The Gospel of George I

The Gospel Of George

Book One

1970

© By Adam White

Epilogue

November 7, 1969

Dear George,

         What’s happenin’ my brotha.  Long time no, no see, but that’s all about to change soon, once you get yo black ass to the big ‘A’.  Thangs been lookin’ up for me ever since I moved up here and I know me and you is gonna have a blast. I’m workin’ at a bar called the Lucky 7 as a bartender in the Harlem.  I work for this old dude, Mr. Leon Green. He’s a cool dude, except he don’t like me using his phone, which I do anyway, when he ain’t around of course.  He says it’s for business only, not that too many people call the bar anyway. Mr. Green, lets me drink as much as I want while I work as long as I aint sloppy drunk. But, you know I know how to hold my liquor, so it’s a win-win. It’s a little hole in the wall joint, but I stay right next-door above a bodega. Smells like meat all the time, but you get used to it. I got two bedrooms so, you know the other one is yours until you can find your own pad, but it ain’t no rush, just be ready to party.

         Ah’m glad you made it back from that Vietnam bullshit. Glad ah wear glasses and have flat feet, otherwise ah woulda been over there with your ass, probably dead somewhere. You gonna have to explain to me how you got outta there cus the war ain’t over yet, but ah have a pretty good idea you used that psychic shit of yours to get out. Remember when I got into trouble back home with those racist ass pigs over some stupid shit? You sure did get me out of that mess, so ever since then ah always respected yo’ gifts and maybe it will help us get outta trouble here, cus I plan to get us into some when you get here.  Speakin’ of the pigs, Mr. Green has a back room in the bar that the Panthers use from time to time for meetings. Make sure you keep that tid bit of knowledge to yoself, or else they’ll be all over all of our asses and he might lose his bar. Ah help out with the Panthers and stuff from time to time. They’re a good bunch of guys. They help the community, keep crime off the street, and feed kids before and after school and they help the old folks in the neighborhood. They’re making some big changes for us black folks, man ah’m telling you. Been thinking about joining myself, you might want to too; after you see all the shit they do around here. New York is a bad city man, it ain’t slow and friendly like back home in Alabama (at least with us Negros). They do a lot more for blacks than the pigs do, that’s for sure, but enough about them.

         On another note, there’s some fine ass sistas up here, again, not like the ones in Alabama. You got black tail, white tail, Spanish tail, any and everything you could ever want. It’s hard to choose. Mr. Green is trying to get me and his gangly, homely and all out butt ugly daughter Cheryl together, so I try to stay clear of that. And with your looks she might hop on to you next. IGNORE her! She looks like Olive Oil from Popeye! And I hope you over that one girl, Lanetha that wouldn’t put out, cus she was “saving herself for marriage”. Forget about her ass, she don’t hold a candle to none of these broads so put her in the back of your mind and forget her. She probably married some bible toting; corncob up his ass, man anyway and had kids by now. When’s the last time you heard from her? I asked my momma about her, but she don’t have much to say about it, so I don’t know. Being a preacher’s wife and all she don’t like to gossip, unfortunately. Tells me to mind my business, so what does that tell you? Forget Lanetha, she-gone brother. I did find out that old Tommy Fields, from our church that was drafted with you, is dead, so you real lucky. The White man’s war over nothing is killing all these black boys and white ones too, I must admit. Anyway, I’m glad you’re out of there and headed to New York. I’ll be working when you get here on the December 31^st so let me give you the address:

The Lucky 7

29^th and Lennox

Harlem, NYC

35621

         When you pay the taxi driver from the bus station, don’t pay over 5 bucks, otherwise he’ll be trying to cheat you, but of course you’ll probably know that. Just walk in and I’ll be there.  Later on that night we’re going to a music industry party. I got a good friend named Ally Cates with a band called Ally and the Kittens. She’s an up and coming music act and making big splashes in the music community. I hear Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison and some others might be there so wear your best and be prepared to party hard. It’ll be like nothing you’ve ever seen before so be prepared to see some shit you ain’t never seen.

See you soon.

Your friend,

T.J.

 Episode One: Old Friends Meet Again

The cab driver was a foreigner, the likes I had never encountered before, or at least not knowingly and as he dropped me off in front of the T.J.’s Lucky 7bar, he indeed over charged me by 8 bucks. I didn’t mind I gave it to him anyway. I could sense that while he was greedy, he had a large family to feed and I was just happy to finally make it to my destination. Plus, I had money in my pocket burning a whole and didn’t mind spending it on someone who seemed to need it more than I. Once I got out of the taxi I was almost in awe of all the various people walking around. I had never seen so many people in one place, save the war. I was also overwhelmed by everyone’s thoughts. There seemed to be a split of people getting prepared for the night’s festivities, those being afraid and choosing to stay home, and those lonely with nothing to do at all. The cold, wind and snow were also ferocious. Large mounds of snow were stacked on the side of the streets like little dark grey mountains. I soon realized that my army jacket was not enough to keep me warm from the elements and that I would have to buy a coat real soon or at least borrow one of TJ’s. Since’ he’s such a sharp dresser I knew he would have at least one coat I could borrow until I got my own. Besides all that, I was overwhelmed with a sense of joy and excitement about what the future held for me in New York City. I had read TJ’s letter and it got me pumped up to party. And I could use a good party. I’m an avid music fan so going to the music gathering tonight, I knew would be one of the highlights of my stay in NYC.

         TJ was right; the Lucky 7 was a small bar, a whole in the wall, as he said. There were Christmas lights framing the front door as I walked in.  A few customers were at the juke joint playing some funked up Christmas music in the background that seemed to float through the ether. The patrons were getting a head’s start celebrating New Years by getting sloppy drunk and taking it out on the small cube that was the bar’s dance floor.  TJ didn’t immediately notice me, so I stepped to the bar and ordered bourbon on the rocks. With his head turned filling another patron’s glass he said, “Just a minute.” then took a small pause. He practically threw the man his drink and turned and said, “George!”

         “In the flesh!” I said with a smile”

         “Brotha it sho is good to see you! What do you know about bourbon anyhow? Ah thought you didn’t drink?”

         “After seeing what I’ve seen, things change,” I said. He poured me a drink as I asked.

         “Is that little army jacket and duffle bag all you have with you?”

I sipped my drink. It burned going down my throat. “Yeah man, it’s all I got”.

“Well ah know you don’t have any threads for tonight so you’re gonna have to borrow my clothes. Least we the same size,” TJ answered. During our conversation a drunken man came to the bar demanding a drink.

“Hey you! Let me get some scotch.” The man ordered.

“Do you see me talking to this man right here?” TJ asked. “You’re gonna have to wait a minute.” He turned back to me. “Man its good to see you. For a minute, Ah didn’t think I ever would see you again.”

“Well I made it back in one piece. Honorably discharged,” I said.

“Ah know you did that yourself. Ain’t nothing ah can see wrong with your ass so ah know you pulled some of your tricks. You’re gonna have to tell me what you did!” TJ remarked excitedly.

“About that scotch…” the customer repeated with a little more gusto.

“Man, did you just hear what ah said? Ah said ah was helping this man here!” TJ replied

“All you seem to be doing is talking and I want my drink now!”

“Look here…” And before TJ began his rant I interjected.

“TJ, get the man his drink, I’ll still be here working on this bourbon”

“Alright,” TJ answered. “You better be happy my mans is here to calm my ass down”. He said to the customer, and then he commenced to fixing him his drink. As an afterthought he said, “Hey George, here’s the key to my pad. Go next door to apartment “A” and find you some digs to wear. It’s almost quitting time and time for the party. Ah’ll be getting off soon. Make yourself comfortable. Your room is the one with nothing in it but the bed, obviously.” He chuckled and threw me the key.

“Okay.” I said, finished by bourbon and then left. TJ’s apartment was small. There was a tiny living room only big enough for a couch and maybe a chair, a kitchenette and two miniature bedrooms, large enough for a twin size bed. The décor was sparse save a few African masks that hung on the wall.  It occurred to me that it may be difficult to have two grown men share such a small space, and not but heads, but TJ and I have been friends since we were five. We’ve had as many arguments as I can count on my hand, and none ever amounted to anything. But I still found it prudent to look for my own place as soon as I could. I looked through TJ’s closet and as expected found a lot of nice looking clothes and I didn’t know what to choose from, so I chose the less flashier outfit that I could find, knowing it would still be sufficient looking for the forthcoming party. I noticed that TJ already had his outfit picked out and on his bed. It was a bit flamboyant for my taste: a fedora hat, a patterned green shirt and matching plaid pants with black platform boots. I chose a black shirt with leave patterns, black pants and black shoes.

As I was ironing my clothes TJ walked in and when he saw what I planned to wear he immediately objected.

         “All these fine clothes I have and you choose the plainest thangs ah have?” He asked.

         “You know you we don’t dress alike TJ, you have always been, let me say, the more flashy between the two of us.

“True.” He said in thought. “I guess that will do. The ladies will go gaga over your face anyway. Guys like me who aren’t as pretty as you have to make up for it somehow.” He said in gest. “Well let’s get dressed.”

****

The club was called “Stardust”. It was a lot smaller on the outside than I expected, and once you entered it was standing room only. I was immediately bombarded with discombobulated thoughts and feelings. Most were of a jubilant and overly euphoric nature, but some contained dark thoughts. Everyone seemed to be having a good time because everyone was high or on something, save a small handful of people who were just as lost in the mix as I was. Music was blaring throughout the room and it was full of smoke from cigarettes and other illicit things. There were plenty of beautiful women there, eyeing me and I could sense their thoughts of lust, however none caught my eye. However, I could feel a presence emerging. It was something I couldn’t quite put my finger on, but hadn’t felt before.  Distracted by it, I kept being bumped into by the large crowd in the small room as TJ lead me towards a destination in the back corner of the room.

“Ah’m about to introduce you to my friend Ally. Be cool.” He said.

“Always”. I responded.

When I saw who he led me to I was a bit taken aback. Ally was a white girl, long blond hair, hazel eyes and an amazing figure. She wore a gold sequence dress and had a cool demeanor and a glamorous persona. Once she and Tj locked eyes she immediately jumped off the couch she and others were lounging on and hugged him excitedly.

         “TJ, baby, I’m so glad you made it!” She said.

         “Ah told you I would be here. Hey, ah wanna to introduce you to my best friend George. He just got in town today. He was in the war.”

         “Oh, how are you?” She asked. “You’re a cutie. I’m glad you’re here with us and not in that damn useless war. We got plenty of drinks, refer; you do coke?” She questioned.

But before I could answer, TJ interjected. “No, he’s not into that scene”

“Let the man speak for himself” She replied.

“No thank you,” I said gently.

“Well, I hope you don’t mind if I indulge. I gotta be on stage, right after Jimi. It calms my nerves. TJ?” She asked.

“No, I’m cool baby, but I’ll smoke a joint. You know ah can’t turn down grass.” She handed TJ a joint.

“I’m being so rude.” Ally exclaimed. “Let me introduce you to my boyfriend Dominic Boticelli”

An obviously stoned Dominic got up off the couch to shake our hands.

         “Nice to meet you,” I said.

         “Likewise.” He responded then sat back down in an intoxicated daze.  Ally sat down next to Dominic and did a line of cocaine from a glass mirror.

         “Whew, I feel better already,” She said. “I get so nervous before performing and right after Jimi, talk about pressure. As soon as she mentioned his name a man with an amazing energy walked up to us. He was obviously a true artist with an easy, affable nature. He was very flamboyant with a fedora hat, a purple boa, open shirt, medallion, and zigzag print pants. His hair was curly and he had a boyish charm about him. In between drags of his cigarette he walked over to Ally and hugged her.

         “How you doin’ honey” Jimi said.

         “I’m good now that I saw you. I admit I’m a bit nervous performing after you.” She replied.

         “Don’t be. You got soul baby. I know you’ll rock the house. I just wanted to say hi before I go up there. I’m leaving right after I perform.  Going to go kiss the sky. Good luck”.

         “Thanks Jimi”, Ally responded like a mesmerized schoolgirl. And as quickly as he approached, he left and went into a back room.

         “Wow, girl ah didn’t know you knew Jimi Hendrix!” TJ said excitedly.

         “I just met him today during rehearsal. Isn’t he amazing?”

         “We’re going to try to open up for him on more of his shows,” Dominic added. I took the chance to communicate with TJ psychically.

         “I thought you didn’t like white people. Now you’re hanging with them and going to shows with them.” I said with my thoughts. I have been communicating with TJ psychically since we were teenagers, usually only when we were in some type of trouble because I knew he didn’t like me speaking to him in his head. But there was no other way I could ask under the circumstances and curiosity got the better of me. He pulled me over to the side.

         “You know ah don’t like when you do that man. Ally’s cool though. She’s like a black chick in a white chick’s body. You should hear her sing. She’s like a mini Aretha Franklin. Jimi was right; she’s got soul. Ah met her at one of the Panther rallies a few months back. She’s down with us black folk, so ah give her a pass. Her boyfriend on the other hand is Italian from Harlem, so he gets a pass too.” TJ explained.

         “Oh, I see.” I said. With a little closer inspection I could see that Ally wasn’t completely white. There was something more in her, but it wasn’t fairly obvious.

All of a sudden the vibe in the room changed. The emerging presence I vaguely felt earlier had finally arrived. It was almost like a shock to my system, the feeling was especially strong. Just like in the comic book “Spiderman”; my spider senses were going crazy. I felt a dizzy and a fuzzy feeling permeated my body. I frantically searched the room, and then all of a sudden I saw her staring at me. At was almost like she appeared out of nowhere. She was beautiful with aura that was seemed beyond human. She looked like Diahann Carroll from the TV show “Julia”. She wore a blue off the shoulder dress, with painted blue eyes. She was dazzling. She gazed at me with a knowing stare, as it she could see right into me. I was drawn to her. She called to me in my mind, by my name.

         “George…George…” I walked towards her and she immediately embraced me.

         “I could sense you before you got here. Who are you? What are you?” I asked perplexed.

         “You can call me Twilight. I’ve been watching you for some time. But there are others. I know how you got out of the army.” I tried to read her thoughts but there was nothing there. She wasn’t human. I couldn’t tell what she was. She felt like an entity more than an actual person.

         “I’m here to help guide you, although I have other reasons for being here. You have a special purpose in this life. Your spirit glows brightly in the spirit world and there are others who can sense you. There will be those who will try to lead you astray from your destiny or destroy you all together.  You are young now, but in your old age you are to be a spiritual leader. You will be like Moses leading people more towards their spiritual natures. I am here to monitor you for now and help you reach that point in your life. I am your watcher.

Episode Two: Blue

         I had to kill him. I had hitchhiked my way from Louisiana to New Jersey and was running away from my demon-possessed boyfriend who was relentlessly after me. That’s when he picked me up on a New Jersey country road. Naturally he thought I was a girl, and I didn’t correct him; honey I needed the ride. He pulled next to me as I walked down the side of the road.

         “Going my way beautiful?” he said.

         “Depends on which way you’re going.” I responded nonchalantly.

         “I’m headed to New York, you?”

         “Fine as place as any.” My spirits told me there was more to this man than he appeared, but I didn’t care. New York was full of people and I figured it would be harder for Joe and his demon to find me there. Plus, I knew how to take care of myself in more ways than one.

         “Hop on in beautiful,” he said with a smile. He was a white and handsome; perfect face, perfect clothes, perfect manners; a rich looking man with an unassuming demeanor but I could tell it was an act. I got into his light blue Chevrolet with my bag and closed the door.

         “So, what’s your name?” He asked

         “Blue”

         “That’s a weird name. Some sorta nickname?”

         “You ask a lot of questions,” I said. “It’s my name.

         “A beautiful girl named Blue. I’m Ted.

“Okay.”

“You have a lot of hair, it covers your lovely face, and you should pull it back.” He reached over to touch my hair.

         “Don’t touch me!” I said in agitation. “I don’t like to be touched”.

         “Don’t worry, I’m not going to hurt you,” he lied. “Are those feathers in your hair?”

         “Yes, feathers, rings, bracelets and a bag full of stuff” I answered.

         “Touché’. I’m only trying to get to know you. We have a long ride ahead of us”

         “I’d rather travel in silence.”  We traveled some distance until it became dusk and I was awakened from a slight sleep and noticed Ted’s Chevrolet slowing down and pulling off onto the side of the road back into a wooded area. He turned the overhead light on.

         “What are you doing?” I asked slightly startled.

         “It’s getting late. I thought we’d stop for the night” Ted pulled out a Polaroid camera and grabbed my arm aggressively.

         “Hey what’s shakin’?” I yelled.

         “I just wanna take some pictures of that beautiful face you have covered up.

         “Let go!” He ignored my pleas and swept his hand across my face.

         “Wait a second” he said in shock. He proceeded to move my hair from my face and unbuttoned my denim shirt. ‘You’re not a chick! Do you know what I planned to do to you?

         “Yeah, I did.” I replied. “My spirits told me.’

         “Well did they tell you this?” He pulled out a pocketknife and reached his hands across my throat. His grip was tight and no matter how hard I tried to fight him off he wouldn’t budge. I could feel myself beginning to pass out as I found it hard to breath. I managed to reach into my bag and pull out a purple powder and throw it in his face. As he inhaled it left him motionless. I kicked him off me and he fell back against the driver’s seat. I got out the car, opened the driver door and pulled his body out of the car and pulled it deeper into the woods. I took his pocketknife and slit his throat in one clean swipe. The blood curdled from his throat and poured like a geyser of red thick water.

         “Hey you!” I heard a voice behind me say. I turned around. It was Ted. He tried to lunge toward me but passed through me. “What’s going on? What did you do to me?

         “Look down at the ground honey. I killed you. You’re dead.”

         “What? This isn’t possible!”

         “Oh but it is, just look at your body” He looked down and tried to leap back into his body and found that it wouldn’t move no matter how hard he struggled.

         “Oh my God, what have you done?” He said in frenzy.

         “My spirits told me all about you. You picked the wrong one today. Too bad for you” I got into his car and went through his glove compartment.

         “What are you doing?” He asked frantically.

         “I’m looking for your wallet.”

         “No, don’t go in there!” As I opened the glove compartment I saw a cornucopia of Polaroid’s of dead women. Women he had murdered. I flipped through them. Some had passed on and some were still wondering around earthbound, confused.

         “Ah, here’s your wallet.” I looked through it. “Oh, five hundred bucks. Let’s see where you live.” I pulled out his ID. “Harlem. I guess that’s where I’m headed.” I turned to look at Ted’s mortified ghost. “I hope you don’t mind me taking your car and apartment. You won’t need it. I gather you’re not married since it would be hard for you to cover up being a serial killer and all.”

         “No, you can’t do that!” Ted objected.

         “Oh, but I can. Nobody will find your body out here and if they do, I’ll be long gone by then.” I hoped in Teds driver seat, turned the ignition and drove off toward Harlem.

         It was 4:30am, and when I reached my destination, I needed a drink so I pulled up to a hole in the wall bar called the Lucky 7. It was one of the joints still open. I walked in where some old decrepit man manned the bar. The bar was empty and I was glad of it.

         “Hey miss isn’t it kind of late for you to be out alone?” the old man asked.

         “Just give me a drink. A bottle of whisky.” I answered. I pulled out a wad of Ted’s money and paid him.

         “Okay then,” He said.  He brought out the bottle and a glass and handed to me.

         “Oh, yeah and a pack of Marlboros too.” I said. Once he gave me my cigarettes I sat in the furthest corner of the room and started drinking. After some time passed two young men and a strange woman walked in. They were rowdy and it looked like they had just come in from a party. One wore glasses with a big afro and loud green plaid pants. The other one, the cute one, with the smaller afro was quiet. He had a glow about him. I could tell he was special.

         “That was a groovy party!” One of them exclaimed excitedly. “Hey Mr. Green thanks for letting me have the night off. We sho nuff had a good time.” I was drunk as a skunk but could hear their conversation clearly.

         “Hey that gypsy chick has been drinking all my whisky for over an hour. I’m ready to close down. Kick her out, take her home, but get rid of her. She gives me the creeps. The intoxicate guy with the glasses and said, “Sure thing boss.” The old man then went into a back room. I knew the young, loud man’s goal was to bring me back to his apartment. He wobbled over to me.

         “What’s happening mama, why you here all alone? Where’s your man? Did you get put out?” I blew smoke in his face from my cigarette.

         “Say, that was unnecessary. What’s your deal?”

         “My deal is I want you to leave me alone,” I responded.

         “That ain’t no way to treat a nigga that’s trying to be nice to you. Ah was gonna invite you back to my place. We just came from a party and I wanted some company.”

         “I’m not interested in going back to your place for anything.”

         “Say, what’s your problem?” He grabbed my arm. I let him. After closer inspection he realized I wasn’t what he thought I was.

         “Hey you ain’t not chick!’ He said with surprise. “What are you some kinda faggot?” The cute one interjected.

         “TJ, I think you should leave the brotha alone”

         “No George, if it’s one thing ah hate it’s a faggot! You need to get the hell out of here. Yo kind ain’t welcome. Had me thinkin’ you was some fine ass chick. Get out!” Just like Ted earlier, he grabbed my arm aggressively to pull me out my chair. I reached in my bag and blew the purple powder in his face. He immediately dropped to the floor.

         “Hey what’s going on out here?” Mr. Green said as he emerged from the back room.

         “Um, nothing Mr. Green. Tj just uh passed out,” George said.

         “Well get him back to his apartment and get that strange girl outta here, I’m ready to go home,” he demanded,

         “Sure, just give me a second.” He said. “What did you just do?” He asked me.

         “I put him in a deep sleep. He’s lucky that’s all I did,” I said. “He’ll be sleep for about fourteen hours.”

         “Who are you? I sense your some type of shaman.”

         “Bravo! I knew you had a gift. You must be psychic. I’m blocking you from reading my thoughts.” I said.

         “Yeah I sense you’re very powerful too, but you’re so young…”

         “My spirits tell me you have a special purpose in this world. Interesting. And this women with you that stands in the background observing, is not a woman at all. It wears a mask”

         “Your spirits are correct,” She declared. “I see them. You have five strong ones. I see you just committed murder. Ted is following you around”

         “Well isn’t this all very interesting,” I said. “And who are you?”

         “You can call me Twilight. I came here from another dimension, a much higher frequency than this one. I’m here to aid in the cosmic shift that’s approaching.”

         “That’s not all you’re here for, I sense more. I replied

         “Time reveals all things,” She said simply

         “Curiouser and curiouser.” I mused.

         “Look will you help me get my friend back to his apartment?”

         “Sure, I’m Blue by the way.

Episode Three: Blue’s Rhapsody

         We managed to drag TJ back into his apartment, put him to bed and finally let Mr. Green go home. I knew I would have to hear TJ’s tirade when he woke up and I wasn’t looking forward to it. Blue sat down on TJ’s green suede couch.

         “So I suppose you wanna know what I’m all about?” He asked taking a match and lighting a cigarette.

         “It did cross my mind.” I stood far away studying him. He was a scraggly thing, thin, almost malnourished. His long curly hair covered half his face revealing a young appearance, almost one of innocence. He wore feathers in his hair and long loose fitting clothes that made him look like some sort of gypsy. I could see how at first glance people would think he was a chick, but I knew better.

         “You’re friend deserved it,” he said. “He’s lucky I didn’t do more, but I knew he was your friend.” He gave me a look and spread himself wider across the couch. “Come sit down”.

         “No, I prefer to stay here.”

“Suit yourself”

 I stood at the bar of the kitchen. “Wanna drink?” I poured myself one.

         “I’ve had enough for one night.” Blue suddenly looked around almost bewildered. “Where’s your lady friend, if you wanna call it that?”

I looked around too. She was gone. Somewhere in the excitement she slipped away or at least vanished. He took a drag of his cigarette and blew out the smoke.

         “Heh, that’s a wild scene. What you got there is a spirit guide. She’s been watching you for some time, longer than you think.”

         “ She just appeared tonight. But uh, moving on. You committed murder? You won’t let me read your thoughts.

         “I don’t let anybody read my thoughts, but I can make some exceptions…”

         “What did you do?”

         “I was hitchhiking and I got pulled over by a serial killer. He tried to kill me, but the best man won. I gotta little bread off him too. I’m keeping his spirit earth bound. He’s somewhere wondering around his apartment trying to touch things. He’s in living hell and it’s just what he deserves. I’ll toy with him for a while until I get bored.”

         “You’re running away from something,” I said. “A man, or someone that was once a man.” He was letting me in but still had his mind blocked in certain places.

         “His name is Joe. See, Joe and I were part of a Wiccan coven down in New Orleans. His mom, Noreen, was head priestess. She took me in when I was fourteen years old. She could sense my power and wanted to cultivate it. Well a while back Miss Noreen took ill. The coven looked to me to cure her because I was the most powerful of the group, besides her, but there was nothing I could do. I guess it was just her time. Her son Joe and I were secretly lovers, but he had jealous and selfish tendencies. Miss Noreen knew we were together, even though Joe was much older than I was. She said she knew he would probably never be ready to take her place because he was too immature and hot headed to do what needed to be done for the coven. But he thought that once she died he would be named high priest. On her deathbed she named me as her successor, even though I’m only seventeen years old.

         “After she died and made her decree known, Joe went on a complete rampage. Honey, he called me a bitch, a faggot, street trash, the whole nine, in front of the coven. He vowed that I would not be head priest. I would have gladly let him have it because I didn’t want the responsibility and I loved him, but he wouldn’t hear it. He stormed off into the night in the middle of a thunderstorm. I sat there dumbfounded and the coven agreed that he was far too weak to ever be a priest. Later that night I sensed when he called upon a demon of the lower realms to take revenge on me. Me! Unbeknownst to him the demon planned to take over his body to fulfill its mission. It was of immense power and upon feeling what Joe had done; I fled before it could catch me, and figure out some way to defeat it. I’m not sure if I’m strong enough to do it on my own. I cast a protection spell but that won’t last forever.”

         “What about your coven?”

         “He’s killed some of them already, looking for me. The rest are in hiding and without a leader, their lost.

         “Is Joe still alive. I mean is he still in there somewhere?” I asked.

         “He’s in there, but he’s beginning to fade. The demon is absorbing him. I’m sure he regrets what he did, but its too late now.”

         “Do you think you can get him back?”

         “Look man, I don’t even know if I can kill the demon if I came toe to toe with him. I’m worried about my own life. Joe made his decision long ago. His jealousy got the best of him.”

         “I thought you said you loved him?”

         “I do, or at least I did, but in this life you have to look out for umero numero. 

         “Well, I’m sorry Blue you can’t stay here. I don’t think TJ likes you too much.”

         “The feeling is mutual. Besides I got the ID of the guy I killed. I’ll be living in his apartment until I figure out my next move. Like I told the killer, he won’t need it.

*****

         The next day around three o’clock pm, TJ finally emerged from his bedroom. I was sitting in the living room watching some TV when he came in rubbing his shoulder.

         “Man, what happened? Ah feel like ah just got hit by a ton of bricks” he said.

         “Nothing man, you just had a few too many to drinks,” I lied.

         “Last time I remember ah was downstairs at the bar talking to this girl when…she turned out to be some faggot! He blew some shit in my face and the next thing ah know, I’m here!”

         “Don’t worry about it. He’s long gone.”

         “He better be, if ah ever see him again ah’m woopin’ his ass!”

         “No, I don’t think you’ll be able to do that.” I said.

         “You jivin’, that little thing. Ah could beat him up easily,” TJ said as he walked into the kitchen toward the refrigerator. He pulled out  a soda.

         “What we encountered last night was a shaman and a very powerful one at that. Don’t let his size full you. He could have down worse to you if he wanted.”

         “What the fuck man? What’s going on around here?” How do you know all this?

         “He told me and let me into his thoughts. He was telling the truth,” I said. “For your own safety if you ever see him again on the street cross it to the other side.”

         “Ah ain’t afraid of no faggot.”

         “Well I warned you.”

         “Say what ever happened to that fine ass tail you had with us last night. She didn’t speak much but damn she was fine!”

         “You won’t believe that either,” I said. “She was an apparition. Turns out she’s my spirit guide, or watcher, or whatever the hell. She just appeared out of thin air and told me that I had a special job I had to do when I get old and in the mean time there would be things that would be after me to stop me.

         “You sure she wasn’t just some crazy broad” TJ asked perplexed

         “No, I could sense she wasn’t human.”

         “Where’s she now?”

         “I don’t know. Maybe hovering around somewhere.”

         “You’re here for one day and you bring with you a bunch of madness. How did ah get caught up in all this shit?”

         “I don’t know man, I didn’t plan for any of this either. I guess it’s the full moon or something crazy. But I felt like I had been led here to New York, despite your letters, maybe that’s is why this is happening,” I said.

         “Well on another note, you know that white chick, Ally from last night? She invited us up to her apartment later on to catch up.”

         “We goin’?”

         “Yeah, I told her we’d be there if you’re up to it and as soon as my massive headache goes away.”

         Ally stayed a couple blocks down from TJ’s apartment in Harlem so we walked there. She lived in an grey, old brownstone that looked like it had been converted to apartments. When we got there she buzzed us in and we walked up what seemed like a million flights of stairs. Before TJ could knock, Ally excitedly opened the door.

         “TJ! George, nice dashiki. I like dashikis but I could never wear one. I’m so happy you decided to make it. I’ve been waiting at the door. Excuse my apartment, it’s kind of small.” From what I could see her apartment was decorated with magazine posters over all the walls, with an old red couch, a small coffee table and dining room table. Beads covered the entrance to the kitchen.

         “Haven’t you seen my apartment, now that’s small…” TJ said. Just as we were about to walk through Ally’s door, the door across the hall opened up and Blue emerged. He caught TJ’s eye.

         “Well, well, well, look at what we have here?” Blue sarcastically said as he leaned against the wall.

         “You! You faggot. I’m about to beat your ass!” TJ attempted to lunge at him but held him back.

         “Uh, uh, uh, you don’t want more of that purple stuff do you? Hi George, how are you?”

         “Hi Blue.”

         “I told you I had a place to go. It’s not the ritz carlton, but it will do.”

         “You’re talking to him? You act like you’re friends with him or something!” TJ said enraged.

         “We’re cool brotha. Blue and I had a nice rap session while you were passed out.”

         “I can’t believe you’re friends with a faggot, makes me wonder about you. You’re so pretty and all. How come you don’t have a girlfriend?”

         “Wait a minute.” Ally interjected. “Where’s Ted Alexander, my neighbor from across the hall whose house you just came out of? His car is parked on the street.”

         “He’s uh, out of town. He asked me to watch his apartment for while. He also let me loan his car. Where he’s going he won’t need it.” Blue said nonchalantly.

         “I didn’t know he was gay. I figured he was always a little sweet on me. He did things for me around the house. Helped with fixing stuff. I guess you never know somebody.” Ally responded.

         “Oh, no Ted definitely isn’t gay. He just helped me out of tight jam when I needed it and we became joined at the hip every since. That’s why he asked me to watch his apartment for him. I was out of a place to live, he had one, and he’d be gone indefinitely so he offered it to me” I chuckled inside at Blue’s performance but had a sense that if Ted was a serial killer his eye had been on Ally for quite some time, yet she was different than all the other girls.

         “Good old Ted, always trying to help people out.” She stopped and thought. “But he works at a bank down the street. What kind of business could they have him on?”

         “Beats me. He collects policies or something? All I know is he called me from the shelter last night in a rush and asked if I’d watch his belongings for him while he was gone. Said the neighborhood wasn’t the best.”

         “That’s true. I can’t wait until my boyfriend Dominic gets us out of Harlem and into a nice borough. And TJ.” Ally said looking over at him. “Stop calling this man a faggot. I work around them all the time and they’re some of the nicest, funniest people I know.” TJ kept quiet fuming to himself.

         “The guys and me were about to have a little get together. Now that we’re practically neighbors you’re welcome to come in and join us.”

         “Well don’t mind if I do…” Blue said as he eyed TJ. Once Blue and Ally stepped into her apartment, TJ pulled me to the side.

         “Let’s blow this scene. I don’t want to be anywhere near that Blue character.

         “Come on the kat isn’t that bad. He’s just yanking your chain. You two will get along eventually.

         “You mind if I put a little music on?” Ally asked as she walked over to her record player. “Sly and the Family Stone?”

         “Right on! That’s one of my favorite groups, I yelled back. “Come on TJ, don’t let Blue get to you. He enjoys it.”

         “Alright, alright I’m going, but the next time he says something…”

         “Be cool brotha, be cool.”

         “Come on in, have a seat get comfortable” Ally said as she slid behind the beads into the kitchen. “I rolled up some joints for our little gathering.”

         “Good, I could sure use one,” TJ retorted. She passed them around. “TJ. Blue you want one?

         “Yeah.”

         “George?”

         “No thanks,” I said. Grass causes me to enter every aspect of every person’s mind all at once and since the ultimate invasion of privacy I decline from doing it. As they lit their joints and started smoking Ally proceeded to get the conversation going.

         “So Blue, since you’re the new member here, tell us about yourself.”

         “Well there isn’t much to tell. I’m kind of a drifter. I just got to Harlem from New Orleans.”

         “Oh you’re new to the city like Georgy here. Why’d you come? You look kind of young.”

         “I dropped out of high school and decided to see the world,” he lied.

         “Are you a musician at all? You dress like one” She said.

         “No.”

         “I’m in an all female band called Ally and the Kittens. We do rock and psychedelic soul. Things are shaping up pretty nice for us. I sang right after Jimi Hendrix last night. It was one of the highlights of my life. My boyfriend is my manager and he’s getting us all kinds of gigs. He says it’s only a matter of time before we take off.”

         “Oh okay,” Blue said dryly. To keep the conversation going I asked Ally a question.

         “So how did you and TJ meet?”

         “We met at a Black Panther rally. Yes, I was one of the only white people there but it’s for a good cause. I grew up in an all white school, lived in an all white neighborhood and had all white friends. My Granddaddy was the best thing since slice bread for me as a little girl. We told each other everything. Our bond was strong. When I was a teenager he was diagnosed with a severe case of cancer. I visited him in the hospital everyday. As the days went on I could tell he was about to die. I just sat by his side and held his hand and tried my hardest to cheer him up. One day he leaned close to me and told me he had a secret.

         “What’s the matter granddad?” I asked him.

         “In 1925, I passed for white. I’m black.” He revealed. “My whole family was light skinned but I was the lightest. I was tired of being harassed, called a nigger, and not being able to live out my dreams. So I said goodbye to my family, never to see them again, and moved from Tennessee to Illinois with twenty dollars in my pocket.”

         “You did what?” I was shocked at his actions. “What about your family? Did they ever know what happened to you?

         “No, I cut off all ties. I had to in order to adopt a new identity. I regret it to this day. The pain I must have put my poor mother through. I can never atone for it. And I couldn’t die without telling someone. You know, you’re look a lot like my mom. That’s why you’re my favorite granddaughter. She was spirited and lively just like you are.” He said sadly. Poor granddad.

         “For a moment I was angry but looking at his weathered face, I began for the first time to see black features in it and knew it was true.

         “He told me he had an old address to his folks back in Tennessee and asked if I would try to find his brother and sister. I promised him and a few days later he was dead. I went down to Tennessee to his old home but no one knew who he was and I had no way of finding his siblings. So I’m part of the Black Panther movement for my granddad to keep his memory alive and to recognize my own blackness even though it’s watered down. TJ knows this story. I know he’s not too keen on white people but he calls me a vanilla sista. And this blonde hair, baby, is died. My real hair is black.

         “Wow, that’s pretty interesting Ally,” I said. “I could tell you had something in you but I wouldn’t have imagined all that.” Not unless, I went into her mind and found out.

         “Yeah my vanilla sista” TJ repeated in a daze.

        

Episode Four: Ted

         He paced around the room like a lab rat, seemly scared as I roamed around his apartment.

         “What are you doing?” Ted said frantically.

         “To be a serial killer you sure frighten easily. But I guess fear wasn’t on the menu when you killed all those women.” I said. “But to answer your question, I’m just checkin’ out your digs. I guess you must have been a lowly banker because you don’t have much here.”

         “I kept my home tidy and I don’t like you snooping around my house!” Ted lamented.

         “Well, let me see, what can you do? Ah, nothing. You’re far too weak to do anything to me. Remember, I’m keeping you here. I won’t let you cross over. Everybody wants to go to heaven but nobody wants to die, and you’re dead.” I walked into his sparse bedroom, which only consisted of a bed, and a dresser with a small TV resting on it. I rummaged through his drawer and started pulling out clothing. “Hmm, pajamas, some shirts…this should do. Let me check out your closet.

         “No! You can’t go in there!”

         “Why not, hiding something? I’m only looking for clothes. As you can see all I have is on my back.” I said.

         “Keep it that way.”

         “No honey, I’d rather not.” I opened the closet door and was a bit surprised at what I saw taped to the back of the door. “Look at what we have here? We have tons and tons of pictures of Ally; little miss sweet Ally from across the hall. Let’s see you have her in the hallway, walking down the street, singing at some clubs, quite interesting. I’m positively sure she didn’t know you were taking these. I guess you considered yourself a little photographer, huh?”

         “Ally is special, I would have never hurt her.” Ted said remorsefully.

         “Sure. I bet you wouldn’t have been able to help yourself if you got her in your car in the back woods somewhere. Or were brunettes more your type? You know under that blonde hair she’s a brunette.” I said. “Welp these go down immediately.”

         “No!

         “I don’t want to see perverted pictures of Ally all in your bedroom. I’ll be sleeping here from now on.”

I pulled the multitude of pictures down one by one and threw them in a tin trashcan. I got a match and set them on fire. “Well that takes care of that,” I said matter-of-factly.

         In anger ted lunged toward me, but passed through me until he reached across the room.

         “Didn’t we have this discussion earlier?” I went through the remainder of his clothes and pulled things out, but at 6 foot, all his clothes were too big. “Damn. Well let me see what you have in the fridge.” I walked into his small kitchen and pulled open the refrigerator. “Yes, fully stocked. Glad you decided to go to the grocery store before I killed you. This should keep me fed for a while. As you can see I haven’t eaten in awhile. You have any more money?” I asked.

         “Not for you.”

         “Come on man, I can find your check books and I have a feeling you kept money stashed away in the apartment.” In a moment of defeat he admitted he had some in his cookie jar. “Now you’re being cooperative. Let’s see what’s in here.” I opened the olive green ceramic cookie jar and discovered another three hundred dollars. “I see you liked to save for a rainy day.”

         “So what now, how long are you going to keep me here?” Ted wearily asked.

         “Until I get tired of you.”  All of a sudden a feeling came over me. I could tell it was the dead emerging. “Angela”, was the word I heard in my head. “Ted, looks like we have ourselves a visitor,” I announced. All of a sudden a white orb appeared from the living room wall and traveled to the kitchen.

         “Angela, is that you?” I asked. A young girl manifested herself. She had long dark hair, a white shirt, an ascot and blue jeans. She appeared solemn, a bit disheveled and afraid. “Don’t worry honey, it’s okay.”

         “That’s him! That’s him!” She screamed.

         “It’s okay he’s dead, he can’t hurt you. I won’t allow him too.” Ted stood back amazed.

         “I remember you. My fourth victim.” He announced mouth opened.

         “You mean you can see me?” She asked me.

“Yes”

“I was running away from my father; hitchhiking across the country. He seemed nice enough. Good looking. I trusted him and then all of a sudden he choked me to death. I can’t find my way out. I can’t find my way out.” She repeated.

         “But you found Ted and me.” I said.

         “I could sense his death. Are you sure he can’t hurt me?”

         “Yes child, I killed him and I have his spirit locked up. He’s under my control.”

         “You have a lot of power, I can…see it. What are you?” She asked.

         “I’m a shaman. I walk between the spirit world and the physical world.”

         “I never knew those types of things existed, but I don’t know anything anymore. I try to talk to people but nobody can see me or hear me. I went to visit my parents but they didn’t even know I was there.” She said sobbing.

         “Well let me tell you there’s a whole new world waiting for you on the other side. One where you’ll be happy and you won’t have a worry that pretty little head of yours. Your family will join you soon. It’s time for you to let go and cross over.”

         “I’m afraid.”

         “Trust me there’s nothing for you to be afraid of. I’ve see what its like across the veil and its more beautiful and peaceful than you could ever imagine.”

         “You sure? But you’re so young.” She said

         “Don’t let the appearances fool you. That’s how you got into this situation in the first place.”

         “True. Will you help me cross over?”

         “Sure.”

         “I just have one thing to say to Ted before I go.” She announced. “You’re going to hell! And I hope they torture you every minute of your miserable existence!” Ted stood there emotionless. “Now I’m ready,” She said.

         “All you have to do to cross over is chose to cross over. Chose to see the light and step into it. It’s that simple.” She stood there for a moment uncertain and then began to concentrate. I saw a flash of light began to grow bigger and bigger in front of her.

         “That’s it honey, you got it” I saw an old lady reach her hand out to her through the portal.

         “Its my Grandmother! Granny, I’m coming!” But before she stepped through the portal she said. “Thank you for killing that son of bitch!” With that said she walked through and the portal immediately closed.

         “Wow, you never get used to that,” I said. “How’d it feel seeing one of your old victims?” I asked Ted who still stood in the kitchen.

         “She was just some dumb bitch hitchhiking in the middle of the night. She was asking for it. Now she’s with dear old granny.”

         “You sound a little bitter. Wish you could cross over too huh? Maybe see a loved one or two? Well that ain’t happen for a while. And don’t worry you’re not going to hell. You’re going someplace much worse. You’re going into your own demented psyche and you’re going to play out every miserable part of life over and over again. Then, you’ll be reborn and have to live life all over again from scratch. Something to look forward too eh?” I said laughing.

         Suddenly there was a knock on the door. I went to open it slowly.

         “Hi Blue, I hate to ask you but I’m making some lemonade and I’m completely out of sugar. Do you think Ted had any around?” I chucked inside. When Ted saw Ally he immediately drew himself to her to try to sniff her hair. “Ooh, it just got a little cold in here. Did you feel that?” She asked.

         “No, not a thing. Before Ted left he went to the grocery store so I’m sure there’s some sugar in here somewhere. Have a seat girl.”

         “Thanks. I thought my apartment didn’t have much in it, but Ted’s is virtually empty.” Ally remarked.

         “He said he liked to keep his apartment nice and tidy.” I went into the kitchen and rambled through the cabinets until I found the sugar. “Here you go, help yourself”

         “Thanks Blue, I’ll catch you around okay?”

         “Sure thing.” I said as I closed the door. “That was a nice surprise seeing Ally again. I bet now that you’re dead you creep across the hall and watch her sleep at night don’t you?”

         “So what if I do?”

         “I know you do. You still stalk her, but you can’t do anything to her so I let you have your little fun while you can.”

         “Look here, I’m getting real tired of some faggot telling me what I can and can’t do. Its bad enough I’m dead but you have a rope tied around me.”

         “(Sigh) Tisk, tisk, do you not understand that I am in control? You, are like an ant. I can crush you anytime I chose to. You do what I want you to do, when I want you to, and when I allow it. The sooner you understand that, the better.

         “So in your demented shriveled up mind, what made you become a serial killer? I asked.

         “I don’t know why I’m telling you this, but when I was younger me and my Pa used to shoot rabbits out in the fields. I got good at it quick. Pretty soon I found myself killing all kinds of things: rats, cats, even dogs. There was a rush I felt when I saw the life go out of them. I kept that up for ages. When I reached high school I had a girlfriend and we boned all the time. She was a little freaky. One time in the middle of us having sex she wanted me to start choking her. I didn’t want to at first, but she insisted, so I did. I started off kinda gentle, not wanting to hurt her, at first but she wanted it harder and so I started choking her harder and as I did I got that same rush from when I would kill animals as a kid. I couldn’t stop myself; it felt so good. So good in fact I ignored her when she begged for me to stop. I ended up accidently killing her. I lived in Arizona back then and took her body to the desert, got some gasoline from my truck and burned her body. Nobody knew we were together that night and I told people I hadn’t seen her in days. I stopped for a while until I got a job traveling across country and there were plenty of hitchhikers; people nobody would really miss if they went missing, so I took the opportunity to indulge myself. I was always careful. I could always spot the drifters like you. And they had to have long brown hair. There’s something about brunette begging you for her life that turns me on.”

         “You sound almost proud of your accomplishments.”

         “I am. I’ve killed twenty-four girls and never got caught. The police were too dumb to find me. Then you come along and destroy my life, literally.

         “Well expect more of your victims to find you. Some won’t be as nice as Angela. Hell, I might summon some of them up for kicks.

        

        

        

Episode Six: Twilight

         “Man, you sure missed a hip party last night, while instead you decided to stay home and read your stuffy old books. But to be honest, ah’m kinda glad you didn’t come. I met this fine ass older lady last night at the bar. We got to talking and next thing I know she invited me to a hotel next door. Of course, ah couldn’t turn that down. Man-o-man you shoulda seen her! She told me her husband couldn’t satisfy her no’mo’ so I gave her the best lovin’ she ever had. In fact she left me a parting gift this morning. Let me pick it out and everythang.”

         TJ went into the bedroom and pulled out a full fur coat and twirled it around like a girl twirling her new dress. Now I’m the baddest dressed nigga in Harlem. How ya like me now?” He exclaimed with enthusiasm.

         “You, sir, you are a gold digger. You always have women buying you stuff. Not anything like that but…”

         “Ah’m not a gold digger. Now if a chick wants to spend her bread on me so be it. Ah couldn’t afford all these fine clothes as a simple bartender. If you weren’t Mr. Modest over there you would have them buyin’ you too. But all you do is sit in this apartment, read books and watch for that Twilight chick to show back up again. I say forget about her. If she’s your watcher, she’s watching you and leave it at that.”

         He had a point. I had been consumed with Twilight. Waiting for her to reappear again. Wanting her to tell me more about my future. It was a lot that she laid on me that night in only a brief conversation. It had been weeks. I even tried communicating with her telepathically but got nothing. I couldn’t even feel her presence around me.

         “I can’t help it. She’s all I seem to think about. The stuff she said was pretty heavy. I’ve been thinking about going to Blue to conjure her up to see what else she has to say.”

         “Oh lord, you and that Blue. I swear I hate that you two have become friends; he’s even friends with Ally. Now that fag is gonna be hangin’ around. You buy that bit about some Ted dude letting him stay at his place while he’s away? Cus I sure don’t. Seems a little fishy to me.

         “No,” I said honestly. But his mind is locked up. I’m telling you man the brother is powerful. I never met a person whose mind I couldn’t enter, even with the strongest of wills. But this boy has his mind under lock and key. He did let me in briefly but it was only for a moment and I couldn’t go beyond what he showed me.”   

I opted not to tell TJ about Blue killing the serial killer, because I knew out of spite TJ would call the pigs he hates so much because he hates Blue even more.

         I got up to go towards the phone that hung on the wall to call Blue. The phone rang, and rang, and rang and just when I was about to hang up I heard Blue’s soft of stern voice answer.

         “Hello?”

         “Blue, its George. I need to see you about Twilight. Are you busy?” TJ out of disgust left the living room and went into his bedroom and turned his TV on.

         “No, I’m never too busy for you George. What do you want me to do?”

“Well you’re a shaman and you can communicate with the dead, spirits, animals, the elements….”

“I see you’ve been doing some research, go on.”

“And I was wondering if you could conjure Twilight?”

“Oh, the entity that was hanging around. You know she’s still around, but her vibration is so high, and ours is so dense we can’t sense her. It takes a lot of energy for them to manifest on this plane. But I should be able to reach her.”

         “Could you do it today?” I asked.

         “Sure.”

         “What time is best?”

         “Night time is the best time to contact spirits. The veil between worlds is thinner.”

         “So nine o’clock?”

         “Perfect.”

         Later that evening as I walked in Blues apartment it was completely dark save the light from a multitude of candles spread across the small, sparse apartment.

         “Welcome, come in.” Blue announced. He wore an oversized red plaid shirt and jeans to match, no shoes. The feathers were still in his hair and he still wore all his bracelets, necklaces and rings. “Come sit on the floor next to this white candle. I have to cast a circle.”

         “Cast a circle?” I asked.

         “When conjuring spirits others can be attracted to you. This keeps them away. It’s like a force field. It’s just the two of us so it doesn’t have to be very big.” In slight amazement, I watched Blue take out a piece of chalk and draw a circle around us on the wooden floor. He then walked over to a table and got some supplies.

         “This is my alter,” he said. He picked up some incense, and a small potted plant, and then put it in the circle. He went back and picked up a bowl of water and a red candle. “Each of these represents the four elements of the earth, or the four elementals, spirits which control them, and they also represent the four directions. The plant represents the north, and the earth. The bowl of water represents water and the west, the incense represents the air and the east, and the candle represents fire and the south,” he declared as he lit the candle. All of a sudden all the candles in the room began to flicker violently.

         He stood up and in a commanding voice said, “Let it be known that this circle is about to be cast!” He faced the east arms spread and commanded, “Watchtowers to the East, I call upon you to watch over the rites of this circle. Powers of knowledge and wisdom, guided by Air, we ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle!” I felt a sudden gust of wind blow past my face. I began to hear slight whispering all around me, but I couldn’t make out what they were saying.

         “Watchtowers to the South, I call upon you to watch over the rites of this circle. Powers and energy of will, guided by fire, we ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle!” The flame of the red candle roared for an instant then settled back down. He turned to the west.

“ Watchtowers to the west, I call upon you to watch the rites of this circle. Powers of passion and emotion, guided by water, we ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle.” I watched the water in the bowl bubble.

“Watchtowers to the North, I call upon you to watch over the rites of this circle. Powers of endurance and strength, guided by the earth, we ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle.” As he finished speaking the vines on the small plant began to twist and turn slightly. I had to admit that I was a bit afraid and not much of the supernatural scares me, but I had never seen anything like this before. There was a sudden flash of lightening that shook me suddenly and it began to rain violently.

“The circle has been cast” Blue said calmly as he sat down.

“I didn’t know it was supposed to rain tonight?”

“It wasn’t. The spirits are letting themselves be known to me. They heard my plea.”

Blue’s demeanor began to change. He closed his eyes and became quiet, then started softly rocking back and forth. He began chanting to himself, something I couldn’t quite make out. His eyes suddenly open but his pupils were gone. His eyes were completely white. My initial reaction was to jump up and run but I kept my composure as best I could.

“Blue?” I asked. “Blue are you still there?”

“I call upon the entity known as Twilight! Reveal yourself to me at once!”

Nothing happened except for the ferocity of the rainstorm outside. I sat there for a good five minutes watching Blue rock him self in a trance. The whispers around me grew louder but I still couldn’t make out what they were saying. Then all of a sudden above us a small glimmer of a yellow light appeared. The light became an orb that got bigger and bigger until it was the size of a basketball.

“She is here. Ask her what you wish.” Blue said still in his trance.

“T-Twilight?” I asked nervously. “Is that you?”

“Yes.” It spoke in the same voice as it did before. “I chose you. The time is now. I chose you to help bring upon humanities new shift in consciousness. It is called the Aquarian Age and it is just now beginning. It will be when humanity fully distances itself from its animalistic natures and comes forth to its natural spiritual natures. When humanity as a whole becomes closer to God. You are an indigo soul and so is your friend. That’s why you found each other.”

         “Indigo soul?”

         “The frontrunners of the human race. In your light spectrum indigo stands for wisdom, and self-mastery of the higher mind; it is in your aura. You are the evolved. You are spirit incased in flesh and that spirit extends beyond the flesh. That is why the spirits can see you. You operate on their world, and in this one. In the year 2012 and beyond, the world will experience a massive shift in consciousness, one that you will be a part of. It has been predestined. You are to help reach those left behind and bring them to this new Age. I will help you in my new form.”

         “New form?”

         “I manifested myself to you as your future wife. She will look just like I did. It was the only way to attract you. You will have a child, and I will be that child. I will experience life as a human being and I will carry on your mission. When spirit is incased in flesh, the body absorbs it causing amnesia. I have chosen not to forget everything. We will be linked and we will communicate telepathically with each other, even when I’m in the womb.

         There are not many like you yet, but the indigo souls are emerging and will do so at an increasing rate every year. I will be an indigo soul as well. The Aquarian age is upon us. You will not see me again until I am born, but I will remember you. You have other watchers. Watch out for Jack. He will help guide you during your time of need. You will only speak with him through the mind. He will not appear like I did. You have many watching over you, but you will have many who will try to stop you. For there are those who do not want the human race to evolve. They feed off them. And if they’re evolved, their food supply is gone as well. Be mindful of them. They adorn themselves in sheep’s clothing and work any and every job imaginable, mostly high-powered careers. Yes, at one point in your life you will do battle with them. Your psychic abilities will grow and you will be able to spot them immediately. Teach me about them, as I grow older. Jack will help you as well. Goodbye George. Until we meet again.”

         The ball of light immediately vanished into thin air and it was gone. I looked at Blue.

         “Heavy…” He said in a daze.

        

        

Episode Seven: Joe

         “Blue, salad’s almost done!” Ally yelled from her kitchen.

         “Okay I said as I lounged on her couch. She came in a few minutes later and sat next to me.

         “Food is almost ready. I just love spending Sunday afternoons watching old movies. She said almost giddy. “I have a performance tomorrow I should be rehearsing for but I don’t feel like it. I’d much rather hang out with my new neighbor. Speaking of neighbors, have you heard from Ted? It’s not like him to be gone this long. I mean, I know he travels across these parts sometimes for his job, but he’s never been gone this long. Of course, I don’t know why a banker has to travel so much.”

         “No, I can’t say that I’ve heard from him. I hope nothing has happened to him.”

         “Me neither. I’m beginning to get a little worried. He’s such a nice guy. If anything happened to him…”

         “Well, I’m sure he’s fine. Maybe he decided to take an extended vacation.” I said. After I finished my sentence, my stomach began to feel queasy and I began to form a headache. “Oh no, he’s found me.”

         “Who’s found you? Ally asked.

         “Oh, um, nothing. You know Ally, honey, I’m going to have to take a rain check on our dinner date. I’m not feeling so good all of a sudden.”

         “There anything I can do? I got the pink stuff in the bathroom.”

         “No, I don’t think that’s going to help right now. Maybe some of my herbs will.”

         “Well you know a joint will knock out any upset stomach you have and I gotta stash of that in the back room.”

         “Um, no these are special herbs. I-I have to go. I’m sorry.”

         “It’s okay. I guess I’ll be rehearsing tonight after all. You take it easy okay?” She said out of concern.

         “I will.” As soon as I opened the door two police officers were at Ted’s door about to go back down stairs. Upon noticing them, Ally rushed towards the door.

         “Is everything okay? Is Ted okay? She asked him.

         “You know Ted Alexander miss?” The white officer with the balding head asked.

         “Yeah he’s lived across the hall from me for three years. My friend here has been watching his apartment for him, but neither one of us have heard from him.” In that moment I wish she’d have shut up.

         “You’ve been watching his apartment?” The black officer asked me.

         “Yeah he asked me to. Said he had to travel on business and that ne needed someone to watch over his apartment because the neighborhood is so bad.”

         “Well that’s funny his car is parked outside in the front” The black officer said.

         “He told me I could use his car.”

         “So, how is he traveling on business with no car? The white one asked.

         “I don’t know he called me one night from the shelter frantically and asked me to come here. He had me drop him off at the train station. I guess he didn’t want to drive.” I lied.

         “I see. How do you know Mr. Alexander?” The black one asked.

         “I met him down at the shelter I was staying at. He was a volunteer and we became friends.”

         “Ted’s like that, he always tries to help people.” Ally interjected.

         “Do you mind if we take a look around the place?” The black one asked.

         “Um, sure.” I said. I took out the key and opened the door. Its just like he left it. I don’t have too much of anything myself.”

         “It looks like you might be wearing some of his clothes. Your clothes look awfully big on you.” The white one said.

         “He told me to make myself at home. I told you, I live in a homeless shelter, and all I had was a bag of personal belongings and the clothes on my back.” The police officers strolled through the apartment checking every room. I kept the place exactly as Ted had left it and put the belongings from my alter back in my bag after I was done using them.

         “Everything check’s out here!” The black officer said to the white one.

         “Well we found the dead body of a man we think might be Ted Alexander last night. His throat was cut and he was robbed.”

         “Oh my God!” Ally screamed.

         “Calm down miss. Now Mr…”

         “Blue” I answered.

         “You wouldn’t happen to know anything about this would you?”

         “No. I told you all I know.”

         “I think it’s best you not go anywhere for awhile Blue. We’ll be coming back soon to ask more questions.” And they descended down the flight of stairs.

         “Oh no, I can’t believe he’s been killed! But why? He was the sweetest guy. This can’t be happening!”

         “Ally, go smoke a joint and calm down. I’m sure things will work themselves out.

         “Okay. And poor you, that was your friend too. Are you gonna be okay?”

         “I’ll be fine. I just need to lay down for a while.” I replied. After Ally went inside and the police left, I went down to Ted’s car and pulled out all the pictures of the dead girls and put them in Ted’s bedroom. Once I got back to Ted’s apartment Ted smiled with glee.

         “Looks like justice is finally being served.” Ted said with a smirk. “Let’s see how you get yourself out of this one. You had to know they would find me eventually, especially when I stopped showing up for work.” My stomach cramped harshly. I grabbed my stomach. “What’s wrong, baby gotta tummy ache?”

         “Will you please shut up? Yes, I anticipated this. And now your time is up. I have more pressing matters to attend to than you, or the police.”

         “What do you mean my time is up? I’m free?”

         “Hardly, where you’re going you’ll be experiencing the deaths of each and every one of those girls over and over again from their perspective. Then you’ll be reborn into God knows what. So have fun with that. I release you.” I snapped my fingers and with that Ted was gone.

         “Joe has found me. I gotta get outta here! But where do I go? I can’t keep running. He’ll always find me. How do I defeat him?” I thought. I changed back into my original clothes and sat and tried to figure out where to go.

         “I can’t stay with TJ and George. Well, I could but it would take too much effort to manipulate TJ,” I thought. But I couldn’t throw out that possibility. I just needed to get out of Ted’s apartment before the police got back.” I walked out of the building and down the street with my bag headed nowhere. “Where is he? Where will he show up? New York is a big city it might take him days to find me, then again it might not,” I thought to myself. I was lost, bewildered and scared. I thought I had hid Ted’s body better than I did and I didn’t think Joe would find me so quickly. But he’s under the influence of a vengeance demon and that’s their number one goal, vengeance. Thank God my spirits had warned me.

I walked the streets for what seemed like hours until I hit Time Square. I figured that with so many people there it would be harder for him to track me. Lost in my thoughts I was taken by surprise when I was suddenly pushed down to the ground and my hands were put behind my back. It didn’t occur to me that the police were trailing me the whole time.

         “You are under arrest for the murder of Ted Alexander.” An officer said. They yanked me up and through me in the back of a police car. I didn’t say anything. I was more worried about Joe than about them. They drove me back to the Harlem police station to book me. Once I got there they asked me my name.

         “Blue.” I said

         “We haven’t proven it was you yet, but we have a strong suspicion you did it. You gotta last name Blue?” The police officer asked chuckling.

         “No.”

         “We gotta wise guy over here. Take him over to finger prints,”  A commanding officer ordered. They took my prints and put me in a jail cell alone. For some reason I felt safer in there than out on the streets, even though I knew I was a sitting duck.

         “Look at that fag.” One of the police officers said. “Long hair, some gypsy type outfit. You part of the circus?” He said as other officers laughed. I remained quiet. I was waiting until Joe found me because I knew he would.

         “You’re a little guy, how’d you slit that man’s throat. He’s at least six foot. I stayed silent.

         “Ah, the quiet type. We’re not gonna get too much outta him, until interrogation that is.”

         The day stretched on to night and I waited in that cell alone and afraid. I was anxious of what Joe might do to me and if I had the power to stop him myself. Without my book of shadows with my spells and my other things from my bag I felt almost naked. While the police officers were busy around the office not paying much attention to me I cast a crude circle for protection and called to my spirits for help. They told me he was coming. It was time for me to break out. I quietly called upon the wind to break the glass bulbs in the room leaving it dark. One by one each bulb broke and a confusion with a touch of fear let lose in the office.

         “What the hell is going on?” Someone yelled.

         “I don’t know? All the light bulbs busted all of a sudden.” Someone responded.

         “Is it all over the building?”

         “Yeah!”

         “Get some flash lights in here a.s.a.p.!” A commanding voice ordered.

         “Water, aid me.” I said. Then all of the water coolers, and coffee pots burst open. I could hear people slip and fall.

“Earth, aid me.” Each office plants vine and tree branch near a window broke through the glass and began to grow and wrap themselves around the officers, almost strangling them. The building was in full room panic.

         “Fire, aid me.” Bursts of flame came from every electrical device in the area and began to spread. I took a lock pick from my hair and picked the jail door open and got out. The building was in chaos and no one noticed me get my bag and slip out the front door.

         The building was on fire and police officers hectically ran to and fro trying to put it out. I heard the fire sirens in the distant background. And amidst the pandemonium, I saw him. I saw Joe, or rather Joe’s shell. The caramel completed Joe that I remember was now almost alabaster and gaunt. He stood there quietly. My heart quickened. There was a sudden explosion from the second story of the building. I could hear screaming and sense dying inside. Joe seemed unfazed. His sunken deadened eyes were intently locked upon mine. I didn’t know what he was going to do. Cop cars abruptly began to swarm around us.

         “Put your hands up!” One of the officers yelled. Neither Joe nor I moved. “I said put your hands up. If you don’t I’m gonna start shooting, so I repeat put your hands up!” We didn’t move.

         The firing began. Each bullet went through Joe but it didn’t seem to bother him or slow him down. I used the power of the wind to deflect the bullets from me. Joe walked over to the police car grabbed the police officer, picked him up by his throat and snapped his neck. Other officers began shooting and he opened his mouth to reveal a loud shrill that brought everyone down to their knees including me. Then he went to each police officer and stomped their face in with his boot as they lied in agony. My ears were ringing loudly but I got up and started running. I didn’t look back but I knew he was slowly following me.

 I ran until I reached the dead end of an ally. He stood behind me. I reached into my bag not having enough time to go through my book of shadows for a spell, and got some salt and sprinkled it around myself for some type of protection. Then I lit a stalk of sage to keep him away. Out of sudden thought, I called upon the fire element to light him on fire and knelt down in my circle of salt to pray to Archangel Michael to rid Joe of his demon. The fire from the sage found its way to Joe’s body. As I knelt to pray I felt warm arms wrap themselves around me and I felt protected. As I chanted my prayer I heard Joe scream, yell and thrash around the ally running into trash dumpsters.

         The human part that was left of Joe bounced around from being set on fire. He suddenly lunged towards me and as I quickly dodged him he fell. I took Ted’s knife from my bag and plunged it into his chest and pried his heart out it out. The bloody piece of meat pulsated in my hand. It eventually slowed, then stopped and so did Joe. He was dead. The demon was still there but without a body to kill me it dissipated and floated into the ether failing its mission. Then I  quickly saw a bright light come close. It was Joe and he looked like himself again, young, strong and handsome.

         “Thank you. Can you forgive me?” He said as a yellow glow surrounded him. “I let my jealousy get the better of me and did something that in my heart I didn’t want to do. The entire time the demon had me trapped. I was powerless to stop it.”

         “And what about the coven members you killed, Jacob, Emma, Katrina? You have a lot to atone for.” I said.

         “I know. I see why my mother didn’t believe in me and why she believed in you. You’ve grown so much. I just need you to please forgive me. I would have never wanted to really hurt you. I was just so angry. Angry with everybody, including my mother, but I see better now. Everything is clear.”

         “You put me through a lot of shit. Had me run away from the coven. I even had to kill along the way to survive, all because of you.” I declared. He put his hands on my shoulders and I could physically feel them.

         “Please Blue, for all we shared, I need you to forgive me. I need you to, in order to pass on and be with my mother.” I sighed and took a moment. I was still angry but the love I had for him was still there.

         “I just wish it didn’t have to turn out like this.” I said quietly.

         “Because of my foolishness it did and I’m sorry.”

         “I forgive you.” And with that said he instantly vanished. No more words, no more asking for forgiveness. He departed.

         “Joe!” I yelled into the empty ally. But he was gone. He was dead. All that was left was his dead emaciated and heartless body. I threw his heart on the ground and stomped on it squishing it. I wanted to make sure his body didn’t come back to life. “Well that was easier than I expected. If I knew that was all I had to do, I would have done this ages ago.” I really did love you Joe. Good luck in the afterlife,” I said as I dusted my jeans off. I slowly dragged my way back to Ted’s old building. Police cars were in front. I stayed away and walked a few blocks more until I got to George and TJ’s apartment. I knocked on their door. George answered.

         “Blue what are you doing here? Is that blood on your shirt and your shoes?”

         “I didn’t have anywhere else to go. The police were on to me about Ted.”

         “Shh, TJ’s sleep. Come in. Take your shoes off. Were you the cause of all the commotion at the police station? It’s been all over the news.”

         “Yeah they arrested me for killing Ted and I had to get out. Joe was after me.” I said as I entered the apartment.

         “Where is he now.”

         “Dead.”

         “The news said the police have linked Ted with twenty-four serial killings. They found photographs of dead girls in his apartment.”

         “I know, I left them there.”

         “They say the unknown suspect that killed Ted got away and they have no way of knowing who he was because he had no finger prints. Plus everything in the office was destroyed during some freakish fire. They call the unknown assailant a hero for killing a serial killer, now ain’t that some shit? You know 12 people were killed tonight during the freak accident. I’m sure you were the cause of it.”

         “Some. Sorry about that. (Sigh) I guess I’ll have to answer for that someday. At least Joe is dead and the police aren’t after me.”

         “So what are you gonna do now?”

         “Can I just crash here?”

         “Sure, we’ll just have to deal with TJ’s bitching and complaining tomorrow morning.”