bags. He barely got the door closed, and could hardly see over the top of them. He tried peeking around them, but that didn’t work very well either. Steve started laughing.

“What? What’s so funny?” Ghost asked.

“You…I can hardly see you.”

“So what, you don’t need to see me to drive, do ya?”

“Guess you’re right,” Steve said. He started the car, and drove out to the highway toward home. “We got a lot done after all, today.”

“Uh-huh, and now we got good stuff to eat.”

“Yes…I was getting tired of noodles,” Steve said. When Ghost didn’t say anything, he looked over at him. His head was resting on a box of cereal, and his eyes were closed. “Figures…Ghost gets to sleep, and I get to drive. That’s just the way it is.”

“What is it…what is it?” Ghost said.

“Nothing, go back to sleep.”

~

Back at home, Steve woke Ghost up. “Hey, we’re home. You have to carry all this stuff in.”

Ghost woke, and said, “I’ll be so glad when you get that cast off. Then you can do stuff, again.”

“Me, too…but for now, it’s all on you, so get busy,” Steve said. He got out and went to unlock the front door. Spirit was meowing around, happy to see them again.

Ghost managed to get out of the car, and he carried two bags inside. Then he went back for more, then again, and again. Then he started on the books. After trudging back and forth so many times, he was done. He sat on the porch swing to rest. “Hey, Steve, can you bring me something cold to drink?”

Steve did, and they both sat there, slowly swinging, and relaxing.

“That store was so crowded. I think we did ok, though,” Steve said. “You didn’t wander off, and I didn’t lose my temper. I did see a few thing that weren’t on the list, though. When did you put those Christmas ornaments in there?”

“When you weren’t looking,” Ghost said.

“That’s what I thought. Well, I put in a few extras, too,” Steve said. “Oh, here…I found this on the door, when I unlocked it.” He handed Ghost a sticky note.

“It’s from Trevor,” Ghost said. He started reading it out loud. “It says, Ghost, I need to talk to you. Come to Kinsey’s tonight. Trevor.” He sighed. “Why? Why does he have to talk to me. I got nothing to say.”

“How should I know,” Steve said. “Just go see what he wants. I’ll drive us over there tonight. You know he won’t stop bugging you, until you do go talk to him, so might as well get it over with.”

“Fine, guess we’ll go.”

“Did he say what time to meet over there?” asked Steve.

Ghost gave him a look…”Well, I read the words to ya…did any of that sound like a time?” he asked.

“No, guess it didn’t.” Steve got up from the swing. “You want to eat something before we go?”

“Naw, I’m not hungry, right now,” Ghost said. “They were out here.” He looked around the porch.

“So, they had to be out here to leave that note. What of it?”

“I just don’t like them coming out here, that’s all, and I didn’t even know it.”

Steve had to think a minute, to try to figure out what Ghost was really getting at. “What’s the matter, Ghost? You’ve got something on your mind, I can tell. You’ve been in a pissy mood all day.” He leaned up against the porch railing, watching Ghost. “First you didn’t like the food I fixed, or the guy at the printer’s shop. Then you didn’t gush over the potions lady, and didn’t go wandering off at the store. Now, you’re mad ’cause Trevor happened to drop by. Oh, and you’re not hungry, now…which is a first…you’re always hungry. So, what’s going on?” He waited for Ghost to answer.

***

***

Next part coming soon!

***

Thanks for visiting! Peace ☮️

© 2021 BS

***

***

This is a work of “fan fiction” based on the novel, “Lost Souls” by Poppy Z. Brite. All credit for the original characters, places, and some backstory mentions, belong to Ms. Brite and her publishing affiliates. Only newly introduced characters, places, and original elements of this story are entirely from my imagination. Character descriptions are a blend of the original book descriptions and my interpretation of them.

All songs included in this work will be solely owned by the original performers/writers and will be credited. Creative license is taken in including them in this story.

No harm is intended toward author, musicians, or people and situations to whom there may be a resemblance.

warning      warning      warning      warning

The content herein is rated by me as being at the high end of MA (Mature Audience). It includes strong language, violence, sexual themes, including same sex pairings, religious themes, and fantasy horror.

Two Souls: Into the Fire # 148

Two Souls: Into the Fire # 148

warning … adult content

***

In the kitchen, Steve scrounged around trying to find them something to eat. All he could come up with was ramen noodles, and some cheese that had dried up a little around the edges. Ghost came in, making a face, when he looked at the food, as Steve was dishing it up.

“That’s it?”

“Yep, eat it or not, your choice. We really need to go get some groceries, and soon,” Steve said.

“At the big store?” Ghost asked.

“Yeah, the big store,” Steve said.

“Let’s go today, and we can check if our book is ready to pick up. Oh, something else we need to do is get the money for Kinsey and Terry to take their surprise vacation on, too,” Ghost said. He had to stop talking to shovel in some noodles.

“Well, guess we could,” Steve said.

“Yeah, I’m pretty sure the book is ready,” Ghost said. “Do we have any crackers?” He got up to look in the cabinet.

“Oh, crap…I just remembered…I forgot to turn my phone back on,” Steve said. He went into the living room to get it. “Kinsey said he’d called, but we didn’t know.” As he did turn it on, he saw they’d gotten several voice mails. “Hey, look at this…the printer called. The book is ready,” he said, listening to the message.

“Told ya,” Ghost said, and smiled.

“Why do we even have this thing? You’re a wireless communicator all on your own,” Steve said. He listened to the voice mail that Kinsey had left. “Hey, it says Trevor wants to talk to you, and to see him at the club whenever you can.”

“Maybe later. I don’t want to talk about that stuff, and especially not today, ’cause we’re going to the store.”

Steve shrugged, “Ok, we’ll go to Raleigh as soon as you get ready.”

They finished eating, and left soon after.

~

On the thirty mile drive, they discussed the CD they were in the middle of recording. “We have to decide for sure what songs we want on there, you know…what order, what cover art, any pictures…well, a lot of stuff…oh, and actually singing the songs. It’s gonna take awhile,” Steve said.

“Guess we’ll be pretty busy, then. I kinda wanted to sing them for people first, though. I miss our shows, and it’s been so long,” Ghost said.

“I know, but if we have the CDs ready, then people can buy them at the gig,” Steve said.

“And the book, too,” Ghost said.

“Yeah, that’s the plan.”

Ghost leaned his head back on the headrest, “Steve, do you think we’ll ever be famous?”

“Huh? I thought we already were…at least in Missing Mile,” Steve laughed.

“I know, but anywhere else?”

“I don’t know. I don’t think of stuff like that,” Steve said. “I just do my music because I love it. It’s not for money or fame. I’d do it on the street corner, if I wanted to…and I don’t care if people like it or not, it makes me happy,” he glanced over at Ghost. “Is that what you want? You want to be famous…a big star?”

“Not really, but it would be pretty cool, though,” Ghost said. “Anyway, it don’t really matter, ’cause I sing all the time…’cause I have to, ya know. It’s just something I have to do.”

Steve nodded, “Yeah, and you want everyone to hear you, and like you, and be the center of attention…and with your voice and personality, you do deserve to be heard by millions,” he said.

“Well, yeah, I do like all that, but just me and you at the Yew is what I like best.”

“Me, too…we’ll do it again pretty soon…I’m sure we will.”

Ghost was done talking about it, and he watched the passing scenery go by for awhile, and made up a little song about it. Then, he had another idea.

“Hey, when do you get that cast off, anyway?”

“”Maybe another week or so, I guess. My appointment is in a few days, so maybe they’ll cut it off then. I really am tired of it.”

“Do you want to stop by the hospital, while we’re in town? Maybe they’ll cut it off already,” Ghost asked.

“Well, it is a few days early, but guess it wouldn’t hurt to ask. After we do our other business, we’ll go by, and see what they say,” Steve said.

~

They pulled into the parking lot at the printer’s shop. As they went in, the clerk looked up. He remembered them. “Hi, we have your order ready. Let me call back to the stockroom.”

Steve was on guard for any inappropriate remarks. After the last time, when they placed the order, he didn’t want a repeat.

“They’ll bring your books right up,” the clerk said. “Uh…listen guys…I want to apologize again, for how I acted last time.”

Steve nodded, but didn’t speak.

“Okay, then…there are four boxes. You should take one to check if it’s to your liking.” He glanced over at Ghost, who was looking at pictures of old printing presses, that hung on the wall. “I looked through the sample copy. You’ve got a real interesting book, and I hope you sell a lot,” he said.

Ghost turned and stared at the clerk. “Thank you, but you don’t have to say that. You think it’s the scariest thing you’ve ever seen. You’re scared of us, and you’re thinking you want us out of here as soon as possible, and never come back.”

Steve smiled, hearing that.

“No, no…” the clerk protested. “I really like the book, and y’all can come back any time.”

“Liar,” Ghost said. “Just give us the books, and we’ll leave.” He turned away, staring out the windows.

The clerk frowned. “Excuse me, then…” He went to the back room.

“I don’t like him,” said Ghost.

“I don’t, either,” Steve said, “but, we don’t need to start something…even though I’d like to bash his smug face in.”

Ghost snickered. “Me, too.”

The clerk came back, followed by a workman pushing a dolly. There were four pretty big boxes on it. Handing Ghost a copy, the clerk said, “Look it over. I think it will meet with your approval.” He was all business, now. “I have to say that,” he continued, “but, I really do like your book. It’s really interesting, and I’d be honored if I could be the first to buy one.” He was actually looking hopeful.

Ghost and Steve were looking through the book. Ghost was smiling, now. “It’s a real book, Steve.”

“Yeah, turned out better than I thought,” Steve agreed. “Ya want to sell him one?”

“I guess, but I thought you wanted to wait until we had a show, and sell the CD, too,” Ghost said.

“Oh, well…it wouldn’t hurt to spread the word early, here in Raleigh. Lots of the college kids come out to the club, and this would keep us in their mind for later. If this guy really does like it, he’ll show it to his friends,” Steve said.

“If he has any,” Ghost said.

“I know, but if he really wants one, why not?” Steve said.

“Okay, guess so,” Ghost said, “but I still don’t like him.” He looked over at the clerk. “Ya really want one?”

“Yes, I sure do. Me and some friends got interested in stuff like this, when we started watching those TV shows, you know, where they go hunting for ghosts in haunted places. I can show them this book, and tell them I met y’all, and y’all are real ghost hunters…right here.”

“Fine, then, you can buy the first one. We’re saving the rest for when our CD comes out, and we’ll be selling those too…at the Yew, over in Missing Mile, when we do our show,” Steve said.

“Y’all are in a band, too?” the clerk asked.

“Not in a band, we are the band,” Steve said.

“This gets better and better,” the clerk said. “Let me know when it is, and if you have flyers, I’ll put them up around here…hell, I’ll print them up, if you want…no charge.”

“Yeah, thanks, we’ll be sure to do that,” Steve said.

The clerk took one of the books out of a box. “How much do I owe you?”

Steve looked at Ghost. They hadn’t even thought about how much to charge.

“It’s a real nice book,” Ghost said. “How about…” he looked over at Steve for help.

Steve picked an amount off the top of his head, “Yeah, I think $25.00 ought to do it…but for you, I think we’ll give you first buyers discount, and only charge you twenty. Sound good?”

“Perfect, thanks,” the clerk said, “and listen…I’m really sorry I was so rude the other time. I really like you guys. My boss was giving me grief all that week for being unprofessional, but I’m new to this kind of job, so guess I went too far, when y’all came in. Anyway, sorry…and here’s the twenty,” he said.

“Sure, no problem. I think we’re kinda getting to like you too, dude,” Steve said.

The clerk smiled. “Come back in when you get the dates and all for the flyers.”

“We will. Ya ready, Ghost?”

“Uh-huh, but how are we gonna get all these in the car?” Ghost asked.

“We’ll shove them in any way we can,” Steve said.

The clerk helped trundle the load of boxes out to the car. After loading them, Ghost and Steve got in, and drove over to the bank for their other business in town. On the way over, Ghost kept admiring their book. “It’s a real book, Steve, and we did it all ourselves,” he clutched it to his chest. “It turned out so good, and the pictures, and my writing like I wanted. It’s so cool, don’t ya think so?”

“Yeah, we did good, Ghost,” Steve said, as they both savored the feeling.

***

***

Next part coming soon!

***

Thanks for visiting! Peace ☮️

© 2021 BS

***

***

This is a work of “fan fiction” based on the novel, “Lost Souls” by Poppy Z. Brite. All credit for the original characters, places, and some backstory mentions, belong to Ms. Brite and her publishing affiliates. Only newly introduced characters, places, and original elements of this story are entirely from my imagination. Character descriptions are a blend of the original book descriptions and my interpretation of them.

All songs included in this work will be solely owned by the original performers/writers and will be credited. Creative license is taken in including them in this story.

No harm is intended toward author, musicians, or people and situations to whom there may be a resemblance.

warning      warning      warning      warning

The content herein is rated by me as being at the high end of MA (Mature Audience). It includes strong language, violence, sexual themes, including same sex pairings, religious themes, and fantasy horror.

Two Souls: Into the Fire # 147

Two Souls: Into the Fire # 147

Warning … adult content

As Ghost covered himself with the blankets, Steve came to the bed, and flopped down on top of them, holding Ghost down.

“Hey, hey…let me out…I can’t breathe,” Ghost said, his words muffled.

“Say please,” Steve said, laughing. “Say you want me.”

“Mmph…I can’t say anything, Steve, I’m smothered under here.” Ghost wiggled around, trying to get free.

“Say it,” Steve kept on teasing.

“Steeeve, let me out, now.”

“Say it, then.”

“Okay, pleeease let me out…I waaant you,” Ghost wailed.

Steve pulled back the blankets from Ghost’s face, and smiled. Ghost’s hair was a big rat’s nest of tangles and fly away static, and his eyes were a sultry, deep blue, staring right back into his own.

“Please Steve…I want you…” Ghost said in a whisper.

Steve gulped. His desire for Ghost was almost too much to handle. He bent his head down, dark curls falling over Ghost, and kissed him gently, his tongue finding Ghost’s. He tasted the lingering flavor of warm coffee, with lots of cream and sugar. Then releasing Ghost from his blankets, he slowly undressed them both.

Ghost lay still, breathing hard, with his eyes closed. Steve traced his fingers over Ghost’s body, being careful of the scratches. He placed his hand on Ghost’s chest, where he could feel his heart beating.

“I love you, Ghost; you are my heart.”

Ghost shivered and reached up for Steve, “I love you, Steve, and I want you,” he spoke softly, as he pulled Steve closer for another kiss.

Steve pulled up the blankets over them, and gave Ghost what he wanted…

~

Sometime later, they woke and snuggled awhile. They were debating whether to get up or not, when they heard a car pull up out front, then a knocking on the door.

“Maybe they’ll go away,” Ghost said, giggling.

“No they won’t; they know we’re here. The car’s here, and they won’t stop knocking until we open the door,” Steve said. He got up  and pulled on his pajama bottoms. “I’ll see who it is, stay here.”

Ghost could hear them talking…it was Kinsey at the door. He’d come all the way out here to see them. Grabbing a blanket to wrap around himself, he went out to say hi.

Steve and Kinsey were sitting on the couch, as Ghost came out from the bedroom. He was still tousled and flushed from their lovemaking.

“Hey, Kinsey,” Ghost said, his voice a little raspy.

Kinsey was a bit embarrassed at catching them like this. Ghost sensed it, and said, “It’s okay, Kinsey, we do this all the time…and we finished already. You didn’t interrupt anything, this time.”

Steve gave him a shut up look, but Ghost kept on talking.

 

“What? Kinsey don’t need to be embarrassed; he knows we love each other. Right, Kinsey?” He came over and squeezed in on the couch between Steve and Kinsey, his blanket slipping down off his shoulders.

“Uh, maybe I should go anyway,” Kinsey said. “I just came to see if y’all were okay out here, and evidently you are, so…” He was having a hard time getting the words out, as the smell of recently had sex, was distracting him, intoxicating him. He needed to get out and away from here, and the feelings he was having. He rose to leave, and Steve walked with him to the door.

Ghost, his ability to sense things seemingly having left him, was oblivious to the situation, now.

“We didn’t even get to talk, Kinsey…don’t go.”

“Sorry, can’t stay,” Kinsey said, “I have to get back to town, to uh…work ya know.”

He and Steve walked out to the car. “Sorry, Steve, I called, but you didn’t pick up. I was concerned.”

“It’s okay, man. I must have turned the phone off.”

“Listen, Steve, you have a good thing going here with Ghost. Just enjoy each other…love each other…it doesn’t happen for everybody,” Kinsey said with a smile.

Steve grinned, and said his good-byes, then went back inside.

Ghost was still on the couch, still naked, except for the blanket. He was staring at the TV, clicking the remote between their three snowy channels.

“Dude, what the hell was that?” Steve asked, standing in the doorway.

“Huh? What was what?” Ghost asked, not yet looking over at Steve.

Steve went over and took away the remote, clicking the TV off. “There’s nothing on to watch,” he said, as Ghost finally looked at him. “You saying all that about us in front of Kinsey, he was embarrassed, I think. I swear, Ghost you just don’t have a filter on that mouth of yours, do ya?”

Ghost looked confused, “What’s that mean? Kinsey’s seen us before; it’s nothing weird, and…”

Steve rolled his eyes. “Ghost, listen to me…sometimes you should think before you speak.”

“Think about what?”

“Oh, my God, Ghost…think of what you’re saying and how it will effect other people. You just run on and on about shit.”

Ghost frowned, “Wait, I don’t talk about shit. I never talk about shit. That’s not something to talk about.”

Steve’s mouth hung open in astonishment. “Where’s your mind at today, Ghost? Oh, Lord, I can’t wait for an answer to that…” he said. He couldn’t help himself, and started giggling, which turned into full on laughing. “This…this conversation, is…oh my God…making me crazy, Ghost…and you coming out here, with just a blanket on…” he couldn’t quit laughing.

Ghost wasn’t laughing, though. He was staring at Steve be out of control. The only thing he got from all this talk, was that Steve was laughing at him, because he couldn’t talk right…and it hurt him; it hurt his feelings so bad, he began to cry. He pulled the blanket up to his face and sobbed into it.

Steve finally stopped laughing, and noticed Ghost. He got a stricken look on his face, and felt he’d been punched in the stomach. It clicked for him just then, and he was devastated that Ghost felt he’d been made fun of…by him.

“Oh, Ghost, don’t…I wasn’t laughing at you, please…it was just the situation. I’m sorry…” He tried to give Ghost a hug, but he flinched away.

“Leave me alone…why ya wanna hurt me all the time, Steve…why?” Ghost cried.

“Ghost, I didn’t mean to…”

“Then why’d you laugh at me?” Ghost said, turning his wet eyes up to Steve, needing an explanation.

Steve realized that after all the years of being abused, bullied, and ridiculed, it was so ingrained in Ghost, that he was still insecure and vulnerable, and those feelings were always close to the surface. Ghost had only had one person besides his grandmother in whom he could trust, and that was him, Steve…and he wound up hurting him at every turn. It was unintentional, but still happened, because he himself didn’t have a filter on his own mouth, and said things without thinking. But how to explain it to Ghost?

“I’m sorry, Ghost…I don’t mean to, and I know I do the same thing, I say things without thinking first, too. I’m just a simple nobody, trying to make it in this world…just a fool with a quick temper and a big mouth. I usually regret what I’ve said, as soon as I say it, ya know, but then I act like a big shot, and don’t like to admit I’m wrong about stuff,” Steve stopped a minute, shaking his head. “Just slap me back to reality when I get like that, okay? Please…I would never on purpose hurt you or make you feel bad. Please believe me, Ghost; please believe in me,” he said, and hung his head down.

Ghost knew Steve wouldn’t be mean to him on purpose, but it still hurt deep inside…and he could never forget what he’d done in the past, but he could forgive him. He had to…he loved him. He reached over and pulled Steve close, in a hug.

Ghost nodded giving Steve a damp kiss, and as the blanket fell away, Steve was aroused, again. He pushed Ghost back into the couch cushions, framing his face in between his hands. Ghost caught his breath, closed his eyes, and whispered, yes.

Afterwards, they cuddled there on the couch awhile, enjoying the feel of skin on skin. “Ghost?” Steve asked.

“Yeah?”

“Uh, you’ve been naked all day long, and well, I love you like this, but man…it gets to me, and I don’t think I can handle much more for awhile, ya know.” He kissed the back of Ghost’s neck.

“Umm-hmm,” Ghost murmured, but didn’t get up.

“Yeah, so I need to get up and get something to eat…keep my strength up,” Steve said as he sat up on the edge of the couch. “How about you, want something?”

“Just you, Steve, just you,” Ghost said, smiling.

“C’mon, lets eat,” Steve said, pulling Ghost up.

“Yeah, guess I am hungry, too,” Ghost said, as he walked back to the bedroom to find something to put on.

Steve watched him go down the hallway. He took a deep breath, as he shook his head.

***

***

Next part coming soon!

***

Thanks for visiting! Peace ☮️

© 2021 BS

***

***

This is a work of “fan fiction” based on the novel, “Lost Souls” by Poppy Z. Brite. All credit for the original characters, places, and some backstory mentions, belong to Ms. Brite and her publishing affiliates. Only newly introduced characters, places, and original elements of this story are entirely from my imagination. Character descriptions are a blend of the original book descriptions and my interpretation of them.

All songs included in this work will be solely owned by the original performers/writers and will be credited. Creative license is taken in including them in this story.

No harm is intended toward author, musicians, or people and situations to whom there may be a resemblance.

warning      warning      warning      warning

The content herein is rated by me as being at the high end of MA (Mature Audience). It includes strong language, violence, sexual themes, including same sex pairings, religious themes, and fantasy horror.

Two Souls: Into the Fire # 146

Two Souls: Into the Fire # 146

warning … adult content

***

As Terry and Kinsey sat in the club’s office, they could hear the cleaning crew moving their machines upstairs.

“When do ya figure you’ll open up again?” Terry asked.

“That’s a good question,” Kinsey said. “I need to get it open as soon as I can, but man, what I really need is a vacation.”

“I hear ya, Dude,” Terry laughed.

“Yeah, it gets slow this time of year anyway. The holidays coming up, college kids taking their finals…but, then it’ll pick up again for New Year’s Eve parties,” Kinsey said.

“Hey, I have an idea,” Terry said, “why don’t we blow this town for a couple of weeks…go somewhere we can relax, or cut loose, or whatever. Then we’ll be in a better frame of mind when we get back.” He was getting excited, now.

Kinsey was shaking his head no, but was warming to the idea, as he said, “Terry, that’s a crazy idea. We never went on a vacation together before, in all these years. Besides, where’d we go?”

Terry could tell, Kinsey was actually getting on board, with this. “Dude, you name it. The possibilities are endless. What do you like to do…besides this club? What’s something you always dreamed of doing?” He smiled and waited to see what Kinsey would come up with.

“Well, let me see…” Kinsey thought a minute. “If we’re just talking…”

“No, man, we’re planning it for real. This place will still be here when we get back,” Terry said. “Now, name something…I’m open to anything.”

Kinsey smiled, “Okay then, I’ve always wanted to see the Grand Canyon…oh, and go deep sea fishing. That’s my suggestions. Now, what’s yours?”

“Those sound great, Kinsey. I’d like to do those too.”

“Uh-uh, you get a choice, too,” Kinsey said, “or hell, maybe we’ll do it all.”

“Well, then,” Terry said. “If I gotta name two things…” he grinned, “I want to go to Disneyland…you know, and Hollywood, and see some movie stars…man, I always wanted to do that.” He was looking off into the distance with a dreamy look on his face, imagining how it would be. “Oh, I want to see the Statue of Liberty, and New York, too. That’s it, those are my choices.”

Kinsey was smiling, “Never knew you had dreams like that, Terry. After all these years, guess there’s a lot we don’t know about each other.”

Terry shrugged, “Yeah, but now we do, and I kinda like it.”

They continued to make plans. Kinsey forgot all about calling Steve and Ghost.

~

On Burnt Church Road, Steve and Ghost had slept around the clock. Right before noon though, Steve got up because Spirit was hungry again, and kept pestering them.

“Okay, cat, I’m up,” he said, as he stumbled out to the kitchen. He gave the cat some food, and then started a pot of coffee brewing.  After freshening up in the bathroom, he looked in on Ghost. He’d wait until the coffee was ready, then wake him up. He figured they’d just chill out all day, as he was still dragging around, feeling tired, but not sleepy anymore. He poured them both a mug of coffee, then bringing them into the bedroom.

Setting the mugs down on the little bedside table, he sat on the edge of the bed, watching Ghost take slow, even breaths. He noticed the dark circles beneath his eyes. “I hope this hasn’t been too much for him,” he thought. Reaching over, he softly touched Ghost’s cheek. He wished he could rub away the tiredness from him. Ghost’s eyes flickered in his dream, and he mumbled something.

Then Ghost opened his eyes, seeing Steve staring and smiling at him. “Mmm I smell coffee,” he said as he stretched. “Was it a dream?”

“No, I have your coffee right here,” Steve said.

Ghost scooted up on the bed, and propped pillows behind him, taking the coffee from Steve. He warmed his hands, and inhaled the rich aroma. “Just what I needed.”

They sat in silence, enjoying their coffee for a few minutes.

“Hey, Steve, are we doing anything today?”

“Not me, I’m just relaxing and doing nothing. I’m still beat from the other night.”

Ghost nodded, and sighed. “Me, too.”

“So, I’m gonna go get us some cereal ready,” Steve said as he got up. “Come and get some when you’re ready.”

Ghost finished his coffee, then went into the bathroom to check in the mirror to see how his scratches looked this morning. They were still there, but not as red. Going into the kitchen, he watched as Steve cooked grits on the stove. “I thought we were having cold cereal.”

“Yeah, this sounded better…sit down, it’s ready.” They ate, as Spirit romped around the house, making them laugh.

“You want to talk about all that shit the other night?” Steve asked.

Ghost shook his head, “No, it’s over…it’s finished, and I don’t even want to think about it.”

“I don’t either,” Steve said. He was tired of thinking of it, too.

“I had a dream,” Ghost said. “It was something we talked about awhile back, but it seemed like it was really fixin’ to happen, like soon.”

“What was it we talked about?” Steve asked.

“About giving Terry a surprise vacation, you remember?”

“Oh yeah, for letting us use the studio, and recording our CD. What’s happened now…in your dream?” Steve asked.

“Well, it was Terry and and Kinsey. They’re planning to go away on a vacation together. They were right here in my head, talking about it. So, we better find out, and see if it’s true,” Ghost said.

“Really…that’s what you dreamed? Guess you’re right then, we could send both of them off on a cool vacation…oh, it could be a combination one…a thank you, and a Christmas present for them both.”

Ghost smiled, “Yeah, let’s do it. Have you heard from Kinsey?”

“No, the phone hasn’t rung, and I haven’t called. I wonder…should I call him? I mean, we just woke up, maybe he’s still asleep over there,” Steve said.

“No, he’s up already…I saw him…him and Terry, and they were talking about their vacation. I just told ya that. And, Zach and Trevor were over there, too, and those cleaning people were there. Why don’t you remember these things, Steve?” Ghost sighed.

Steve shrugged, “Because, I’m not in your head, having your dream, that’s why.”

“Oh, well…all that is happening over there. I didn’t dream that part…I just know.” Ghost smiled.

“Uh-huh, well, if you know so much, what am I fixin’ to do?” Steve asked.

“You’re fixin’ to call Kinsey, that’s what you said.”

“Yeah, I am, but there’s something else, first,” Steve smiled and gave Ghost a funny look.

Ghost pretended to think hard about it…”Uh, just wait…it’s coming to me,” he rubbed his head. I think…no, I know …” he flipped his hair back, because he knew it would get to Steve. You’ll have to catch me first.” He laughed, and started running through the house.

“Come here, you,” Steve hollered. “You know I can’t go chasing you around.” He grabbed his crutches, and tried to corner Ghost.

Ghost had ran into the bedroom, and Steve came as fast as he was able. “Now you’re trapped,” Steve said, as he closed the bedroom door.

“Well, come over here and catch me then,” Ghost said, as he dove onto the bed, and pulled the blankets over himself.

***

Next part coming soon!

***

Thanks for visiting! Peace ☮️

© 2019 BS

***

This is a work of “fan fiction” based on the novel, “Lost Souls” by Poppy Z. Brite. All credit for the original characters, places, and some backstory mentions, belong to Ms. Brite and her publishing affiliates. Only newly introduced characters, places, and original elements of this story are entirely from my imagination. Character descriptions are a blend of the original book descriptions and my interpretation of them.

All songs included in this work will be solely owned by the original performers/writers and will be credited. Creative license is taken in including them in this story.

No harm is intended toward author, musicians, or people and situations to whom there may be a resemblance.

warning      warning      warning      warning

The content herein is rated by me as being at the high end of MA (Mature Audience). It includes strong language, violence, sexual themes, including same sex pairings, religious themes, and fantasy horror.

Two Souls: Into the Fire # 145

Two Souls: Into the Fire # 145

warning … adult content

***

Trevor and Zach kept talking about the séance, and their plans for finding a place to live. They’d had enough of the old murder house, even if the bad spirits were gone from there. Kinsey’s rooms, upstairs from the club, were ok, but they really wanted a place of their own. As they settled their minds on a few things, they kept yawning, needing sleep now.

“I’m going to take a quick shower,” Trevor said. “I feel all itchy and sweaty.” He headed for the bathroom.

Zach stripped down to his underwear, then got into the crisp sheets on the bed. With the curtains pulled, and the lights out, it would maybe be dim enough in the room to sleep through the day. He’d just drifted off to sleep, when Trevor came back into the room.

“Zach, look at me.” He was standing there completely naked.

“What?” Zach pried his eyes open.

“Look, I’m all covered in a rash.”

“Huh? Turn on the light,” Zach said, He sat up and stared at Trevor’s body. “Damn, what happened?” he asked, as he saw red bumps spread all over Trevor’s front and back.

“I don’t know. I felt itchy for awhile, but this is weird. It still itches. Why is it on me?”

“Hell if I know…go shower, maybe it’ll make it feel better. Are you allergic to something?” Zach asked.

“Not that I know of. I didn’t eat anything weird, or roll around in anything last night.”

“Last night…maybe it was the demon that did it, or maybe just stress from all that happened,” Zach said. “It’ll go away, don’t worry.”

“Well, I hope so,” Trevor said, then went back to take his shower.

After a few minutes, Zach came in and joined him. He pulled back the shower curtain, which made Trevor scream. “Damn, Zach, I thought I was in that movie Psycho, I heard the door open, then the curtain flew open…what?” He noticed Zach was just standing there with a big grin on his face.

“Oh, come on in, then,” Trevor said, grinning back.

And, Zach did come into the shower, and he did attack Trevor, and Trevor didn’t mind…didn’t mind at all.

~

Back at the Sacred Yew, Kinsey had come home to the stale, smoky smelling club. He knew the cleaners were going to be there tomorrow, but he hated looking at it. The place was his baby; he’d worked hard these many years, to make it everything he wanted…a job, yes, but also his life. He had regrets…for closing himself off to a loving relationship, and the club was all he knew, now.

It looked forlorn and mistreated, and so empty. He slowly went up the narrow stairs to his apartment. He was exhausted after the long night, but made himself a cup of hot tea and a cold chicken sandwich. As he ate, he went over what had happened out at Trevor’s house. He’d always kind of believed Ghost had psychic powers, but this thing tonight, well…it seemed straight out of a horror movie.

The things he’d seen and heard, really got him thinking. “Dammit, guess I have to be a believer of the after-world, now,” he said to himself, in his silent room. He’d seen evil, close up, and if he believed in evil beings, then the opposite must be true, too…God, goodness, angels, heaven and hell, good versus evil. Just like he’d always heard. He hadn’t prayed in years, not really, but now he felt the need in him.

So, sitting at his rickety table, chicken sandwich in front of him, he remembered Ghost’s prayer. He’d just talked like he was right there in the room with God….and now, he was sure the prayer was heard. If that was all you had to do, well, he figured he could do it, too. Taking a deep breath, he began.

“God, it’s me, Kinsey. I haven’t been in touch in a long time. Sorry, I’ve just been through a lot of stuff, lately. I’m sure you already know my troubles, so I won’t detail them, now. Just…I need to say something about what I saw last night,” he stopped, clearing his throat, and taking a gulp of his tea.

Rubbing his face, he sighed, and continued his talk with God. “I got first hand proof of evil in this world. And, I saw first hand proof of your goodness and light shining through your faithful son, and my friend, Ghost. I admit I’d been questioning this subject for a long time, but now, I have no doubts. Just keep a watch over us all. I know you’re always around, and want us to call on you when we need help with this life on Earth. So, guess that’s all for now. I feel better for having this talk…Amen.”

Kinsey did feel a lightness of his soul…a more hopeful feeling, a lessening of his depression. He smiled, then finished his sandwich. Raising his cup of tea in the air, he toasted…”To you,” he said.

~

Everyone who’d been at the séance stayed inside their homes, sleeping for the next twenty-four hours. One by one, each would get up for a quick snack or a drink, or the bathroom, but would get back to sleep with no trouble. They each felt strange, like they’d taken a sleeping pill, and would not remember much about getting up, at all.

The next morning they were all being talked about around town. The old guys at the hardware store gathered as usual, and gossiped about what they’d heard, and about Kinsey.

“Y’all seen Kinsey, lately?”

“Not since yesterday.”

“Friend of mine saw him at the diner, along with those kids, and Terry…said they looked like they’d been up all night.”

“Maybe we should go check on him.”

“Yeah, if he hasn’t shown his face by noon, guess we should.”

They continued their morning of coffee drinking, and playing checkers. About an hour later, Kinsey did poke his head out of the club’s front door. “Hey, guys,” he waved over at them.

“Hey, Kinsey, come have some coffee.”

Kinsey walked over and sat in one of the porch rocking chairs.

“How’s it going? …Ya been sleeping one off? … Fixing to come check on ya.”

“Everything’s fine, guys. I just needed a break. The cleaners are coming today, though. I’ve got to get the club up and running again, ya know,” Kinsey said.

“They ever find out what caused the fire?” one old guy asked.

“No, not yet, but they suspect it was old wiring in the kitchen area,” Kinsey said. He knew it wasn’t, and didn’t like lying, but he wasn’t about to mention what really happened.

“Any of those kids coming by, today? I’d think they would want to help you out with getting things in order,” the guy said.

“I figure they’ll be by sometime,” Kinsey said. “Well, thanks for the coffee…got to get back to it,” he said, going back across the street. He knew they’d be pumping him for answers if he stayed any longer. He got back to work. In a little while, he heard knocking on the back door. It was Terry, still looking disheveled.

“Hey, Kinsey,” he said. “Man, do you feel as bad as I look? I think I slept forever…lost a whole day.”

“Yeah, me too. I just came back to the living, this morning…such a weird feeling,” Kinsey said.

“You think it’s got something to do with the other night?” Terry asked.

“I imagine so, Terry. We were all tired after that.”

Terry nodded in agreement. “I’m keeping the shop closed today, too. I’ll hang around here and help out, I guess. Give me something to do, ok? Where is everybody…they been here at all?”

“Nope, just you. I expect they’ll show up sooner or later. The cleaning crew will be here soon. Until then, I guess we could do some inventory.”

“Sure thing,” Terry said. They went back to the storeroom to get to work.

The cleaning company did arrive with their heavy duty equipment. They assessed the smoke damage, then started up their noisy machines. Trevor and Zach came in a few minutes later. They needed to get a change of clothes, or at least see if they had any that didn’t smell too much of smoke, and take everything else to the laundry.

“Y’all doing okay?” Kinsey asked. He could tell they were feeling pretty good, the way they were smiling.

“Yeah, we’re good,” Zach said. “We got lots of sleep, but Trevor has a bad rash…maybe from that thing the other night.”

“It’s going away already, though,” Trevor said.

“Well, Terry and I are still feeling the effects of it. We’re still all tired out, no energy,” Kinsey said.

“Terry’s here?”

“Yeah, I got him counting stuff in the storeroom.”

“Well, we’re gonna do laundry…want to send some of your stuff with us?” Trevor asked.

“Sure, hang on, I’ll gather up some,” Kinsey said.

Zach and Trevor went on down the hallway to see Terry. “Hey, how’s it going?” Zach asked.

“Hey, guys, what’s up?” Terry asked.

“Just going to take some clothes to the laundry. How ya feeling…you look like crap.” Zach said.

“About like I look,” Terry laughed. “That business the other night about did me in. I can’t seem to shake it off.”

“I know, we can’t either. Oh, I got some kind of rash from it, too,” Trevor said.

“No shit? Well, are y’all moving back in the house, now?”

“I don’t think so. We need a fresh start…gonna find us another place. Do you know of any…any we could afford?” Zach asked.

“Hmm…not right off, but I’ll ask around and if something turns up, I’ll let ya know,” Terry said.

Kinsey came in then, with a duffel bag of dirty clothes. “Here ya go guys, and here’s some money for the machines. These ought to last me a few days.”

“We’ll bring ’em back as soon as they’re done, Kinsey,” Trevor said.

Kinsey looked out into the club. “Looks like they’re about done down here. Oh, have y’all heard from Steve or Ghost? I haven’t, and it’s not like them to be holed up for very long. I’m getting worried. Maybe I should give them a call.”

“Yeah, we haven’t heard from them, either. But, I do need to talk to Ghost about some stuff. Tell him to either call me, or come by, ok?” Trevor said.

“Will do, guys,” Kinsey said, as they left.

“Hey, Kinsey, it’s break time, right?” Terry asked.

“Yeah, it’s break time. I can’t get much going, either,” Kinsey laughed. They grabbed a beer, and went to relax in the office.

***

***

Next part coming soon!

***

Thanks for visiting! Peace ☮️

© 2019 BS

***

This is a work of “fan fiction” based on the novel, “Lost Souls” by Poppy Z. Brite. All credit for the original characters, places, and some backstory mentions, belong to Ms. Brite and her publishing affiliates. Only newly introduced characters, places, and original elements of this story are entirely from my imagination. Character descriptions are a blend of the original book descriptions and my interpretation of them.

All songs included in this work will be solely owned by the original performers/writers and will be credited. Creative license is taken in including them in this story.

No harm is intended toward author, musicians, or people and situations to whom there may be a resemblance.

warning      warning      warning      warning

The content herein is rated by me as being at the high end of MA (Mature Audience). It includes strong language, violence, sexual themes, including same sex pairings, religious themes, and fantasy horror.