Mystery of the Lavender Pit

[tirgesfu]

Smit


Smit opened the door and then stopped. Some girl was in front of him sort of just standing there. She looked a bit dusty but that made sense to Smit. Her some sort of purple, one of those new trendy shades, looked a little crumpled. But it was her hair that gave her a rumbled up kind of look. That and the fact that her face showed she was in the sun longer than she should have been. Maybe she was one of those party college kids and got left by her friends. She looked the age. Some party in the desert. “Ya going in, ya going out?” Smit asked her as he held the door.

And just them another girl with safety pins in her pants and almost the same sort of purple mixed in with stripes ran back inside carrying something. When Smit followed her with his eyes he noticed the older man sitting at the counter. Even from behind, his dress and the way he sat screamed COP. He didn’t seem to be looking around much just sitting with a cup of coffee. But Smit did make a note to sit at the other end of the dinner.

He had been here a few times. He recognized the waitress but didn’t know her name or anything about her except she had those eyes that could pretend to be interested. He was sure she almost never really was.

He looked back to the slumped up girl with the pony tail and it must have been the good weed that made him smile and ask, “Ya need a cup of coffee? This place has the kind that jolts ya up and stick to ya. Thick as mud.”

That was his invitation. She could take it or not. He moved inside to a booth where he could see the cop but he would have to turn to see him.

[Whimsical]

Jason finally exits the animal shelter, heaving a heavy sigh, his breath creating a fleeting cloud of fog. He shivers slightly as he makes his way over to his car. He hadn't expected to leave so late, there fore he never grabbed a jacket. A large litter of abandoned puppies came in today, the lot of them found huddling together, no more than 2 feet away from their dead mother. Jason had to stay with them puppies, as all were horribly malnourished. 'Poor little guys,' he thinks to himself, unlocking the door of his-well aged Ford and climbing in. After a few turns, thee engine finally started, and he was on his way home.

While on the short drive home, he pulls out his phone, making a call. Answering machine. "Hey Ralphy! It's Jason again, tell the guys I'm real sorry I had to cancel class tonight, if they want a talk, feel free to give them my cell." Working overtime at the shelter, he had to cancel his class at the recovery house, which he always hated. Sometimes some of them just need a shoulder to lean on, and he couldn't always be there. Lost in thought, he soon realizes that he drove past his house. Chuckling to himself, he backs up a bit, parking in front of the gate and jumping out of his truck. Humming Mr. Frank Sinatra's 'Pocketful of Miracles' to himself, he heads through the gate and unlocks his front door, heading into the nice, warm house, and straight to the kitchen. He hadn't eaten in about 10 hours.

He opens up the fridge, his humming immediately replaced with quiet cursing. He forgot about grocery shopping. Virtually all he has left is 4 beers on a six-pack ring, a small block of cheese, some milk... and, well, something fuzzy and green. He tosses the fuzzy green thing in the trash, checking the time. Virtually everything would be closed, and the grocery store is definitely closed. He quickly writes himself up a note to grocery shopping, as his kids will be coming for an over night visit in a few days, before grabbing a jacket and heading back outside. Off to the diner, where he usually wound up after long days like this. He can't say he minds shoveling out too much cash at Bob's though, that cook's pretty cute.

Jason decided it may be nice to walk, placing his keys in his pocket and pulling out a pack of smokes. He certainly doesn't smoke much, perhaps one a day, and this was his one for today. He places a cigarette between his lips, lighting it and inhaling softly, before placing the pack and lighter back in his pocket. As he exhales, he smiles softly, starting to dance down the street as he sings. "Pre-ac-ticality d-oesn't interest me, love the life that I lead. I've got a pocketful of miracles, and with my pocketful of miracles, one little miracle a day is all I need..." The streets are so very empty, most families of Bisbee well asleep, he couldn't help but enjoy this quiet time to himself.

Before he knew it, Jason was at the diner. He stops his singing, heading through the front door and hanging up his coat before sending both the waitress and the cook a cheery smile. He sat in a booth, placing his cellphone in front of him, pulling out his wallet. He felt hungry enough to buy out Bob's entire stock... however, it seemed as many others there needed to eat as much of him. He decides on a simple cheeseburger, with a heaping amount of fries... and a salad, I s'pose. He begins to salivate as the mere thought of a meal, waiting patiently on dear Jeanie. She seemed rather busy, for this time of night.

[May]

Helena blinked her unfocused eyes when someone spoke to her, trying to get her mind around the idea that it was happening. She'd slipped off some place else and even though she saw the world around her, she didn't quite take it all the way. But there was someone talking, and it seemed like it was to her for that matter. Finally her eyes came into focus and she looked at Smit, looking him over for a second before nodding her head some at his offer.

"Sounds like just what I need," she said with a tired laugh as she shifted her bag on her shoulder, one hand going down so she didn't jostle her hastily put away camera too much. That was her baby after all and she wasn't going to risk something happening to it because of her rush. She trudged over after him, slipping her bag into the booth across from him before she followed after and let out a audible sigh at sitting on the nice vinyl cushion.

"Hope you don't mind," she said as she looked up at him across the table, finally reaching up to pull her mess of slight curls out of it's hold. She didn't think he would, but it was still the polite thing to say anyways. "Name's Helena, with an 'a' on the end." She held out a dusty hand, (sweater sleeve coming up to expose her tattoo there), to him after shaking her hair free, waiting for him to shake if he wanted or tell her his name. She'd talk either way so it didn't really matter to her.

"Been one of those long days that you can't bring yourself to hate," she went on, shrugging her free shoulder. She might have been tired, but it was a chance to talk to someone for the first time in quite a few hours and she was going to take that even if he didn't want to talk back. Made her feel less crazy that way, because then she wasn't talking to herself, her conversation partner just didn't care. And that changed the whole game.

[Lillian Thorne]

Jeanie’s smile was bright as she darted about the diner with plate after plate of food. It was an unexpectedly busy jag and she was pleased as punch about it. Time seemed to go by so much faster with customers to talk to. Not that Todd wasn’t a sweetie and good company, but new faces were always exciting and there were so many to be had here this night. She smiled over at the slightly familiar native man and his companion, the brunette with the really pretty green eyes. She wondered at the pairing, very interesting. There was the bicyclist with the amazing smile who sat by himself and seemed very hungry. She supposed biking around these mountains was likely to cause a big appetite. She’d said as much to Todd when she’d put in his order. There was also that really pretty girl with the tangled black hair sitting by herself. Jeanie was more than a little regretful that she couldn’t linger and talk more, she promised herself she’d try when she made the next round with the coffee pot.

She brought the special of the night with plenty of fries and the Pepsi ordered to the girl with the sketchbook and the broken car. She paused for a moment and slipped a business card out of her pocket and slid it across the table to the girl.

“I know you said you had some car trouble. This is my Mechanic, he’s not super fast but he’s honest and his prices are good. Tell him Jeanie sent you and he’ll do right by you.” She flashed the girl a friendly, sympathetic smile before turning to see who was coming in. Her smile, big enough already that growth was impossible simply shifted into delight.

“Jason! It’s so nice to see you. Goodness don’t wait at the door, seat yourself. I’ll be over in a minute!” She waved him in the direction of a few empty booths and then headed back behind the counter to pick up an order that had just been rung up. She smiled through the pass through at Todd.

“Busy night huh? Kinda nice but a little freaky if you ask me.”

She picked up the plates, winked and whisked them off, balancing them high as she snatched two mugs, hooking them both with one finger, hooking the pot of fresh coffee with another two and headed to the table where the plates were needed and then onto Jason’s. She didn’t hand him a menu, he’d been here often enough that he knew the score. She plopped down the mug and began to pour the rich brown liquid. She looked past him at the black haired girl and called to her, “I’ll be right over.” Before turning back to her friend.

“So what’ll you have tonight?” she asked as she slid one hand to a plump hip and smiled down at Jason.

[StoneDogg1]

Todd's hands were so busy flipping and cooking, it was nigh impossible for intelligent responses towards Jeanie. He smiled every so often towards her, but for the most part, all he had said to her was a grunt. More orders came through. He sighed as he ruined a batch of fries. Overcooked. Oh well, not my specialty. Pancakes are. He shrugged, then stretched. Long day already. He stretched, then finished up his orders. Content with his work, he decided to take a Coca Cola break. Not that the diner had any, he'd brought it himself.

Exiting the back, he walked around to the drink station. Grabbing the vanilla, he tipped the bottle into his Coke, smiling. Vanilla Coke. His drug. Laughing, he looked over to Jeanie. His smile faded away, replaced by a look of jealousy. Frowning, he returned to the back, sitting at his favorite stool, nursing his drink.

Jason. What's so special about him? Does she even see anything in him?.. Well he DOES work at an animal shelter and all.. Normally a happy fellow, Todd only became displeasant when Jeanie paid attention to other males. He cursed himself. He knew he had a crush on her. And who was he to say who she could and could not talk to? He was a nobody. He never went to college, never did anything with his life.. She has a right to be interested in a somebody. He sighed, staring off into the frier. The boiling grease made sense. He knew when it was hot enough, when it needed cooled, when it needed changed.. But his emotions? No. He didn't understand those.

He leaned back in his chair, tipping the bottle, drinking the semi-sweet soda.

[Whimsical]

Jeanie's voice suddenly snaps him from his day dreams of food, Jason switching his gaze over to the adorable young girl, tossing her his usual smile. "Evening hun, pretty busy tonight, eh?" He shuffles through his wallet quickly to check his funding before placing his order. "Have that adorable cook back there cook me up a cheese burger and fries when he gets back, if he could, love.. and perhaps a salad, for good measure. No rush." He chuckles softly, offering her a slight wink as he pulls the mug of warm, black coffee closer to him.

"I wish you could sit, but seems like you've got a bit to do. If you have some time, you oughta sit and have a coffee, dear." He smiles sweetly, taking a healthy swig of his black coffee. Once Jeanie had taken her leave, he slumped in his seat slightly, never once letting go of that mug of coffee. Now that he could be confident food was on the way, he felt he could relax. He finally takes some time to look around, do a little bit of people watching, as it were. Always a good pass time. He'd spotted several people whom he'd never seen before... however, his eyes soon came to rest on a local detective. The aura of the detective, to say the least, was rather discerning. A rarely seen frown came across Jason's face as he looked away, staring into the darkness of his coffee.

Of course, all law enforcement agents in this town are virtually working on the same thing, and seeing a detective sitting, looking so... morose, he couldn't help but worry. Perhaps nothing would ever be done, perhaps nothing would ever be solved. At least not until more were killed. Jason sighed, his children once more popping into his head. He'd always been a very protective father, but more so with the recent happenings. Their mother spoke of moving, and taking the kids. He almost wondered if it would be best for them... Shaking his head gently, he violently forces such thoughts out of his head, slight smile growing upon his face once more.

He himself had discovered that the slightest sign of something wrong would send the gossipers of this town into a tizzy, and the last thing he needs is his personal life up-heaved once more. He had finally settled.

[Fallenreaper]

Racheli

Rach gave her a look; raised brow spoke her silent uncertain thoughts. It was sarcasm but with feeling.” Thanks, Jeanie.”

Currently her hand traced a picture of elegant legged fauns chasing carefree nymphs, the whole group flowed through a modern depiction of the ancient Greek gods and goddess. It was only mildly finished but it was clear enough image for anyone to see the mayhem this event caused the group being rushed about by the merry herd of lustful creatures. Even each person was highly detailed in outline that she could have sworn it was another’s story. It couldn’t help but bring a chuckle to Racheli’s face overlooked the scene. The night’s special turned out to be a decently sized hamburger and the fries were a large order on top off that, well done she thought.

Racheli gripped a fry, still hot from the fryer, and took a chunk out of it. It was salty and not the worse she ever had as she mindlessly munched it, paused in-between to slip her pop. Her least dominated hand trilled on the card she received with wonder for the reasons she would have to help her out. As a backup thought she took her pencil and scribbled the name: Jeanie in crude cursive, a barely readable mess. The girl at the door finally had the sense to sit down, it was clear she had walked from somewhere or was dropped off a distance enough to gather dust.

It began as a twitch, an unexplained notion that forced her hand to place the pencil in the curve of her thumb and forefinger as she began to doodle, first the back of the diner racing between different lines and blacking in different shapes creating a slow forming picture. More times than she could count, the places she was in became the backdrop for most of her artistic moods.

Between moments of her stomach growling she switched over to the hamburger, careful not to drip anything upon her sketch book. It may have been worn from her tough love but food stains were much least appealing on either her or the notebook. So far the back ground was just darkness, it looked rough and unrefined scribbles, and a strange number of unfinished figures lay out in front–they were just stick people at the moment in different poses and different places-until Rach just shoved the book close to finish her food. Almost as bizarre as her most recent painting, one she couldn’t bear to sell though her publisher had begged nonstop for her to release it to a gothic client of his.

With that sour note, Rach switch to her coffee even without the creamer or sugar forgotten by the waitress and Rach was too engrossed to correct her. It was heat she wanted, to let it envelope her insides in the black liquid. It took several seconds but Racheli made a swig attempt only to scrunch her face up in regret. Yes it warmed her, even got her mind off the painting but oh for the existence of God it was bitter as hell! Once, no make that twice it nearly came up all over her table and it would have if it wasn’t for one important fact: her drawings. Rach clamped her lips closed biting the sensation to spit it out, swallowing instead. She began a coughing fit, throats were meant to swallow or release not both as Rach quickly discovered. It took several minutes for her hacking to subside so she could breath again.

"Shit, more bitter than I thought it was," Racheli managed though small gasps. She was never doing that again at least until the next stupid moment came knocking, then it was certain.

[tirgesfu]

Smit gave one of those half smiles of his, just the left side of his mouth turned up in a snort of pleasure. “Helen a.” He said making sure she heard he understood about the a on the end. “One of those days you can’t bring yourself to hate. I like that. I’m stealing that.” He nodded and smirked tucking that bit into his head. It’s not that he really believed he would say it again. But he might. It was witty and simple something he pretended to be more often than not. As he mulled over the words he saw himself as he was not long ago, sitting in the desert watching stars and antelope squirrels. Can’t hate that at all.

And as he thought about the words he looked over the girl again. The color of her hair was sort of like chestnut kissed by the sun. The red in her cheeks brought the tinted brightness out even more. Can’t hate that at all. But the real kicker was how it all framed amazing eyes that glowed with a color as bright as gems. In those things was a definition of green. Sort of unnerving but in a good way. Can’t bring himself to hate that at all.

As if maybe he was looking too hard he pushed the menu aside. “I don’t give a hoot about the special. I’ve been here. It’s the pancakes.” He glanced over the diner to Todd who was busy making something. “That guy flips mean flapjacks. Coffee and pancakes. And no butter or syrupy shit. Just pancakes and honey.” He watched the waitress move around from table to table. “They got some local honey if ya ask. Better than that orange grove crap they try to push on ya, cause it’s cheaper. Cactus flower honey.”

He looked over at Helena. “I’m Smit. Ya, ya, like mitt with an S. Nothing near as fancy as Helen a. You’re not from around here are ya?” He pulled off his old jean jacket and flopped it along side of him. Because he didn’t want to stare at her too much he looked around the dinner again. In the booth right behind him was some chick writing or drawing some, in between spitting out her coffee. Actually her book was closed, but still. She didn’t look local and neither did the other guy Smit would bet belonged to that fancy bike. There was the guy that scream cop and if Smit was right the animal guy. Pets. Smit nodded and turned back to Helena.

He looked at her again, can't hate that at all.

[May]

"I would have gone with Smith without the 'h'," she with a little laugh, seeing the way he was half looking at her, half avoiding looking at her. She didn't blame him, she was doing the same thing. It was nice to look at the person you sitting with, but it was always strange when you didn't know them well. Or in this case, at all. So she just looked him over as best she could without doing the creepy staring she had a tendency for.

It wasn't like she'd never seen someone like him before. Some one who's skin and hair was such a drastic contrast to her own. And he had such a lovely little smirky smile. Perhaps he'd be so kind as to grant her taking his picture. But he'd already been so kind in his offer to sit with him, it was unlikly, but she was still going to ask. After some coffee and some food. She'd be able to focus her camera properly then and not fuck up her picture that he might let her take.

Her green eyes traveled around the diner for the first time to take things and people in. There were a lot of loners around, not many people sitting in anything like a party like her and her new friend were in. That was a pity really. But it was later, and everywhere else was probably closed for a reason and it was likely because business was slow.

"But you're right, I'm not from around here," she went on after a moment of semi nice silence between them as she consider if pancakes were what she wanted. It sounded like a good idea because it required no thought at all now. "I'm from Saint Louis, just passing through on my way to California to visit my cousin. I'm hitch hiking, which has actually ended up in a lot more hiking than hitching." She looked back to him, grinning some. "Pancakes you say though?"

[MerlotBeauty]

Red Eyes

It watched. Red, nearly black eyes observed the diner just beyond the orange-white halogen illuminating the intersection of the highway and some nameless side road. It crouched on the bank among dry and dead grasses, red rocks, and a few scattered pieces assorted litter thrown from passing travelers. It did not stay out of the light from fear of being seen, for it would not be seen unless it willed it so. The elements were easy to manipulate here, just a mere thought to twist, contort and bend the realities of this world. Everything here was so fluid, so sweet and utterly desirable. Still, the creature thought, spitting some hissing and smoking fluid into the dirt nearby, melting the edge of some abandoned plastic bottle, best to conserve energies. The hour was near. So very near; time collapsing second-by-second.

All would fall into place.

~~~

Detective Roche

The coffee was bitter, though thankfully not boiled as it often was. Roche grimaced as he downed the last half of the cup in one shot. He set the glass down heavily, certain he could feel the ulcer bleeding through his stomach. As he stood, he could feel the subtle caffeine tremors coursing through his shoulders to his very fingertips. He was pretty sure he was going to be sick. However, he found himself distracted by the assortment of customers that seemed to have trickled in over the past half-hour or so. How long had he sat there lost in thought?

Those who lived in the area watched him with averted eyes, as did the strangers. He could sense their need for answers; an eggshell layer of apprehension over a deep-rooted fear. They were right to worry, and to be afraid. By God they really were in deep trouble, the ominous air hanging over the town like an icy fog. Thankfully, news remained sketchy on the details of the murders, but for once the police and investigators did not need to hide the facts or spew lines of bullshit to keep the media in line. All it took was one picture. One display of the police report and even the reporters were left speechless.

With a heavy sigh, the detective dropped another crumpled wad of dollar bills onto the counter, tipping more than the price of the coffee, and raked his hands through his hair. “Thanks for the coffee Jeanie.”

Detective Roche left then, not taking another look at the other customers. Instead, as he slipped into his car, turned the engine, and sped off to brief the FBI investigators. He made it halfway there before he had to pull over to the side of the road and puked.

~~~

Sapphire

The four-inch black leather ankle boots echoed to the beat of their own rhythm on the rundown parking lot. A set of delicate bony ankles wore those boots leading up to long smooth legs covered only by a tiny jean skirt cut-off to a length that was probably illegal in some states. Her bare belly-button was encircled with an all-black intricate Celtic-knot of a crescent moon. The rest of her was covered in a knotted black and white flannel shirt with cut-off sleeves and the buttons stretched, threatening to burst at the seams of her well-endowed bust.

Her face was young. Too young for her appearance, and yet her stark pale blue eyes were painted with dark shadow and liner, and sterling silver ring dangled from her right brow. Other piercings were seen at her nose and labret. Her lips were almost as dark as her eyes, with pure black liner framing a sparkling beige lipstick. The starkly contrasted visage was framed with straight blonde hair and dark roots. She walked right into Bob’s Diner as if she owned the joint.

“Holy shit it’s cold out there!” She said hugging herself, trying to rub the goose bumps away. Smiling brightly nonetheless, she made her way to the nearest seat at the counter and sat down, took a menu and read it over.

~~~

Red Eyes

It watched her walk inside. The time had come, and everyone; everything was in place. Smirking, the creature let his energies shift through the air. The power was almost palpable as it hung in the air around Bob’s Diner. Beyond notice of those inside, the front door quietly locked. The reflection of the windows shifted; an illusion to fool those not chosen. For the casual observer, the diner was closed only the necessary security lights inside, and the sign “Closed” clear as day on the locked front door.

The creature tilted its head to the side. The back exit sealed tight. No visible barriers, no sound. Just closed. It would not open again. Even the clearstory windows in the bathroom sealed tight.

The hour is struck. Let the Chosen wait. We will watch, and soon. So very soon. They are coming… but not before a very long night. Just one last thing…

With a mere thought, the creature cut the phone lines, and killed the airwaves.