Salem Rising Vol 3

The next morning Jacob and Jonah sat at the table eating breakfast. Neither one of them would look at or even speak to one another. Isaac burst through the door out of breath like he had run all the way from the village. Jonah looked over at him, but all Jacob did was shake his head.

What happened? Why are you so out of breath?

Isaac tried to catch his breath as he relayed the news.

Two...more murders... There were two... more murders last night.

Jonah let out a disheartened sigh as he hung his head, cursing his dreams for their newly acquired accuracy.

Not again.

Isaac nodded his head.

Yes. The townspeople are going crazy!

No, I mean I had another vision last night; but I still couldn’t see who the killer was.

Jacob smiled as he took another bite of his food. Isaac regained his composure and walked over taking a seat at the table.

You must have personally met this killer before to be connected enough to see him commit these murders.

Jacob spoke up for the first time all morning.

Or the killer wants you to see.

Jonah and Isaac both looked over at Jacob.

What’s that supposed to mean?

Nothing, just trying to weigh out all the possibilities.

They both shook their heads as they ignored him and went back to their discussion. Isaac continued explaining what he saw in town.

The town is in an uproar. Everyone is pointing fingers. They're focusing on the people that aren’t every Sunday church folk like us. Even some Pagans are starting to question each other given the nature of the killings. This could turn bad, fast.

Jonah slammed his fist down on the table.

Dammit! I wish I knew who this killer was.

Jacob stood up from the table and put his dishes in the wash bin. He put on his cloak and grabbed his fishing pole.

Well while you two try to figure out your little mystery, I’m going to go catch us some dinner for tonight.

Jonah looked at him in disbelief.

There’s someone out there killing people, and you’re going to go fishing like nothing’s going on?

Jacob looked back over his shoulder.

Well considering the killer strikes at night, and he seems to be going after those "good" Christian folks, I think I’ll take my chances. Besides, if he attacks me, I’ll tie him up with fishing line and drag him into town.

He laughed as he closed the door. Jonah shook his head and looked back at Isaac who had the same look of confusion on his face.

He’s acting a lot more calm than usual. Something like this would normally have him a lot more on edge and I don’t mean his recent outbursts either.

Isaac shrugged.

He could be handling it in his own way. Jacob always has been a wild card.

No, there’s something more he’s not telling me. I hope he’s not going to get himself into trouble.

When Jacob got down to the water, he sat by the riverside casting his line and fishing. He was pretty focused on what he was doing until he looked down in the water at his own reflection. It smiled a sinister grin back at him. He shivered and then sighed.

This isn’t what we agreed upon.

What do you mean?

Jacob got agitated.

You know what I mean! All the murders! I never agreed to that! I want to see my parents now!

You should read the fine print before you agree to anything. We never discussed the terms. You wanted to see your parents again and I told you I could make that happen, but I have some things I need to do first.

Jacob threw down his pole in anger.

No! My body, my rules.

Hahaha! Look at you; such a persistent little bastard! I’ll tell you what, a little while longer and this will all be over. Then you can see your precious mommy and daddy.

No! That’s enough! I won’t let you hurt anymore people!

I think it’s time you learned who’s really in control.

Jacob fell to his knees and grabbed his head, groaning in protest with the inner struggle for his mind. As if it all couldn’t get any worse; Sam, Emilia, and Peter came walking around the corner down the path to the river bank. Peter was the first to spot Jacob, so he tapped Sam on the shoulder. Sam had Emilia on his arm and was too preoccupied with her to have seen him. Sam looked over at Peter to see what he wanted and his eyes lit up when Peter pointed down the bank to where Jacob was. He smiled, nodding his head at their lucky find, while walking out of the tree line toward Jacob. Peter and Emilia followed close behind.

Jacob, I didn’t expect to find you out here, but I have to say I’m glad I did.

Jacob looked up at Sam as he continued wincing from the pain in his head.

Sam. This isn’t the time. You’re in danger, get out of here! … No stick around, it’ll be fun.

Sam got angry at Jacob, figuring he was messing with him.

Do you think this is some kind of game?!

Sam kicked Jacob in the ribs, and as he fell over clutching his side it broke his concentration. The demon took control and started to laugh which made Sam even angrier.

Is something funny?!

The demon smiled as he looked up at Sam.

You have no idea.

He began picking himself up off the ground as Sam rushed in to hit him in the face. He stopped in his tracks paralyzed as the demon looked up at him and smiled. Peter rushed in to help Sam but with a wave of the demon’s hand, they both got thrown into the river by an unseen force. Emilia screamed which caught the demon’s attention as he looked over at her and smiled. He started walking her way and as she turned to run, he gave chase. She made it to the tree line before he reached out a hand and froze her in place. She struggled to break free but couldn’t as the demon approached and grabbed her. He spun her around and pinned her against a tree, as he looked her up and down like a feast.

How nice of Sam to bring me gifts.

Stay away from me you beast!

The demon smiled

I love it when you talk dirty.

Emilia continued to struggle as he leaned in and tore open her blouse. He grabbed her waist as he shoved his face between her breasts and then licked her from cleavage to neck. Emilia screamed.

No, stop!

Sam and Peter were picking themselves up out of the river. Sam looked toward the tree line to see what he assumed was Jacob rubbing up against Emilia. He grabbed the rifle off his back and cocked the hammer. He ran toward the tree line screaming.

I’ll kill you Jacob!

The demon glanced over his shoulder and smiled then he looked back at Emilia. He looked down at her breasts and then back up shrugging as he stared into her eyes and smiled.

They never learn. Pity, we could have had so much fun.

Sam took aim and fired. The round flew straight and looked as if it would meet its mark. The demon smiled and leaned to the side at the last minute. Emilia’s eyes went wide with shock as the round struck her in the forehead. Sam dropped the rifle and fell to his knees as his eyes filled with remorse and disbelief. He was in shock with what had happened. The demon looked back over his shoulder again and laughed a bit. Then he looked back at Emilia and slipped a hand inside her blouse squeezing her breast as he leaned in toward her ear.

Such a waste of pretty flesh.

He started walking off into the tree line sliding his hand across her chest as he removed it from her blouse. Once he was no longer holding her, she slid down the tree and her body came to a rest in an uncomfortable-looking slump on the ground. Peter came running up to Sam’s side with his knife drawn. He stopped in shock when he saw Emilia slumped over next to the tree with a hole in her head. He looked toward Jacob to see him disappearing into the trees as he tried to pull Sam to his feet.

Jacob’s getting away! We can’t let him escape!

Sam pushed Peter off, as he looked straight ahead with a blank cold stare.

He won’t get away. I’ll kill him and every one of his friends for what he’s done.

Sam stood up and walked over to Emilia, grief-stricken. He couldn’t even look at her for the knowledge that his hand was the one that killed her. He knelt down and placed a hand on her waist as he leaned in close to hold her.

For taking away what I love most, I will follow him all the way to hell for my revenge!

Peter walked up alongside Sam.

What do we do now?

Now, we deliver my dead wife to her parents. Then we send Jacob to hell!

Sam picked up Emilia in his arms and started walking back towards town. Peter followed close behind as he hung his head in sorrow for being unable to stop what happened. As Sam walked into town holding Emilia’s lifeless body; her mother was returning from the store and saw them. She dropped her groceries and ran over to see what had happened. Sam dropped to his knees as Emilia’s mother did the same, throwing her arms around her daughter. Sam couldn’t contain himself any longer as he began to sob along with Emilia’s mother. A crowd had begun to gather around, and one of the onlookers screamed before fainting. Emilia’s mother looked up at Sam in emotional agony.

How did this happen? Who did this to my baby?

Jacob Larson. He shot her with my rifle after attacking Peter and I. With a wave of his hand he sent us flying into the river. He had to have been possessed. No man has that kind of power. He even tried to defile her lifeless body while Peter and I picked ourselves up. We chased, but we lost him in the woods; I don’t know how, but we did.

People in the crowd gasped and began to whisper rumors of possession and the Devil. Emilia’s mother’s eyes filled with rage as she grabbed Sam’s shirt.

I want his head! You find him Sam, and you kill him for what he’s done!

Sam looked shocked at her reaction because he had never seen her so enraged. He nodded and swore revenge as the Sheriff started making his way through the crowd. When he got to the front, he looked down at Emilia’s body.

What’s going on here? What happened?

Emilia’s mother looked back at the Sheriff with rage and tears in her eyes.

I’ll tell you what happened. That heathen Jacob Larson did this to my little girl. He was possessed by a demon. Now what are you going to do about this?

What are you talking about? I talked to that boy the other day and though he may be arrogant, saying he’s possessed is insane.

She’s telling the truth. He threw Peter and myself into the river with a gesture of his hand, right before he shot my lovely Emilia in the head. Then he defiled her dead body before I could get my footing.

The Sheriff looked at Sam like he didn’t believe a word he was saying.

Now Sam, don’t be telling tall tales. If you say he did this then we’ll find him, and he’ll get what he deserves. But all these stories of Demons and mystical powers; this town is already in a panic after all that has happened. Please think about what you are saying. We need to be careful not to make this any worse than it already is.

A look of disgust and rage crept across Sam’s face.

No! You may not believe me but I know what I saw. The time for careful is over, this ends now!

Sam stood up and shouted toward the crowd.

Who’s with me? I’m going to Jacob Larson’s cabin and ending this nightmare.

Sam turned and started walking out of town with a purpose followed by Peter. As the Sheriff tried to grab him and stop him from doing anything drastic, town’s people began pushing him out of the way and following Sam. The town priest had been standing off to the side with Bible in hand, and as the last of the crowd moved past, he walked up next to the sheriff.

You had to have seen this coming.

You’re the last one I would expect to endorse this kind of behavior, being a man of God and all.

Father Michael looked shocked at the sheriff’s response. He figured by now he should know. Although, if the sheriff ever came to any of his sermons, he would have known that Father Michael’s interpretation of the lord’s word was much more literal than metaphorical. He also strictly adhered to the Old Testament interpretation of God’s wrath, with all the fire and brimstone that could be mustered.

Why wouldn’t I? These wretched blasphemers are an affront to our lord. They have no place amongst the good people of this town. Now this talk of a Demon. All the more reason we should rid ourselves of them while we have the chance.

The sheriff attempted to contain his contempt for a holy figure with such a lack of compassion and an eagerness to condemn a man with no proof. It’s what he had come to expect from religion though which is why he no longer attended mass on a regular basis. He visited the church on his own time to clear his head and have a little one on one time with God unburdened by outside opinions, but he couldn’t stand the hypocrisy of folks claiming to be touched by the Lord while their actions told a different story.

I’m still the Sheriff of this town and I won’t have these good people you speak of murdering innocent men and women. If Jacob is guilty then I’ll bring him to justice, but these people are out for blood and I hope I can stop them before someone innocent does get hurt.

Father Michael smiled with exalted arrogance.

Careful who you side with Sheriff. Your title can change.

The sheriff’s anger grew as he leaned in close.

You be careful who you threaten, Father.

Father Michael continued to smile.

Showing contempt for a man of God. You must tread more softly Sheriff.

He looked over the Sheriff’s shoulder.

Better hurry if you want to catch them in time.

The Sheriff sneered a bit as he regained his composure and turned to chase after the mob. Father Michael smiled and turned to walk back toward the church.

The mob that had joined Sam, walked out of the woods carrying pitchforks, ax handles and other assorted weapons. Sam was the first to approach the door of Jacob and Jonah’s cabin. He pounded on the door shaking it with each impact.

Jacob, open up, we know you’re in there! Open this door now before we break it down!

Jonah looked over at Isaac in confusion as he approached the door from the inside. When he opened it, he was shocked to see an angry mob standing outside, and he looked at Sam with confusion.

Sam, what’s going on? Why are you all looking for my brother?

Don’t act like you don’t know! He killed my Emilia and now he’s going to pay! Now get out of my way Jonah or you’ll get the same thing that’s coming to your brother.

Jonah puts a hand on Sam’s chest to stop him from barging into his home. Sam looked down at his hand as the rage in his eyes grew.

Sam my brother is not here. He hasn’t been back since he left for fishing earlier and I don’t appreciate you calling him a murderer. What proof do you have?

What proof!? I held my poor Emilia’s lifeless body after your brother shot her in the head!

Jonah looked at Sam with shock as he removed his hand from Sam’s chest.

I’m sorry for your loss Sam, but my brother isn’t here. I don’t know where he is and if he did what you’re saying I doubt he’s coming back here.

IF!?

Jonah put his hands up apologetically understanding that he misspoke.

Jonah, I warned you not to get in my way. Now you call me a liar and defend your murdering brother! Ahh!

Sam took a swing at Jonah catching him in the mouth and splitting his lip. The punch knocked him to the ground, so he kicked Jonah in the ribs as he moved passed followed by members of the mob.

Now stay out of my way Jonah!

Isaac stepped up to defend Jonah and their home.

Hey you can’t come here like that and start pushing us around!

Sam backhanded Isaac without saying a word as he passed by him. Two other members of the mob rushed in and restrained Isaac. Sam continued moving through the cabin.

Jacob, where are you? I know you’re in here!

Jonah picked himself up, holding his ribs.

Sam, I told you he’s not here!

Sam pointed back in his direction.

Somebody shut him up!

Members of the mob moved in to silence Jonah. He pushed the first to the ground and kicked the second one in the stomach doubling him over. Seeing that, Peter rushed in, but Jonah saw him coming.

I owe you!

Peter smiled which agitated Jonah more. Jonah swung at Peter, but he blocked it and wrapped up his arm. Then he headbutted Jonah in his nose as it gushed blood. He grabbed Jonah with his other hand and kneed him in the stomach which doubled him over. Sam continued to look through the cabin for Jacob as Peter grabbed Jonah by his shirt and slammed him up against the wall.

You talk pretty tough for someone that can’t fight.

I’m warning you Peter.

Peter laughed and head-butted him again. Much to his surprise, a pan came flying off the shelf and smacked him in the back of the head. His head jolted from the impact as he winced in pain. He let go of Jonah and spun around expecting someone to be standing behind him.

Hey! Who threw that?

The pan floated up off the floor and into Jonah’s hand and as Peter turned back to continue to beat on Jonah, he hit him over the head with it again. Peter collapsed to the ground. Jonah looked down and smiled as he wiped some blood away from his nose.

I warned you.

One of the guys restraining Isaac looked at Jonah in shock. He let go of him and pointed at Jonah.

He’s a Witch!

Jonah sighed as he glared at him.

Ignorant fuck!

Jonah flung the pan across the room smacking him in the head. He fell to the ground as Jonah ran over to free Isaac from the other guy holding him down. That guy let go of Isaac and threw his hands up like he was pleading for his life.

Please don’t kill me. I never meant to hurt anyone.

Jonah pointed towards the door.

Leave my home, NOW!

The pots and pans in the cabin started to rattle a little, as did the shutters on the windows. The mob member ran out of the house screaming. Jonah started walking towards the hallway looking for Sam.

Sam! I’ve had enough of this! Leave now or face the consequences.

As Jonah disappeared down the hallway, he quickly reappeared, backing out followed by Sam who had a rifle aimed at his head. Sam smiled as he gave Jonah a cold stare.

What consequences Jonah? Don’t imagine that moving pans and shutters with your mind is going to scare me like the rest of these people. I’ve seen a lot in this life; none of which has made me run away in fear! Before you begin threatening me, know full well that it will end in your death.

Jonah looked a little worried that he might actually not make it out of this as he continued to plead with Sam.

My brother’s not here Sam. I don’t know where he is. Please leave. Isaac and I have nothing to do with what has been going on.

Sam laughed a little.

Do you think I care? Emilia was innocent but your brother took her life away. If I can’t have your brother, I figure I can at least even the score.

As Sam stated this intention, the Sheriff entered the cabin with his gun drawn.

Put down the rifle Sam.

Sam looked over Jonah’s shoulder at the Sheriff.

This situation’s getting out of hand Sheriff. We need to send a message.

By killing an innocent man?

Sam stared at the Sheriff as his level of anger grew until he almost couldn’t contain it.

Innocent? What makes you think he has nothing to do with this.

Last time I checked he wasn’t the one holding a weapon to someone’s head.

Don’t try to turn this around! This has to end!

The sheriff shook his head and sighed.

I agree, but killing Jonah isn’t going to bring Emilia back and it isn’t going to bring you any closer to finding her killer.

Isaac watched intently, wondering what the outcome would be. Sam looked like he was trying to find an answer to an impossible question.

What would you have me do?

Lower your weapon, and let me do my job. I give you my word I will find Jacob and I will bring him to justice, but I’m not going to stand by and watch you murder a man in cold blood.

Sam thought about it, then slowly lowered his rifle. Jonah and Isaac both let out sighs of relief. Sam walked toward the Sheriff as he lowered his gun. Jonah turned toward him with regret on his face.

I’m sorry about Emilia, Sam. I wish there was something I could have done.

Sam stopped, took a deep breath, and closed his eyes as he tried to control his temper. He turned his head to acknowledge Jonah.

I don’t need your pity Jonah. You better pray I don’t find out that you had anything to do with what your brother has been doing.

Sam walked out the door passed the Sheriff. Some other members of the mob picked Peter up off the floor and helped him out the door as they followed. The Sheriff rubbed his brow and sighed, then looked toward Jonah and Isaac.

I’m sorry about all this trouble boys. You sure you don’t know where Jacob is.

Jonah shook his head.

No sir. Like I said, we haven’t seen him since he went fishing this morning.

Well if you hear from him you let me know right away. I don’t want this getting anymore out of hand than it already has.

Jonah and Isaac both nodded. The Sheriff turned to leave, shutting the door behind him. Jonah rushed over to the window and watched them walk away. When he was sure the coast was clear he grabbed his coat and got ready to leave. Isaac looked over at him like he was shocked that he would even go outside the door after what happened.

Where are you going?

I have to find my brother and figure out what’s going on. If he’s hiding, then there’s only one place I think of that he can be.

Where's that?

I’m sorry Isaac but the less you know the better. I’ll let you know what I find out.

Jonah looked out the window one more time and then left. Isaac put his head down on the table with worry.

May the God’s guide you my friend.