Little Black Book

Little Black Book

It was early in the evening. I usually camp out every other Saturday to escape my busy life of work and school. It was always good to drop from the radar every now and then. It made my mind, body, and soul breathe. If anyone called or texted, they would get an automatic message stating, “I’m away at the moment, I will get back with you soon.” Most of them, don’t even bother to reach out because they notice the pattern. This was my routine. I go camping, fishing, and I set up my tent to sleep.

However, the winds were pretty high that day, so I decided to move at a spot with less winds, preferably near the caves. Fortunately, there were no bears, I already checked before I moved. The cave was actually very pretty inside. For the first time in my life, I actually liked it there and wondered why I didn’t explore the area. The water was clean to drink and bathe and there were crystals everywhere.

After I got done bathing, I noticed that there was a shadow in the upper part of the cave. I got a little startled because I wasn’t sure if I was alone.

“Hello?” My voice echoed through the cave, but silence returned the favor. I got out, put some clothes on and grabbed my flashlight and went to the area. There was a duffle bag along with some combat shoes. Someone was here. I thought. I unzipped the duffle bag. The bag still smelled fresh as if this person had been here maybe about a day ago. When I shined my light at the contents my mouth dropped. There were thousands of dollars in the bag. By eyeballing it, it looked like 20 grand.

I had so many thoughts running through my mind. Who would leave that much money behind? Why would they leave that much money behind? Was this the place to hide it? What should I do with it? Should I turn it in to the police or should I keep it for school? Hmm…. What’s this?

I pulled out a mysterious black book. I gently but quickly opened it for my hunger of curiosity. There was a bunch of names crossed out accept one name, Stella Clark. She also had an address. Maybe she knows about the money. Maybe I can just give it to her. Wait… Could this be? Noooo! It can’t be a hit list. I watch too much tv.

I quickly retracted my thought fearing that I shouldn’t underestimate the situation. Or maybe instead of underestimating the circumstance, perhaps I can just reassure the situation. Would that be wise? Then again, I can’t jump to conclusions either, but it totally looks obvious. Whoever had these combat looking boots was looking for someone and was most likely paid to do it. But if that was the case, why in the world would he leave his shoes and a bag full of money?! None of this was adding up and coming up with my own assumptions just made things exhausting for me. This was supposed to be my day off away from everyone and everything. You know what, I will just be a good Samaritan and return it. Not sure who to give this money to but perhaps this Stella chick deserves it. Or I can just leave it there and pretend like nothing happened—

“You think he came this way?” a male’s voice was faint from outside the cave.

“Not sure, all I heard was on my way there and I heard a loud boom.” Another man said from a distance.

“Let’s look in here.”

My heart fell to my stomach. What did I get myself into? If they catch me, they could harm me or worse… I quickly tossed the book in the bag and threw it bag over my shoulder. I ran as quietly as I could the other way hoping there was another entrance out this place.

The man sniffed the air. “Smells like a woman has been in here.”

“There was. Another man said. He picked up body wash that only women would use and grabbed my backpack that had personal belongings in there…which included my ID. I definitely can’t go home now. I hid behind the walls of the cave far enough to where they didn’t see me. But I could faintly hear them as they investigated the area. How could I be so stupid. I should have left this evidence and grabbed my own. It all happened so fast; I didn’t have time to think. Perhaps I wasn’t gonna have time to grab everything anyway.

“Hey boss, Tony’s shoes.”

“What in the world?” The boss replied. You think he knows this girl?

“Not sure. From the looks of it, he was already gone and she was alone.”

The boss sighed irritably, unwilling to figure out the situation as it didn’t make any sense in the first place.

“Head to her place, rip it apart and find the money.”

Rip it apart? Yeah, these guys were up to know good. If I can just leave quietly--CRACK. I Bagged into a crystal cracking it open with my shoe. They heard it and my entire body raced with adrenalin and goose bumps. When I heard them take guns out, I was doomed. I turned on my flash-light and sprinted the other direction as fast as I could.

“Hey!” The man yelled as he and the boss went after me. I never been in so much fear before and I was hoping and praying that I didn’t reach a dead end. But, I did. I quickly turned around and they both blocked my way. They pointed guns at me.

“Wait! Wait! Wait! Don’t shoot!” I cried out.

“Give us one reason why we shouldn’t?” Boss aimed his gun more in my direction.

“Because I didn’t do anything wrong! I was just going to return this!”

“Where’s Tony! The other guy yelled.

“I-I-I- I don’t know who that is! I just came here to camp out and I came across the same thing you saw!”

“Boss she’s lying.”

“I’m not! I’m telling you the tru—”

“Shut up!” The boss yelled at me.

I had my hands up, “Please, take the money and I will pretend like this didn’t happen!”

“I said shut up.” The gun clicked. I bit my bottom lip to keep from uttering another sound.

“Boss, I say we kill her.”

“Wait, she may know Stella. He discreetly said, both of them could be a threat.

Then I fell to my knees with my eyes closed blinking rapidly like an old movie projector. For the first time I got a vision from a man full of light and glory stating, “Protect the Queen and we will reserve a place for you.”

I was in so much awe that I disregarded those two mean men. I said out loud in astonishment, “Who are you sir?”

Then the man said calmly, “I am He.”

The two men lowered their guns and examined me, “Who is she talking to?” He asked the boss.

“She must be talkin’ to God, Guss, shoot her, we don’t have much time.”

“You don’t have to tell me twice.”

Then a voice spoke through me, “Don’t. I’m warning you.” Guss grew afraid because the voice I had was more dominant and authorative. I wanted to be afraid myself. But the array of peace that was protruding all through me felt invigorating.

“Guss, that’s an order.” Before Guss could do anything to me, he warped, with his shoes dropping to the ground. It was the same warp sound they heard when they were talking with Tony. The boss grew in shocked, “You’re a witch! You smoked Tony now Guss!” He ran away.

Despite what happened, I needed to know he wanted from me. I respectfully address him as Lord. “Lord, please tell me what to do, I’m scared for my life.”

“Don’t be afraid, I will protect you. Take the money to her and leave her a note telling her to leave town. She will do it without question.”

“Should I leave town too?”

“No, he will not bother you anymore, but will not give up pursuing her. Protect the Queen and we will reserve a place for you.” He said once more.

The voice and his aura left me and I sank to the ground. I was so amazed by what just happened. I wanted to know more about this Queen. Who was she to him? And why would anyone want to kill this man’s property, a Queen… Was it true about what the people were saying about the end times? I have no idea but nonetheless, I did exactly as I was told. She didn’t see me, but I saw her. She was a pretty average day girl. She didn’t look like royalty, but she was very pretty. I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to meet her, so I just left the duffle bag at her door with the note. I did remove the little black book out of it though. I didn’t want to worry her. She may be worried enough that she has to leave town. I wonder if she knows who she even is. I have so many unanswered questions but with the right timing, I shall know the truth.