Dejvu said

<img src='http://www.paranormalunderground.net/forum/public/style_emoticons//tongue.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';)' />
The two boys were out late, my dad is gonna kick my a s s if I'm not there when he gets home, and its almost midnight now David told his friend Steve, pulling up his hoodie and looking around, it was a dark moonless night, cool for the End Of July,the boys had stayed to watch the movie twice, they should have been home at 10: PM, both were only seventeen, and had to be home before curfew, The Juvies are going to pick us up. I know a short cut, Steve said turning a corner and going through the empty lot, They came to the 'Angles Rest cemetery' oh hell no!! I'm not going in there David said, Man it will cut half an hour, Steve said and continued walking.
We can make it home before your old man gets home, and my mom drinks her self to sleep, she doesn't know or give a c r a p what time I get home, Steve climbed the face and dropped to the other side. David followed, OK, but I'm running, David told his friend, Ha, Ha you just sat through the scariest movie out this summer he laughed, and you're going to freak out on me now? I'm not freaking out, David grinned looking around, I just don't like graveyards, Oh come on, he said shaking his head, they started walking down the small path between the rows of graves, Look a fresh one, either yesterday or maybe today, Steve said jumping over the flowers, And leaning down he lit his cigarette lighter and read the name,

Juliana Marie Robertson
Born December 3rd 1979 Died July 23rd 2009" Left this cruel world before her Time"

Wow! She was young, only about thirty, Steve said counting on his fingers, Yeah that's tough, now lets get the hell out of here David said looking around again. What's that hanging on the stone Steve said? He reached over and picked up a locket, a gold Locket Hanging on a gold chain. Wow that's cool, I'm going to take it, You can t take that, David said, some one left that for her, that is stealing from the dead Man, No way, you cant take it, what's the diff, David, she's not going to miss it, He looked at it under the dim light from the lighter, it had a black rose engraved on it, he opened it, and inside was a photo of a man, A dark headed man with a black mustache and trim black beard, He turned it over, it said,

"We Will Be together For Eternity!

All my Love Vincent

He looked over, and next to Her grave, another grave Marked
Vincent D. Robertson

Born August 10th 1976
Died July 24Th 2009By His own hand, From Grief.
over the Loss of his beloved Juliana'

Well Vincent old boy! now its mine, Steve dropped it in his pocket and started off down the hill and through the next row of graves, they hadn't gotten far, when David said! Steve you cant take it, To late! Steve said, walking faster, David gave up, he had known Steve since they were in grammar school. And once he got something in his head he wouldn't change his mind. It seemed to get even quieter and the only sound was the sound of the boys footsteps crunching on the gravel. They both Jumped!!, stopped ,and then laughed as an owl hooted loudly, heavy fog started to filter in and settle on to the ground, A chill went up David's back, Oh man! I got goose flesh, he said. Steve said we're almost out, then he took a step and yelled, and then disappeared David stopped, and looked around, Steve! where the hell are you,? Steve! What happened? I fell in a hole, a frekking hole, Steve yelled, from down deep down in the earth,
Get me out of here now He screamed!, just then a laugh, a deep long laugh came out of the fog, Who's there? David said, silence, Nothing but the sound of Steve whimpering inside the open grave. Please David get me out of here! Dammit I think I broke my foot, it hurts something terrible, Get me out of here Now.!! And Just how do I do that Steve?, David said, looking around helplessly, The fog covering everything, David couldn't even see the end of the cemetery any more,
And then Again that laugh, a deep cold wicked laugh,

David had an Idea, Steve Throw me the Locket.! What!! Steve called up sobbing now! Do you want to get out of that hole or not ? David yelled back, Yes!! he said sobbing louder, then Throw me the locket, He heard something hit the dirt and he reached over and picked up the locket, He could now hear heavy breathing behind him, the fog lifted just enough to see Steve sitting at the bottom of the grave. He lit his own lighter and could see a ladder on the other side of the grave, Wait hold it, A ladder! He told Steve , David went over to the other side and dropped the ladder down, Steve was up and out in a flash, hows your foot? I thought you said it was broke, He said looking down at Steve who was full of dirt, Wild eyed he said, H e l l with my my foot! I want out of this place now, The laugh again, this time closer, David looked out through the darkness, The shape of a man stood next to the tombstone of Juliana.

It was then the gate out of the cemetery simply appeared out of the fog as clear as day, Steve scrambled up and over the fence, and was running down the street as fast as he could go, David Looked over at the man watching and Hung the locket on the gate, It clicked and squeaked open, David slipped out, and The cemetery gate slammed shut loudly.when he turned around the Locket was gone, The Gate was locked, he looked over to where the man had been standing, and there in the fog, Juliana And Vincent were waking hand in Hand through the mist and then just disappeared, David whistled softly. smiled to himself and slowly walked home.

The End

I cant believe my little stories are still here, its been over three years..I had to read them again . I forgot what they were even about.lol

((now someone else post a short flash fiction story and comment on mine if ya like ;D))

The wine tasted as if it wasnt real

I rose to announce a pity call

From a man who no one thought to see at all

From the words they froze stunned and shocked

And then from across the room our eyes locked

Not a person but a figure in black

Smiling waiting to attack

Thrusting his fist into my soul

Sinking to my knees

My senses low

I am taken over no longer sensible

The devil inside me makes me unreliable

I look up my mouth agape

Now begins the final rape.

Fridge poetry + Photoshop

(Ouija pic: World's first talking board - made in 1890 by Elijah J. Bond for the Kennard Novelty Company. Couldn't find credits for old ghost on stairs or planchette pic.)

The day had not gone as planned, far from it actually as a roof had fallen and an unexpected guest had stopped by. The fire had gone out and rain was constantly battering the inn as he sat there with his drink, intrigued by the whole ordeal... In the end he decided to just "give up" in a way. So, he lowered his hood, letting his deep brown eyes and black hair become accostomed to their surroundings, took a drink of his poison, and said, "I'm lookin to go south, to kill some people... I can pay, and will take any man who offers it..."

He took another sip, kind of dumbfounded at his rash actions, but not really caring with the very unexpected events that had just occured. It seemed as if he was already on an adventure, despite it not being the one he was destined for.

No two alike,

Each gently touch the world light.

A breath of steam,

Arise from a flowing stream.

A blanket of white covers the ground,

The flakes twirl and swirl around.

A silence turns a world loud,

As each unique falls from the clouds.

The world enjoys a moment of quiet,

Each person watching the snow pure as white.

... Jjb-54 2008

By

Guinevere Eden

The Prologue

April 30th 1984

The glittering sandstone of the Liverpool Cathedral bore a gothic presence across Liverpool’s River Mersey, while below, the polluted little river sparkled beneath the high afternoon sunlight. Slipping into the building’s cool interior, Evelyn Eden trailed behind her twin Elaine and their father.

From inside, they began the long ascent toward the vestry tower. Dragging the palm of her hand against the rough salmon-pink wall running up the side of the stone steps Evie enjoyed the cool, abrasive texture next to her skin. A detractor also from the pressing headache.

“Almost there.”

He sounded jubilant and Evie, counting the ninetieth stair out of one hundred and eight buckled beneath the terrible ache in her legs. A small opening stood at the top, casting light toward the trio’s feet. It meant they could stop soon.

Two steps behind her father.

“You can see all the way to Wales from up here.” He walked across the vast tower rooftop, the city, winding river and countryside exploding on all sides.

“Way over there.” He pointed to the left, black suit jacket punching a hole in the blinding sunlight.

“Ringo Starr lived over there.” He meant the Beatles drummer and continued stretching his arm toward the Dingle, a series of Welsh named streets winding toward the Albert Docks and the river.

“Your mother grew up around the corner from him. He had a yellow front door.” Still he talked about Ringo.

Breathless, Evie took her father’s hand, wishing her head did not hurt quite this much.

A feather brushing the side of the girl’s face teased a peculiar airborne lavender scent.

She pulled away.

“Happy Birthday Evelyn and Elaine, this is for you!”

She didn’t know what he meant. Clutching the feather, the child caught the bewildering sight of her father and Elaine climb to the very top of the gothic ledge. Stepping off, the pair vanished into the bright jewel of an April sky, black jacket flapping wildly behind them.

Precisely three hundred and thirty one feet below, somebody screamed.

Im liking this very much..

The dark clouds surround the sun

The thunder fills the air

I trace lines around your body

I whisper in your ear

"I'll be yours forever

however long you want me

I'll love you till the sun is gone

Stay with me and you'll see

I'll sing you sweet lulabies

And hold you when you're scared

I'll kiss you in your sadness

All of this I swear.

And even when the times are bad

And your eyes are filled with tears

I'll be laying right beside you

To whisper in your ear."

Doug sat and read his Friday Morning News paper, it was going to a long dull weekend, he took a sip of his coffee, put his hand on the lever on his recliner and started to lean back when an add caught his eye,

‘Mystery Train’

Come and join other amateur sleuths as they solve a murder, A real who done it weekend.

The mystery train leaves Grand Central Station on Friday October 10th at 12:00 midnight. A three day adventure in which your talents as a detective will be challenged, as you and your fellow travelers will get together and decide who will be the ones to solve the murder of a victim or victims of a brutal crime on board one of the oldest trains in New York, you will travel through the cool mountains with all the fall colors, and high foggy coastal cliffs, from New York State through New England . Great food and Service awaits you on the Mystery Train.

Hmmm, now that does sound like fun, Doug sat up and looked at the clock, it was 7:30 AM they don’t mention having to have reservations or the cost, what the hell, he grabbed his cell tapped out the phone number of the train reservations,

A gruff Mans voice answered, mystery Train, Hello my name is Doug Blume he said, and I would like some info on the train leaving tonight at midnight, do I need reservations? And what is the cost? Well, we did have a last minute cancellation sir; I can book you in now, will you be traveling alone? Yes, it’s just me, he said, and how much for the weekend, its Fifteen Hundred dollars sir, Doug didn’t hesitate, yes. Please do that, I’ll be there. Please have your luggage checked in at 11:30 PM Sir, No Problem, I’ll be on time; he gave the man the necessary Credit card numbers and info to book the weekend and hung up.

The day went by fast as he packed and made arrangements for his land lady to feed his cat, she was a sweet old thing and a cat lover., and was only one of a very few land ladies that allowed pets in her building. It was almost 10‘0clock .He started out into the dark night; it was about an hour to the train station, allowing time to find a secure parking space,

Doug jumped on the express lane and followed the signs and pulled into the parking lot at 11:15. Perfect. It was a clean well lit lot.

He grabbed his bag and locked his door’s. and headed across the street he could hear the sounds of trains, some already heading out, He had never been on a train, he was really starting to get excited, New York’s Grand Central Station was the busiest stations in the country and even at this late hour there were hundreds of people moving about, and the stations microphone was blasting departure’s and arrivals,

He heard, mystery train leaving on track 11 in 45 minuets. He checked in his luggage, took the tags and followed the tunnel down to track 11; there it was, a big brute with a full golden cow catcher grill in front, steam belching out of its great belly,

Oh I say this is going to be fun. The porter met him on the platform took his name and he stepped aboard, he led him to a door marked 2A opened the door and handed him the key, it was 11:45 PM,

A late supper will be served in the dinning car at midnight sir. Through that next car you can’t miss it. Doug thanked and tipped the Porter and closed the door, a small lavatory, a plush bench seat. And looking up he saw it had a pull down bed.

All Aboard!!

He heard, and a long whistle from the train, Goose bumps ran down his arms and neck, and the train lurched and started off into the night.

He followed a small crowd of people through the next car and into another world, candles sat on white linen table clothes, crystal goblets and a bottle of wine in an ice bucket sat at each table set for two people, he found his name, he glanced over at the sign across from him, Jeannie Chambers

He sat down and looked at the menu, a wonderful smell of musk hit his nostrils and he looked up, and held his breath, a beautiful redhead was looking at the sign across from him, Yep that’s me she said laughing, he stood up and offered his hand, Hi, Im Doug Blume, She smiled and took his hand it was warm, Jeannie Chambers, and she sat down across from him. I’m starved she grabbed the menu, I didn’t get off work till nine, I work at A travel Agency and we had a lot of last Minuet bookings, she said smiling. I couldn’t get a taxi and almost missed the train. Well you made it, He reached over and opened the bottle of wine, and he looked over at her, yes please! She said again with that same velvet laugh, He poured them both a glass. And the porter stopped by for there order, I’ll take the Baked chicken with rice she said, and spinach soufflé, and I’ll have a T-bone, Rare, with a baked potato, and a salad with thousand island dressing, the porter nodded and left the table, He looked around, there were only about twelve people in the dinning car, surely this wasn’t everyone.. They talked about the weather and how much fun the trip was going to be, their dinner arrived and they ate in silence, another couple a black couple arrived late also, she looked to be pregnant I hope she doesn’t get to excited he thought,,

After the dishes were removed and coffee served, the lights were dimmed and a man in a white tuxedo entered the dinning car. Hello welcome to the mystery train. My name is Henry Wilcox and I am your host this evening. I want you to enjoy your time with us, and treat the events as if they are actually happening, some time tonight a crime will occur, I’m not sure who, or what time, even I as your host will be also kept in the dark, so have fun and remember, to watch out, because the victim or victims, could be any of you.. And he smiled, and left the same as he had entered,

Jeannie looked around; I wonder who it will be? I hope it’s not me because I want to be the detective that solves the crime, as they both looked around at the strangers, the strangers were looking at them. A young married couple, two guys that looked like a couple, dressed to the nines, in slacks and sweaters. An older heavy set women and her slimmer Older male companion, another couple well dressed most likely married. He noticed that Jeannie and the young blond man's eyes met for a brief moment, but he was sitting with another blond women, there were now six couples. They got up and followed each other down the narrow car. The movement of the train threw Jeannie into his arms as they rounded a bend. Oh, I’m sorry she said as her perfume assaulted his nose again… I need to take off these heels, He stopped at 2A and she said oh good I’m right next door in 2B. She opened her door said good night! And closed it.

He unlocked his own door and pushed the slot closed, he changed into pajama bottoms. He rarely wore anything to sleep in but in case of fire he always kept them by the bed. He lit a cigarette and saw that the bed was pulled down and he sat down turned off the light and pulled open the curtains, it was dark outside the windows but he could see distant lights. It was two AM; he put out the cigarette in a glass of water, and climbed between clean cool sheets. And his last thought was of the red head next door, I wonder what she sleeps in, well I best not dwell on that, or I won’t sleep at all, he laughed to him self, and was soon snoring away.

Then loud voices woke him. Two gun shots rang out, then a scream then an eerie quiet.

He got up. turned on the light and opened the door leaning out into the train car every one was looking at each other, the large women was standing by the door marked 2E across from Doug next to the bathrooms. She was holding the hem of her robe over her mouth. There was blood leaking out under the door and running down the hall. I was in the bathroom and I heard a shot. I came out and saw blood. The conductor came running down the isle, what happened he asked? The Women told him her story, and he opened the door to cabin 2E. The conductor turned on the light and the two men that had been dressed in sweaters and slacks were lying nude on the floor, blood streaming out of there lifeless bodies, a gun lying on the floor next to them. Every one up and get dressed , into the observation car, it is through the doors on your left. Oh goodie, Jeannie said excitingly. Standing With just a thin short black nylon gown on. Flame red hair spilling over soft full breasts, legs that went up forever, Ohhh, it begins, she said slamming her door. d a m n ! Doug said sucking in his breath, tripping over his erection, he grabbed jeans and a t-shirt; he put on slip on loafers, grabbed cigarettes, cell phone and wallet and headed down the hall.

There were soft high backed swivel chairs lined up in front of the windows, he took a seat and saw most of the passenger’s in a state of undress as they set sleepily sipping the coffee that the porter was handing out, Doug looked at his watch it was

4 AM. He lit a cigarette just as the door slipped open and Jeannie talking on her cell phone was just hanging up.came in dressed in a tight black skirt and blue sweater that hugged her curves. A pair of flats on her shapely feet, her hair drawn up in to a pony tail, her face shiny and clean with only a light color on her lips, she sat down and smiled, . May I have every ones attention please, a rather large man said chewing on the end of a cigar. My name is Officer Richards New York homicide. You! He said pointing at Doug; you were right across the hall. Did you see or hear anything! No I was asleep he said I only heard the shots and the scream, you, he said pointing at Jeannie. I’m sorry, but the same, she answered.

the sounds of sobbing coming from the older lady, she was sniffing into a large hanky handed to her by her husband, this was suppose to be fun, {sniff, sniff }no one said any thing about real blood,

Doug looked around the room ,then over at Jeannie who he could see was doing the same thing, any ideas? Nope not a one she said taking a sip of coffee, I want to get into that compartment Doug said ,what do you think about our chances of sneaking in? Slim to none she said smiling, a real crime scene would be taped off right? I'll be along in a minI she said dialing her cell phone. I need to check my Messages she said.

I wonder? He got up leaving Jeannie to finish her phone call, where are you going? I’ll be right back, no one looked at him as he slid out the door , the porter stopped him I'll sorry but we are still cleaning up the crime sean Sir, Doug smiled and OK, that's fine and stopped by the bar for a refill on his drink it took a about 10 minutes as other passenger's decided to start the adventure with a stiff drink also. and then he headed down the length of the car. He came to the compartment marked 2E. A yellow crime scene taped across the door, he reached for his hanky put it over his hand and tried the door, it opened, Man, he said to himself, it cant be this easy, he ducked under the tape and entered the room closing the door behind him, It was a double bed compartment, The bodies were gone, but just like in the movies there was a chalk line traced around each one, showing how each had been lying. And a smell that…..Just then the door opened, and Jeannie ducked under the tape and stood grinning at him. I knew that you were in here, she said looking smug. Well be quiet! Or we’re in big trouble, look around for any clues that will tell you if any one else was in the room. And don’t touch any thing. Doug!!, I brought latex gloves she said, holding up her hands, I was ready for this trip. She was already walking around the small compartment looking through the suitcases. And he went into the small lavatory, razors and after shave, tooth paste and brushes for two people, the water glass sat on the sink, he saw a flash of gold, a gold wedding band sat in the bottom of the glass, Hmm, well ,so one was married, nothing unusual about that, Doug come here, Jeannine whispered, look what was under the pillow,

A Pair of women’s pink thong under wear, and get this. Only one bed has been slept in, he looked over and one of the beds was still made up. They stopped talking, Voices, then the voices stopped as the door down the hall was opened and then closed. We need to get out of here he said peeping out, he pushed the lock slot on the door and they slipped out. Come into my compartment Jeannie said.

Doug followed her into the small room. It was identical to his,

Except for the smell of her perfume. And the combs and brushes and toiletries that every women has on her night stand. And that deadly black night gown lying across the bed, they heard voices and opened the door; most of the other couples were standing in front of 2E. Discussing the two men and who they thought murdered them.

6 AM and It was starting to get light. I’m ready for breakfast Doug said, how about you? I’m always hungry, she smiled, and they left the room passing the rest of the group still standing around the taped up murder scene. They sat eating breakfast, Doug sat thinking, and looking at the scenery going by the window, I have a theory he said, What Jeannie said reaching for a piece of toast, I found a wedding band in the bathroom. One of these guys was married, maybe he was screwing around on his wife with another women, and she hired someone to kill him. and the other guy was a witness so he had to go, Well I think he was screwing around, but not with another women Jeannie said, but with a man, the other man that was killed,

Of course, one or both of them was gay, is there a jealous lover on the train? No they would have seen him. Maybe a jealous women, same thing they would know if they were on the train wouldn’t they?

The other couples had joined them in the dinning car, and sat talking, some with note books, but all talking with heads together.

I’m going to take a nap Jeannie said yawning, OK? Yeah sure, I’m good so I’ll do some snooping around, Jeannie got up and left the dinning car, Doug sat looking at the four couples, The older man and women were eating but not talking, the young married couple still taking notes, the girl shaking her head and saying, no! no! not them

Looking at the older couple, The police man Officer Richardson stood up and tapped on his water glass, attention, Any body have any ideas he said? No one was willing to give up their hunch’s. Alright you have till midnight to night to solve the crime; he took a drag of his smelly cigar and left the car. He yawned, he could use a nap too, but he wanted it with Jeannie, he got up leaving the car, and going up to the observation car, he looked back and saw the door to 2E closing, Now I know I locked that door, maybe it was the cop, yeah that’s it ,the cop. he has a key. he decided he did want to lie down for awhile, so he went into his room, pulled the curtains closed and stretched out on the bed. he lay there thinking, and listening to clack of the train as it ran along the rails.

He opened his eyes, the light was dim, he had slept almost 12 hours, but in the two hours before he slept he had figured out the mystery.

He went to knock on Jeannie’s door. no answer, he checked the dinning car, the older couple ,the young married couple, and the blond lady were eating dinner, he went to the observation car and the young man that had been with the blond women was asleep in the chair, but no Jeannie, he started to get worried, he spotted the porter cleaning ashtrays, have you seen the redheaded lady that was sitting with me , No Sir, the porter said with a blank face, not since breakfast, He tried her room again still no answer, He asked every one he ran into but Jeannie had not been seen since early that morning. The Porter came by, and he asked if he would unlock the door just to check, He knocked and said, Porter!! Ms. Chambers? Porter! He unlocked the door, and the door swung open, empty, the bed was made up. Every thing that showed Jeannie had been there was gone, sorry sir she must have gotten off the train at the last stop the porter said, She wouldn’t have left with out telling me Doug insisted, He headed into the dinning car, The policeman was drinking a bourbon and water, have you seen Jeannie Chambers? He asked, you know the red head?

No, I haven’t, he said, can you just leave if you want? You know, just get off the train? There is no one says you can’t, he said, take a drink…Well c r a p , Now I am confused. He opened his room and there was a note under the door, Doug I’m going to check out the blond women and her young friend, I saw them coming out of The Murder room this morning, I didn’t want to wake you up, I’ll be in touch.

Jeannie and a little Happy face next to her signature, Oh man! she gotten her self into something, but I don’t know what.

He started another search of the train, he did see another door at the end of the observation car. A large sign saying,

------------------------------------------

DO NOT ENTER EMPLOYEE’S ONLY

---------------------------------------

He opened the door and saw more rooms, with music or a television playing, this must be where the porters and cooks stay, he thought ,and he saw a man in a pair of grey slacks and a sweater that ducked into a room. He looked vaguely familiar, And something else, just a feeling a smell, but just as he was going to say something,

Hey you!! A voice behind him said loudly, employee’s only in that car.

A white man dressed in a cooks uniform walked up to him, I’m sorry I was just snooping, he said smiling, Oh ,That’s OK, the man said holding out his hand, Doug took it and shook his hand, he held the door open as Doug stepped back and turned to walk away, on the other side of the door he heard a voice say, I bet he solved it, he look’s like the smartest one of the whole bunch.. and then laughter.

Well of course the staff would have to be in on everything, they have to help set it up and not give anything away, but s h i t , I would love to see who and what’s in those other rooms. He continued searching but no Jeannie, and when he went into dinner it seemed that the blond young man was also missing, the young lady was talking to the

The homicide officer, her hands flailing around in the air, and her voice starting to get louder, calm down Miss. the cop told her, just calm down, but he’s my brother, the only brother I have left, please he would have told me if he was getting off the train..

Sounds familiar Doug thought, he ordered dinner and tried to think, well this shot my theory all to hell, I thought I had it figured out,

But now, maybe not. Just then a porter and a nurse came into the car he gave the Officer a note, he read it and whispered something to the lady, No she screamed ,Oh god No!! and she was led out of the car by the nurse and the officer, Did you hear that the heavy set house wife said loudly? they found her brothers body about 25 miles back, he either fell or was pushed off the train, Doug’s stomach dropped as he thought of The beautiful body of Jeannie laying along side the railroad tracks somewhere back in the dark.

He asked for a double scotch and water, he looked down at his watch 10:00 PM, only two more hours.

Everyone was talking and then the large heavy set lady stood up and pointed at Doug, Well I think the red headed girl did it, ah hell your nuts the young husband said his wife nodding her head yes at the same time. Well she’s missing isn’t she? and I bet that man was in on it, Doug Stood Up, and my motive madam? What was my motive for killing two perfect strangers? How do we know that you didn’t do it? After all you were the one that was up and standing in the hall with all the blood, How do I know you weren’t in their room getting a little action and your husband caught you and shot them both?

Well!! I never heard anything more ridiculous she said her face turning red,

you got that right!!, Her husband laughed and said under his breath but loud enough to hear, George that wasn’t funny, are you going to sit there and let him insult me. Oh Marie sit down you have been making an great a s s of yourself ever since we came on board the train.just sit down and shut up!!

I’m leaving at the next stop, I mean it, she said sobbing, I want off this train now. .She ran down the isle and out the door, George looked around at the rest of the couple, I’m really going to regret saying that he said, sorry everyone, and he left.

Wayne said, Well The man and wife, The girl and her brother, and the two victims all gone! we are left with the Young married couple and wait, what happened to the Black couple, you know, the pregnant lady and her husband?, they left the train right after the murders,she was very upset and the movement of the train made her nauseous, well then that leaves you two and me, Well what did happen to the red head? The young husband said. Doug looked at him, I’m not sure, I’ve made a search but It seems she too has left the train. By the way we are Wayne and Carol Williams he said holding out his hand, Doug Blume, he said shaking hands, and then lighting another cigarette.

Doug wasn’t sure what to do next, he sat down and ordered another double. The young couple sat down and she ordered a Diet Coke, and he asked for a Budweiser, Who do you think did it ? Well, I have a few things to check out first

But I think the two guys were gay, and someone most likely a jealous lover killed them. But was it a passenger, or did someone get on the train, do the deed and then get off?

Wow I never even thought of that angle, Wayne said, Doug took a long pull of his cigarette, well So far at least one jumped or fell from this train, and at least three have gotten off, so why couldn’t someone sneak on and then off? Like I said it’s just a theory. He decided not to tell them about the wedding ring and hot pink underwear, He wanted to keep that little tidbit to play later, What was yours Wayne?

I think it was a drug deal gone badly, The Black couple left before we found the body, how do we know she was pregnant? They can fake those bellies with pillows or stuffing of some kind. And I think the two victims were bankers or stockbrokers or something, they parked next to us back at the station and they had a brand new big fancy Lexus. Yep! drugs and a black man , makes sense to us.

Well, Doug said smiling and shaking his head, it makes as much sense as anything else I’ve heard.

He needed to go back to his compartment, and get another pack of smokes, so he excused himself and got up.

He opened the door to his compartment it was 11:45, fifteen minuets, He sat thinking, then like a lighting strike it hit him, he had it figured out.

Of course, now I know, I just needed to put all the pieces

Together, he grabbed the extra pack of cigs, and A voice over the trains intercom announced loudly, that all passenger’s were wanted in the Dinning car, He went out down the hall and back into the dining car.

The homicide officer Mr. Richardson and The two porters were all standing in front of the bar. Everyone got comfortable. Whose first The cop asked? I’ll take it Wayne said, and him and his wife stood up, he repeated his drug deal gone bad theory, and everyone clapped, The cop said good job, and very interesting Idea ,but Nope!, sorry your wrong, Next? He said looking at Doug.

Doug stood up. Well, and he paused for affect, I know for a fact that one of the victims was married, because myself and Ms. Chambers found a wedding ring in the bottom of a water glass in their bathroom, How the hell did you get into their room? Wayne said red in the face, just lucky I guess he said, we also noticed only one bed had been slept in, and under the pillow was a pair of hot pink underpants, I think That both of the men were not only gay, but lovers, The blond women Had mentioned that she had lost a brother, but she did not say how he died ,I think he committed suicide, because he had had a relationship with one of the men, The other brother,wanted to get his revenge, the one that jumped from the train, went into the compartment to confront the man, killed them both and then ended up killing himself. Jeannie chambers had a very distinct perfume I kept smelling it all over the train, she had been the one to plan the murder, she worked as a travel agent, The same travel agency that books This Mystery Train, and was a co worker of the man that jumped off the train. I think she helped plan it all,. a smug look on his face, The porter and the policeman all started clapping...

Doug sat down and then a bell rang. The door to the dinning car opened, and in walked The two victims, The Young Black couple, the lady smiling and tossing a pillow in the air, she was not pregnant.

The Blond women and her brother. The Older heavyset married couple all laughing and clapping. At last but not least Jeannie, clapping the loudest. Yeah, I knew you would do it, Every one stood laughing and clapping until, the tinkle of a glass stopped them. Standing there was Henry Wilcox ,the Man in the white tuxedo that had welcomed them all aboard the night before, Well done, young man, well done!!

You didn’t know that we had picked you to try and solve the crime, everyone aboard was in on it, and are members of our Mystery Train Staff. The only SNAFU was Jonathon or Wayne to you. Forgetting to lock the door to the crime scene, but when Jeannie ,Real name Fran!! Told us you were the one that wanted into the compartment, we set it up with the ring and Pink underwear, Which both of our actors fought over ,to see who would wear them, He looked over at them and they just grinned, and did the limp wrist thing! But put them under the pillow at the last minuet, Fran, came over and kissed him on the cheek, you were wonderful darling I 'm so happy you Won,

and win you did sir, The man in the Tux said, not only will your Ticket be refunded in full, but you win

$25.000 dollars in cash, and a free trip for two on our two week Mystery Ocean Liner Cruise in January,

He squeezed Jeannie’s Arm ,What Ya doing In January Franny?

She blushed and smiled at Doug, well, I think, that we still have one more night on this train,

and then I’m going to take a long Trip on a Mystery Ocean Liner Cruise.

The End

‘Jasmine'

　Chapter 1

John couldn't sleep, he tossed and turned, had been up twice to pee, He turned over and looked at the Alarm, d a m n it, only 5:00 Am, He had gone to bed at ten very tired from moving, he was recovering from back surgery , John owned a very successful Construction Business and never expected anything from his men that he wouldn't do himself, but the last job, he was helping lift a stack of roofing tiles and he felt something pop in his lower back, his legs went numb and he dropped to his knees, The x-rays showed he had three disks out of place, He only spent ten days in the hospital, but The rehab Doctors said it would be at least nine weeks before he can even drive, let alone go back to the construction site..

The log cabin that he had built a few miles out side Big Bear was still empty, it was fully furnished and had an open house, but no bids yet, so He hired a moving crew and spent the day putting things away, he had ordered groceries enough for least three weeks, and filled the freezer with meat. He stopped and bought a few good books and his favorite snacks; there was no TV or Internet hook up. He didn’t know if new owners would want all the trappings and technology of the twenty first century, it was after all advertised as a vacation getaway with plenty of fresh air and fishing, he had his cell phone if he had an emergency and there was a cell tower at he top of the mountain he could see it blinking away.

The two bedrooms split level cabin sat on the edge of the lake, it had a large deck that surrounded the front of the cabin with a small pier that went out about 10 feet into the water. John gave up, maybe a drink, he had also stocked the bar with all his favorites, he padded barefoot into the living room with only his boxers on, he had no problem finding the bar, the moon light through the large plate glass window lit up the room. He mixed a double and opened the sliding door on to the patio, it was a warm night with no wind, and he heard crickets and the frogs and….. What?? What was that sound? a women sobbing, no can’t be, he was wrong, no one lived within 5 miles of this property that he knew for sure, All of a sudden a light breeze blew across his face, he could smell Jasmine and he didn’t think any Jasmine was planted around the lake at all, and then again the sound of a women crying softly. It was coming from the side of the cabin near a large evergreen tree, he started to step off the deck onto the green grass and remembered he wasn’t dressed and was barefoot… So he put his drink down and went to his room slipping on a pair of cutoffs, a T-shirt and some flip-flops,

John was a sucker for women in distress, and her tears would haunt him if he didn’t find her and see what the trouble was, he stood still and listened nothing, not a sound, Hello he shouted, is anyone there? Can I help you? Again just silence. John followed the path down to the lake and into the tall evergreen tree’s. A rod Iron bench between two trees was unoccupied but the grass under the bench had indentations as if someone had been sitting there, the smell of Jasmine was very strong. He called out again. Hello!! Hello!!

I’ve lost it, there is no one here, he looked down and a small square of white cloth lie on the ground, he picked it up. It was very delicate, with lace all around and a pale pink flower, and under the flower the Initials J M F… he brought the piece of cloth to his nose and yes he could again smell Jasmine. A tint of sunrise showed on the horizon of the lake it would soon be light he yawned and went into the cabin, Maybe I can sleep now he thought, he closed and locked the sliding door and then changed his mind, Hmmm!,. If someone was out there that needed help he might not hear them. So he left the door open went to his room , slipped off his shoes and fell in to the soft bed, falling asleep quickly and deeply, with Jasmine's Hanky clutched in his hand.

John woke up blurry eyed he went in the kitchen and stared his coffee maker, as it brewed he remembered the events of the night before, he went out and stood by the bench, he could see depressions in the grass, foot steps moving away form the bench towards the lake shore, there was a small beach, foot prints led into the water,

Bare feet prints, so small they had to belong to women. John looked around, the sky was overcast and the smell of rain was in the air. Hello! Hello! He waited, the same as last night no answer, he was really starting to get curious. What the hell is going on he thought, Just as the started to call out again, a flash of lightning shot across the lake, and a low rumble of thunder shook the ground, he took one more look around the shore line, no foot prints leaving the water, the first big rain drops splashed across his face as he picked up his news paper from the deck and went inside, He could smell the coffee, yes nectar of the gods, he laughed pouring himself a steaming mug,

John wasn’t going to order the local paper but it was free for the first month so he agreed to a month’s subscription. He took a sip of the coffee and almost spilled it,

On the front page the header said, local women still missing, one year ago today, Jasmine Marie Franklin

Disappeared while honeymooning with her husband Michael only three day’s after they were married,

The couple had been out boating when a storm came up, her husband said the boat capsized and he lost track of his wife, rescue workers and shore patrol searched for over a week but Jasmine’s body was never found, Michael Franklin answered investigators questions and then left the area, repeated attempts to locate Mr. Franklin have not succeeded, and he is still wanted as a person of interest in the case. The couple had been honeymooning at the Bed and Breakfast the Eagles Nest, near Big Bear Lake, the owners said the couple was very quiet, and the young lady looked to be upset on the day she came up missing. At the breakfast table there waitress Betty, said she looked like she had been crying, ‘’and I know I saw bruises around her arms,’’ like finger prints…The family of Jasmine want to know what happened to their beautiful, daughter, they want answers as to how she could have drowned, she was a strong swimmer, she competed in both high school and collage, I know Michael did it, I just know it, her mother said sobbing..

Chapter 2

John looked at the picture of the girl in the photo, she was gorgeous…Long black silky hair, she was smiling with a hint of mystery in her eyes, of course the black and white newspaper photo didn’t show her true skin color, but she looked to have a clear creamy completion and her eyes looked to be light, maybe blue or green. What a shame, John thought, what a beautiful girl, what a sad story, He got up and refilled his cup, he turned on the little radio to pick up a LA station maybe get some weather information, the rain was beating against the class doors and windows. the lightning and thunder were fierce, he could see whitecaps across the three mile lake, the wind was blowing and the sky was getting darker and darker, just then a flash of lightning took out the lights, the silence was immediate,

The room was dark; it looked like early evening instead of ten o’clock in the morning. Another flash of lightning lit the ground around the lake. John went to the glass door and looked out. He wanted to make sure a tree wasn’t going to fall on his new SUV. It looked fine, far from any big trees, the next flash and John jumped, and he could feel the hair on the back of his neck stand up. Wow, that was close, He saw something out of the corner of his eye, a figure, the figure of women, she was standing on the shore looking out at the lake, it was hard to see through the rain hitting the glass but it was women, what the hell was she thinking? Going out in this weather with this wind and lightning? He reached over to get his hooded jacket hanging on the oak coat rack, He opened the door started out, and she was gone, just like that, gone. S h i t ! He went down the steps, Hey!! Who’s there? The wind snatched the words from his month, it was roaring, he could hardly stand, the shore line was empty, what the hell. I know I’m losing it now, he went back to the cabin closed the door, and as suddenly as it begin, the storm stopped, the lights flicked once and came back on. The little radio was talking about the rare severe storm in Big Bear; we don’t have these kinds of storms very often Sheriff Connors was saying, been at least a year, there has been a small amount of damage to some piers and sale boats, but so far no injuries or homes damaged.. John had met The Sheriff while his crew was up building the cabin, a really nice guy and had stopped by the cabin when he moved in, and wished him a speedy recovery.. I might just give him a call and see if he knows just the hell who could be wandering around here.

The cabin was cold and damp, he started a fire in the huge fireplace, and went in the bedroom and changed into sweats and wool socks. he grabbed a book refilled his coffee mug and sat in an over stuffed chair next to the cozy fire.

Because of the warm room, dull book, and sleepless night, John didn’t have a chance staying awake; he was soon snoring the afternoon away, He awoke with a start, looked at his watch almost six PM. His stomach growled, and he remembered he had not eaten any thing at all that day. He checked out the freezer, froze n pizza, quick and easy. He stuck it in the oven and started on a salad, a cold beer would top off the meal, a half hour later hunger satisfied, and he put the dishes in the dishwasher, and headed out to the deck… It was a beautiful evening

And a red sunset was mirrored across the lake, he locked the door and followed the path out and through the back of the property, he walked for a while and soon had lost sight of the cabin and lake. He continued up an incline until he came to a spot that looked over the bluff and down over the lake. On the breeze was a familiar smell,

Jasmine, He glanced over his shoulder and there she stood.

It was Jasmine, same long black hair, same eyes, only sadder this time, she was very pale and just stood looking at him., Her head was cocked to the side, her mouth open as if she wanted to speak, it was then that John noticed a blue light, almost as if Jasmine was surrounded by neon lights, she started to step back, Jasmine don’t be afraid John said softly, I wont hurt you. John could almost swear he heard the sound of wind blowing, but it was Jasmine, she turned and her voice was like a whisper. I’m not afraid of you. He is not here, who is not here Jasmine? Michael, she answered, are you afraid of Michael? John asked softly? He hurts me, she said, Can I ask you where you have been for the last year Jasmine? Been? I haven’t been any where, she said starting to cry, Michael hit me and pushed me off the boat, He held me under the water and I couldn’t hold my breath any longer, that was this afternoon, during the storm, the outline of her body started to shimmer, it was if she became translucent. He could see the trees and the lake through her,

Wait Jasmine, don’t go. Please! I want to help you. She reached out her hand and touched his out stretched one, it was cold and clammy, What happened to Michael? She asked looking around, she sat down on a large bolder and placed her hands in her lap, John sat next to her on the ground, and told her quietly what he had read in the paper that morning, that she was missing ,and that it had happened over a year ago.

Jasmine shook her head sadly, and then I’m dead. I think I knew it, but time never changed, and I felt as if I was suppose to be some place else. John reached into the pocket of his jacket and handed her the hanky he had found next to the bench, oh; I lost this, I don’t remember when. Jasmine why did Michael hurt you? She started to cry again, this time using the hanky to wipe her eyes, He didn’t want me to testify against him, he knew a wife could not testify against her husband, that’s why he married me, what did he do John asked, that would make him angry enough to want to silence you? He killed his grandfather, for his money.

Michael was the book keeper for the family business His grandfather found out that Michael had stolen thousands of dollars; he told me his Grandfather had accused him. They had fought and his grandfather had a heart attack. I found his bank book the night before our wedding, it showed thousands of dollars had been deposited in a Swiss bank account. Michael knew that I had seen the book. I told him I was going to the police. , he said he did it all for me, so we would have money to travel. Buy a new home and open our own business, But he said he would kill me if I told any one, we fought continually for the first two days of our honeymoon, He was always watching me, would never leave me alone. I tried to call but he yanked the phone out of my hands and shoved me to the floor, I lied, I promised him I would never tell anyone, after breakfast the next day. I told him I was going to take a walk around the lake, but he followed me, screamed that I had taken the bank book I said yes I had taken and hidden the book, and he would never find it ,he saw an abandoned boat, forced me in. the rest was a blur, he screamed at me. Told me I was useless, he would find someone who would appreciate what he could do for them and then he pushed me I into the water, where is the book Jasmine?, its at the Bed and Breakfast in the room we stayed in, behind a loose floor board under the bed, she told him. I will get that book and give it to the sheriff, we will catch Michael, I promise you Jasmine, he will be punished for what he did to you and to his grandfather, she looked over his shoulder as the sun went down, she vanished as easily as she had appeared…Ok, John said to him self this is just crazy, but it explains a lot.

Chapter 3

The next morning John drove down the mountain to the Sheriffs office .he sat in the office for over an hour explaining to the Sheriff all that had happened, Sheriff Connors looked at him like he had lost his mind, it’s the truth Dan I swear it, and you weren’t dreaming? No, But the one way to find out is to go and look and see if the book is there. The sheriff thought for a minute and stood up. Well all right, let’s check it out, they used the patrol car drove up and around the lake to the front of the Eagles Nest Bed and breakfast, Mrs. North opened the door to the room Michael and Jasmine had stayed in. He pushed the bed over against the wall and getting down on his hands and knees Dan slowly ran his hands across the floor under the bed, sure enough, one piece of tile was sitting a little higher then the rest, he used his pocket knife to pry it off, and there it was a small black Bank book, well Ill be damned. You did talk to Jasmine, What? You talked to A dead girl ? Mrs. North said, it’s a long long story..John said laughing.

John drove back to the cabin, he spent the rest of the day going to all of the places he had seen Jasmine, but she did not appear, He spent another restless night and all of the next day looking for her, and He was haunted by her sweet smell of Jasmine, her eyes. A week went by and one day as John was sitting on his deck looking out at the lake, Dan O’Connor’s police cruiser pulled up, he got out and sat next to John. Well, we got him, he smiled, he had just gotten off a plane, and rented a car in Monte Carlo when the FBI saw him, he took off and they chased him up and around the cliffs, remember that movie with Carrie Grant? The one where he was going around all those narrow cliffs that surround the mountain? He was swerving all over the road, almost as if someone had taken the wheel, he lost control and went over the side into the ocean ,almost 500 feet down.. When they raised the car he was gone, this was the only thing they found, he reached into his pocket and handed John a small square of cloth, with a pink flower on it, and lace all around. Even now it had a sweet distinct smell of Jasmine…

The sheriff smiled, got up got in his car and drove away. That night John went to the shore line of the lake…

he saw foot prints going in to the lake But he never saw Jasmine again..

The End

From the elevation of this balcony I observe the silent theatre. A defiant moon, struggling against an assault of tattered clouds provides the only light but it is enough to see, enough to fulfill my part, one third of an unwilling audience. Evelyn stands also, my grandmother times four. And Taliesin, my beloved Taliesin remains here, guardian of her response to events as they unfurl below. But she hesitates at the threshold, a strip of floor between balcony and nursery, a self imposed limbo.

I do understand this, fearful of being seen, she remains withdrawn, a secret spy. While I on the other hand have no such concerns and position myself center, so I may watch and condemn.

Every gaslight has been extinguished; the room now is completely without light. From the garden, the party of three will not know how the doors stand wide and how from above, we take the steady drift of secret words as they lift and rise toward us. How they thought the boy was dead and hadn’t the doctor signed the Certificate of Death, stating as much?

Shovels slice the damp air.

All of this I know. All of this I have seen before from the wet grass below, except now I understand the link that our blood runs together.

My soul cries for the loss of this connection.

My bloodline.

It is enough that I hear, I do not need to see and turn instead to the tragic figure of Adam and Eve’s mother, Evelyn, my namesake and her sworn protector Taliesin, his eyes black from rage. He does not acknowledge me but stares outward only.

We could lie upon a canvas. Three figures against a backdrop of darkness, illuminated courtesy of a partial moon, eyes fixed on something unseen yet inevitable as we relive this, eternally. Evelyn, harnessed to the innocence within the nursery, lambent in her white petticoats. Face pale, framed by dark unkempt hair so she might appear slightly deranged. And myself standing before her on the balcony proper, to the left, dressed in beige, the lesser of innocence, tainted by the darkness and the knowledge of things taken into myself.

And Taliesin, invisible to Evelyn, visible to me only because of my present state, both of us ghosts here. Myself to a time before my time. Taliesin possessing time.

Yet our presence, our simple trio is grounded by the story breathing below, our senses pressed against the cold evening. The touch of breeze against skin, the slow noise of the terrible shovel packing the wet dirt, the sight of the moon restored, whole, unwilling to eclipse the miserable deeds below. Everywhere is the smell of earth, the

aroma of it, damp, rich, swelling the inside of a memory and carrying with it the earthbound secret of death and Adam’s history.

The last of his infant breath dies. I am dizzy again and cling to the cool railing for support. My soul rises to meet my understanding and I fall toward my name and the voice calling me forward.