Metronome

Ooky Spooky

The next message was only three different links.

The first link referenced a small blurb in a book about the Salem Witch trials.

The second link led to an art appreciation website. The painting was done by a little known artist from a rural part of China, dated 1321. No other information was provided.

The last link was to a website about a historic church in Italy. The tile was just barley visible in one of the photos of the many artworks found there. It was estimated to have been made as early as 1190. These events took place several centuries apart, thousands of miles away from each other, and were most certainly fatal. Surely it couldn't be the same man. Could it?

J.Grey was now offline, and he didn't seem interested in sharing any further insight. Another link gone cold?

An hour passed, and the sun had long since set. Suddenly, another e-mail pinged her inbox. It was from what looked like throw-away account, and only had one line of text.

"342 Elm Street. 9 Pm. Meet me by the tomb."

She had one hour to decide what to do.

Ooky Spooky

More spoops? Perhaps.

Ooky Spooky

It took about half an hour, but, finally, J.Grey responded. They had clearly seen her Beacon employee account, because the message was very accusing. It was a private message, hidden from the public eye, perhaps as to keep further interest from being stirred.

"You want a picture of this man? I'll give you one."

Followed was a black and white sketch, clearly photocopied from a book, that depicted what looked like a scene from the Salem Witch Trials. It showed a mob gathered around a tall tree, a dead man hanging by his neck from a noose from it. He was dressed in a black wool coat that matched the style of those around him. He had dark hair and a willowy form. Most notably, he had a deformed nose and no mouth.

"Or maybe you like this one better."

This one was a picture of a painting that was in the style of art pieces from around 1300. It depicted a man tied to a stake in the middle of a fire, flames engulfing him. A crowd was gathered around, some of the patrons looking a bit frightened. The man depicted was wearing a black garb, had dark hair, and a thin build. Most notably, he had a deformed nose and no mouth.

"One more, and I better get $25 for each."

The last one was clearly a mosaic on a wall, the style near ancient, probably around 1100. It showed a scene of a man being stoned. An angry mob pelted the man with large rocks, despite him clearly being deceased. The man, sprawled on the ground, was wearing a black robe. He had dark hair and a lithe form. Most notably, he had a deformed nose and no mouth.

Ooky Spooky

The sun slowly sank, but the city never stopped moving. A young man walked alone towards his shabby apartment. He'd just gotten off his second job and was about to get some well needed sleep. As the sidewalk led him under a bridge, he instinctively looked up into the eaves to see if any homeless souls had decided to nest there for the night. Sure enough, there was a man in an old black coat. He had his face tucked into a grey scarf, and he appeared to be snoozing. But he was a bit different than the usual gruff old veteran or dingbat. He sat almost right next to the sidewalk, perched among the large limestone rocks that stacked up to support the pillars. Almost like he was waiting for a ride, the young man thought.

As he got closer, determined not to change his course do to this vagabond, something caught his eye. The man's nose was deformed. It almost looked like the front half was missing, like someone had cut it off. He felt a pang of pity for a moment before remembering a poster he'd seen the other day. Could this be the mysterious man with no mouth? If so, there was a 25 dollar reward for a picture, and boy did he need a tank of gas.

The young man stepped closer, trying to be as silent as he could. He slipped his phone out of his pocket and swiped up for the camera. He paused to snap the picture, just as the man's eyes popped open. Maybe it was just the street lights reflecting off of them, but the young man could have sworn he saw them glint in the darkness. His heart skipped a beat.

"Shit," He breathed as he instinctively hauled ass out of there. Fuck that.

______________________________________________________________________________

The newest picture was posted almost immediately. This one was different. It was clear; not the pixelated and blurry mess the last couple had been. This one showed, almost clearly, a man with messy dark hair and dark, wild eyes.



"I just saw him like an hour ago! He was hanging out under the bridge at Kent Street and Midland parkway, just snoozing on the rocks. He woke up literally right when I took this. I'm kind of a pussy, so I ran away. He gave the creeps, man."- Jacobi Benson

Comments: (6)

J.Harris: Since when did Beacon post fake news?

PWCooper: Look at that face. Where these weirdos come from?

Jules.Smules: Is this another fake viral movie campaign? This has to be fake.

J.Grey: You don't realize what you are provoking here. Stay away from this man and anything that he has to do with.

LLLLoyd: How does he eat?

PaulaT: You guys need to leave that poor man alone.

Ooky Spooky

Lars was in the middle of typing up notes for the next Sunday's mass when she asked him the question. He paused, then gave her a wry smile. "I don't believe George would be happy about me speaking on the subject," He said. The man clearly knew something, but he wasn't likely to share. Not if it further strained his already tense relationship with his mentor.

"What was your name? I'm afraid I didn't catch it."

Ooky Spooky

Lars was in the middle of typing up notes for the next Sunday's mass when she asked him the question. He paused, then gave her a wry smile. "I don't believe George would be happy about me speaking on the subject," He said. The man clearly knew something, but he wasn't likely to share. Not if it further strained his already tense relationship with his mentor.

"What was your name? I'm afraid I didn't catch it."

Ooky Spooky

"I have only heard of the case from others that I work with. I don't know Partway or his business partner personally, nor do I wish to." George shook his head. "And I'm afraid they are the only two people who know for certain what happened to that boy that night. Exorcism is a tricky subject, and not without it's risks. I attended years of schooling before I was certified myself. These freelancers....we don't know where they got their training, or if they even trained at all."

He paused. "I don't...I don't believe they murdered Mrs. Reynold's son. I honestly believe what happened was an accident. But that doesn't make it any more right. Now, I have my mass to lead." He stood, and gathered his notes. Father Walters gave her a polite smile before excusing himself.

The hallways outside of the office had cleared, save for one man. Another, younger priest was walking towards them. Father Walters gave Lars a polite smile as he passed by, but continued on his way to the atrium. Lars stopped at the door when he saw Evie, and smiled at her.

"Good morning," He said in a polite and warm enough tone, before making his way to his own desk and having a seat.

Ooky Spooky

"He isn't affiliated with this church, or any other church for that matter," Father Walters said, his tone almost grim. "He's a freelance exorcist, and I can't condone his actions. Or you looking for him." He looked at the tape recorder and shook his head. "I don't want my name mixed up with him, and you shouldn't either. Whatever report you're trying to build, I would suggest dropping it, for your own safety."

Ooky Spooky

A text binged on her phone. It was from Joe.

Joe: Dont say i never gave you nothing
www. Beaconnews/25reward/manwithnomouth. com

The link lead to the Beacon News website, to a newly posted page.

"Have you seen this man? $25 reward for images or footage captured of the man without a mouth."

The ad was pure genius. It beckoned the citizens of New York to keep their eyes out for the man, and would reward a genuine photo of him 25 dollars a pop. There were already a few 'sightings', but they were all clearly bogus. Perhaps it would stir up enough talk to pull something genuine, though. Maybe Joe had a soft spot after all.

Back in the current world, the church was bustling with clergy. Father Walters was speaking to another olderly gentleman when the woman approached him. The man said his goodbye and excused himself, and Father Walters turned to look at Evie.

"Oh, well, I'm very glad you came," He smiled politely and took her hand to shake it. He didn't seem all that glad, though. Maybe even a little nervous. He hadn't thought she'd actually show up.

"Well...let's not talk out here. Why don't you come with me?" He beckoned her towards his shared office. Lars wouldn't be there; he always made himself scarce when the church was full. Father Walters held the door for her to let her in, then shut it behind. He sat down at his desk, and motioned for her to sit in one of the chairs on the other side of it.

"Now. What is it you would like to ask me? And where on Earth did you get that name from?"

Ooky Spooky

"Who was that?" Lars questioned as soon as George hung up the phone.

"Just a woman confused about our services. She seemed nice."

George knew Lars could see right through his lie. After all, he had all but taken the younger man in when he was just fourteen. The church had been Lars's home for 16 years. He never imagined that the withdrawn and skittish teen would one day grow into a man that he halfway feared. Lars's dark eyes penetrated him for a moment too long; George could feel them on his back. But the other priest finally looked back at his work, dropping the conversation.