The Backwards People

By Brett Hosmer

A strange and unusual event has changed the shape of the city of Hillcrest. A meteor has crashed to the earth on the outskirts of town, trailing behind it a mysterious, bright white light.
A few days later, reports begin to surface of an even greater enigma. People and vehicles are seen traveling inexplicably in a backward manner throughout town. Residents and police are baffled, as no logical explanation can be offered as to the sudden emergence of these bizarre events.
Steve Ferrier and Kalia Rollins, mystified and frightened as a result of these happenings, decide to investigate the site of the mysterious light in search of an answer. What they end up discovering turns out to be something even more terrifying than either of them could have ever imagined...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brett Hosmer
• Release date: Aug 18, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476478456

Brett Hosmer

I am 35 years old and live in Lansing, Michigan. Since I was a child, writing has been a passion of mine and I am thankful for the opportunity to share with all of you my creative visions and hope that each of you will enjoy my work. I appreciate any feedback that any of you have to offer.

Book preview

THE BACKWARDS PEOPLE

PART ONE: THE PHENOMENON

By

Brett Hosmer

The Backwards People, Part One: The Phenomenon

Brett Hosmer

Copyright © 2012 by Brett Hosmer

Smashwords Edition

This book is a work of fiction and any similarities to actual people, living or dead, places or events is strictly coincidental.

This book should be classified as Adult Reading material due to strong language, violent and sexual themes. Please utilize proper discretion as you read this book.

Many thanks to my mother, Margaret, for her continuing support of me through some difficult times and for not allowing me to give up on my dreams. Without her, this book would not be possible. Thanks also to Ryan Marquardt for his artistry in the cover design. Much thanks as well to Danielle, Kyra, and many others who have stood patiently by me and supported me as I practiced my writing.

The Backwards People began as a single story concept way back in 2001 and eventually developed into a six-part saga. I thoroughly enjoyed writing these novels and hope that all of you reading this will enjoy the saga as much as I did in creating it.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

******

THE BACKWARDS PEOPLE

PART ONE: THE PHENOMENON

******

Chapter 1

THE HEADLINE READ, Another sighting.

The subtitle read, Fifth confirmed sighting in two weeks. Who are the mysterious Backwards People?"

Steve Ferrier set his newspaper down on the television stand as he picked up a cup of coffee. He took a sip as he pondered the news headline. The newspapers had been all over this bizarre story since the first confirmed sighting two weeks prior to today, of what had become somewhat of a source of local hysteria around the city of Hillcrest. A strange group of individuals, dubbed the Backwards People.

Steve had yet to encounter one of these alleged beings, who had been rumored to have been ordinary looking people with one huge exception. Everything they did was done in reverse. They would walk backward, talk backward, even eat backward, as impossible as it seemed. They had been feared by the citizens of Hillcrest as well as an object of their fascination. Steve simply stood by the old adage, I’ll believe it when I see it.

He sat down in his recliner and grabbed the television remote. Steve always tried to catch the morning news before he went off to work.

Good morning, today is Friday, October ninth, spoke the news anchor, a woman in her mid-forties. Our top story today, there is still no word on the mysterious disappearance of twenty-one year-old Brian Meadows. He was last seen leaving his job at this local pizza parlor on Pine Street at about eleven p.m. on Tuesday, although strangely, his mother has claimed that he was home shortly before that time. His manager at work has sworn that he had never left work early and did not leave until his shift had ended at eleven. As she spoke, the screen cut to a shot of a restaurant called Pete’s Pizza Parlor, where it was said that Brian Meadows had worked.

The guy’s probably dead, Steve said as a photo of Brian, who they said was twenty-one although he appeared much younger, was displayed on the television screen.

Steve stood up and walked into the kitchen to make himself some breakfast as he paid no attention to the rest of the story. As he placed two slices of bread in the toaster, his ears perked up when he heard the news anchor change the subject.

In other news, there has been yet another alleged sighting of what has been truly a phenomenon here in Hillcrest. The so-called Backwards People.

Steve left the kitchen and returned to his living room, where his eyes were fixed on the television screen. He watched and listened intently as the news anchor continued with her story. She described these people just the way they had been rumored to be: People that inexplicably did everything in reverse. Just then a young man about eighteen years of age appeared on the screen, being interviewed by one of the news reporters.

I’m here with this man who has claimed to have encountered one of the Backwards People, the reporter said. May I ask you, sir, to describe exactly what you saw?

Yeah, the man replied, looking wide-eyed and obnoxious. I was just walking down the sidewalk, and when I rounded the corner, suddenly, here’s this guy, and he’s walking backwards! I said ‘Hi’ to the guy, and I don’t think he could understand me. I know I sure couldn’t understand him. He was talking like this, and mimicked the words of what he claimed the backwards person had said, which all sounded like a bunch of tongue-tied, unintelligible gibberish. I’ve never heard anything like it. It wasn’t Spanish, French, or any other foreign language I’m familiar with. Everything he said sounded like you were playing a tape backward. I can’t figure it out.

Steve’s attention was quickly diverted by the sudden loud beep of the smoke alarm. Shit! The toast! he yelled as he ran into the kitchen. He had forgotten that he had set the dial all the way to dark, and thus the toast had burned. He carefully reached out and touched the hot, blackened toast and quickly threw them into the garbage.

Well, so much for that, he said. I’ll be late for work if I try to eat now. Steve flipped off the television and quickly drank the rest of his cup of coffee. He took another quick glance of the newspaper as he adjusted his tie. Backwards People, he scoffed. Whatever. People will do anything these days to get their mugs on TV.

He grabbed his keys and his briefcase and headed out the front door of his house. As he walked toward his car, Steve looked up at the sky and admired the weather. It was a beautiful sunny day, approximately seventy degrees with a cool breeze. Damn, this sucks, he said aloud to himself. It would be a great day to just go out and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. And I got to be indoors, typing papers all day. We won’t have too many days like this, before winter will take over and we’ll have snow and ice to deal with. It’ll be here before I know it.

As he unlocked the driver’s side door to his car, suddenly he saw a young man, running on the sidewalk in the direction of his driveway. Backwards.

HEY! Steve yelled at the young man, looking at him with peculiarity. Steve expected this man to run away even faster from him, but, oddly, he didn’t. Instead, he stopped and stared at him for a moment. Steve was speechless. He didn’t know what to say. Before he could utter another word, however, the young man began walking, in a regular walking pace, backwards, not even looking in Steve’s direction. It was as if he suddenly didn’t know he was even there.

Steve continued to watch the young man, who only appeared to be about sixteen, for a moment. He thought about following this person, but looked at his watch and quickly abandoned the idea. He had five minutes to get to work.

No time to worry about this now, he said as he entered his car and backed out of his driveway before heading off to work. On the drive there, many thoughts and questions entered his mind. Who was this young man? Was he one of these Backwards People that he had heard about on the news? Why did they walk backwards? Was it some sort of disease? Why did the man appear to be running in fear, then upon seeing Steve, he began walking calmly, albeit backward, like he had completely forgotten that he had even saw him? Did the sight of Steve calm his fear?

The young man continued to invade Steve’s thoughts as he arrived in the parking lot of Ohlman Electronics, his place of profession. What did these people want? Who were they? And most important, why were they that way, and how did they come to be that way?

These were questions that Steve had hoped to find an answer to before long.

******

Steve arrived in his office at eight-thirty five in the morning, five minutes late for his shift. He was greeted by a secretary, a middle-aged woman that Steve had not seen before and was not his usual secretary. Here are your assignments, Mr. Ferrier, the woman said, handing Steve a half-inch thick stack of papers. Dr. Ohlman told me to tell you that it’s not as bad as it looks. By the way, you’re five minutes late.

I’m aware of that. Where’s Anna? Steve asked the woman. She’s usually the secretary here. I’ve never met you before.

My name’s Louise, she said. I’m the fill-in secretary for today. Anna didn’t show up for work this morning, and there’s no answer at her home. Dr. Ohlman, I hear, is a little peeved at her. He thinks that she no-showed because the weather is so nice today.

Steve quickly dimissed that thought. That’s not like her though. Anna has been here every day, since I first started anyway. She even spent a week here while she had the stomach flu a few months ago. She never calls off.

She’s called off once in six years, from what I understand, Louise said. I’ve heard she always was a model employee.

Well, whatever it is, I’m sure there’s a good reason why she’s not here. I know Anna. She wouldn’t just take the day off because of the weather. I’m actually a little upset at Ohlman for even thinking that way about her.

Well, that’s something that you’ll have to discuss with him. I have to get to work.

Yeah, me too.

As Louise resumed her duties, Steve sifted through the stack of papers she had handed him. He found it difficult to concentrate with his thoughts now solely on Anna after being on the backwards man he had seen earlier.

I can’t imagine why she’d not even call in if she wasn’t going to be here, he thought to himself. Something just isn’t right here. I wish I knew what it was. He turned back to the papers. I got to keep my mind on work.

Steve, as a child, had suffered from attention deficit hyperactive disorder, and even though through the work of medication during his teenage years the symptoms had gradually decreased, still today at age twenty-four he still had problems focusing on the tasks at hand. He often would keep his mind focused on things he would find interesting and intriguing rather than things that were of importance, and as a result, his thoughts were consumed by Anna instead of his job.

In the five months since Steve was hired at Ohlman Electronics, he had developed somewhat of a crush on Anna Peterson. She was twenty-nine, five years his senior, and she was the top-ranking secretary at the office. She had trained Steve on his first few days at the office, and he instantly developed a rapport with her. He found her attractive and friendly, and had always figured if she ever separated with her boyfriend, he would jump at the chance to ask her out on a date.

Steve’s thoughts soon turned once again, as suddenly, three police officers entered the office halls. Steve watched from his cubicle as the officers walked straight past him and the other workers, down the main corridor to the end of the hall to Dr. Ohlman’s office, where they soon entered and closed the door.

What’s going on with Ohlman? he wondered aloud as Bob, a fellow office employee, turned to Steve. I don’t know. I hope we aren’t getting shut down.

Me too.

Donald Ohlman was the owner and founder of Ohlman Electronics, an up-and-coming local company based in Hillcrest. Ohlman was a shrewd businessman, with long-term plans of expanding his product and becoming a multimillionaire as the owner of a national corporate enterprise. He was in his early-fifties, and Steve looked up to him with utmost respect as a stern but friendly employer. Ohlman preferred a relaxed, laid back atmosphere and had no objections to casual conversations and interaction at the workplace, just so long as everyone was giving an honest effort on the job. After hours, he enjoyed spending time at the local bars, having some drinks and joking with others. Although he was nearly thirty years Steve’s senior, Steve looked at him almost like an older brother at times, as Ohlman loved to clown around, and only once or twice ever did he see him extremely angry or upset. It was with all these things in mind that it seemed so strange that Ohlman would now be having a closed door meeting with three police officers. Ohlman certainly didn’t fit the mold of a model criminal.

About twenty minutes later, the door to Ohlman’s office door opened, and out stepped the three policemen. Steve’s fear was that Ohlman would soon be following them in handcuffs. To his relief, however, he did not. The police officers did not say a word to anyone else as they simply left the office building.

Five minutes after that, Ohlman walked out of his office carrying his briefcase. He had a look of dejection on his face. Steve, as well as some of the other employees, immediately sensed that something was wrong. Ohlman never was depressed about anything. Steve watched from his office cubicle, which was situated near the back of the room, on the opposite end of the room from Ohlman’s office. He saw Ohlman calmly speaking with other employees, who seemed to have a look of bewilderment on their faces immediately after Ohlman had spoke with them. What was going on? Was the business being shut down? Was everyone in the room about to lose their jobs?

Steve looked at the clock. It was already a quarter past ten, and he had only read through two pages of his stack of papers. Considering the unusual circumstances surrounding the day and his friendly relationship with Ohlman, Steve felt no fear of being ridiculed as Ohlman slowly neared his cubicle. He watched several employees grab their briefcases and leave the office. Was Ohlman firing people?

What the hell? Steve wondered to himself, as he observed another co-worker pack her briefcase and leave the office. Steve had suddenly forgotten about the backwards person and Anna. His fear now was for his job.

After what seemed to Steve like an eternity, Ohlman finally stepped into Steve’s cubicle. I’m sorry progress has been slow, Dr. Ohlman, Steve started. I’ve just been worried ever since I saw those officers come in here. What’s going on? We’re not being shut down, are we?

Steve, Ohlman started, taking a deep breath, No, we are not being shut down. Oh, how can I say this?

Just tell me. What is it?

Ohlman sighed. Anna Peterson was found dead this morning.

Steve’s jaw dropped as he stared at Ohlam in disbelief. What? No! What... what happened?

The police said that her body was found early this morning, in the back of a dark alley in the ghetto suburbs of Hillcrest. They said that her throat had been slashed, along with a deep cut on the palm of her hand. But it was definitely the throat injury that killed her.

Oh, my God! Why her?

I don’t know. The problem is, that isn’t even the most disturbing facet of all of this.

There’s more?

The police said that the coroners have examined her body, and they have determined that she died a week ago.

Steve was incredulous. A week?! Are you kidding? She was here in her office just yesterday!

That’s what I was trying to tell those idiots! Ohlman yelled.

Anna’s dead? asked a co-worker sitting in the cubicle behind Steve, who had not yet been told the news.

Ohlman continued. There’s no way, NO WAY she could possibly have been dead a week. Steve, you saw her here yesterday, correct?

Absolutely!

Ohlman turned to the man behind Steve. You saw her yesterday too, didn’t you?

I’m positive, unless she had a clone or a twin sister that we don’t know about.

My point exactly, said Ohlman. We all can confirm that she has not been dead a week.

The coroner must have been mistaken about the time of death, Steve said.

The police said it’s accurate. Two coroners examined her, and they both verified it.

How is that possible? How could they both be mistaken?

I can’t explain it. The officers said the two coroners had a combined sixty-five years of experience, and their track record is exemplary when it comes to determining the exact cause and time of death.

Doc, we saw her yesterday.

I know, Steve. I saw her too.

Then what the hell’s going on here?

It doesn’t matter. The bottom line is, Anna is dead, and there isn’t anything we can do to bring her back. I’m prepared to name Louise as her permanent replacement on Monday. That being said, as of now, I’m canceling business operations for the rest of the afternoon. You all are dismissed. I can’t expect anyone to concentrate on work after hearing of a tragedy such as this.

Okay, Dr. Ohlman, Steve said, as he packed his briefcase. Have a good weekend.

I’ll try. I do expect you and everyone else to report to work on Monday as usual.

Monday’s the twelfth. Isn’t that Columbus Day?

Yes, but we still operate on that day. You should know we’re only closed five days of the year, Christmas, Thanksgiving, the Fourth of July, Memorial Day and Labor Day.

All right, Doc. I’ll see you on Monday.

As Steve arrived home, his thoughts were on Anna. He could not believe she was dead. Even more disconcerting to him was the thought that how on earth could anyone say that she had been dead a week, when in fact, she was alive just yesterday? It made no sense on the surface. He changed his clothes, putting on a black sweater and blue jeans, and sat down in his recliner again. He looked to his left at the television stand, where the newspaper laid face up. He read the headline Another Sighting once again, and picked up the newspaper, and this time, read the article in depth.

As he read, he became more and more fascinated with this strange phenomenon. The man Steve had seen earlier this morning had to have been one of them. He was now convinced of this. Yet the question remained. What caused these people to be? The first reported sighting was approximately two weeks ago. There had been four more reported sightings since then, with the fifth being the subject of this morning’s newspaper. But how many other sightings had gone unreported, such as Steve’s sighting of the backwards man as he walked to his car? Just what were the Backwards People? Were they the result of some strange experiment gone wrong? Could these people kill? Have they killed? Was Anna a victim of them?

So many questions. And not a single answer

Chapter 2

FRIDAY EVENINGS WERE Steve’s relaxation and recreational time after a long work week. As a twenty-four-year old single male living on his own, home was generally not the place to be, especially on a night such as this, with a lot weighing on his mind. He figured that later he would call his best friend Dave Francis and see if he would want to have a night out, something to get his mind off of Anna, an escape from the mental anguish.

That would be later. After all, it was only six p.m. Most bars and clubs were fairly dead until at least nine. With plenty of time to spare, Steve decided to flip on the evening news.

Good evening, tonight is Friday, October ninth. The same woman that did the morning news also did the evening news on this channel. Steve’s first thought was, Where does she get time to herself?

The news anchor began again with the top story, and quickly, Steve’s attention shifted once again. Twenty-nine year-old Anna Peterson was found dead this morning in a back alley next to the old Thompson Warehouse. Police have been baffled by this case ever since the body was discovered. There has even been a controversy surrounding the exact time of death. The local coroners have examined the body, and have each determined that she had been killed a week ago last Friday, and have evidence to support that claim. However, her family and employer have both stated in official police interviews conducted this morning that Miss Peterson was in fact, still alive up until last night. Police officers however, have since dismissed their statements and have upheld the coroners’ disclosure of the time of death, which is now officially being listed as last Friday, October second.

Aw, that’s such a crock of bullshit, said an angry Steve upon hearing that report. I can’t believe the cops would agree with the statements made by two people over twenty.

He continued watching the news, as the news anchor began her next story, once again about the Backwards People, except this was more of a fluff piece.

Backwards Mania is running rampant in Hillcrest today, as dozens of citizens have taken to wearing Backwards People shirts and hats. Steve watched as on the screen, a young couple were displaying shirts that read on the front... Nosrep Sdrawkcab A m’I. And on the back it read. Am I coming or going? The news anchor continued as Steve shook his head. In keeping up with what has become somewhat of a fad around Hillcrest, a local doll maker is in preparations for... you guessed it, Backwards Dolls! These dolls will be made to walk backwards with a pull of a string, thereby imitating the actual people. The woman turned to her right where another newsman had a smile on his face. I can’t wait for those to come out. What about you, Don?

The man now spoke. Thank you, Pat. Now we have an update for you on the meteor shower that took place two weeks ago...

Steve had heard enough, and shut off the television. Don’t care about the meteor shower. He shook his head. Backwards People dolls. Give me a break.

He picked up his telephone, and dialed a number. Hello? the voice on the other end answered after three rings.

Hey, Dave, it’s Steve.

Oh, hey! What’s up, man?

Not much. I’m just watching the news. I’m wondering, what are you doing tonight?

You’re watching the news? Hey, have you been hearing about this Backwards People craze? About those people they say talk backward and walk backward and...

Yeah, Dave, Steve interrupted. That’s all that I’m hearing about. Frankly, I’m getting sick of it. But look, I’m just wondering what you have planned for tonight.

Well, I was going to try and catch a movie with Brandi, but I guess she’s not home. You know, I’m starting to think that maybe I should just forget about her and try to find another girl. She always says that she likes me, but every time I want to go out with her, she pulls something like this. She won’t answer her phone, or she’ll say she’s busy, or something.

How about we go to the bar? I’ve had a rough day.

Dave sounded concerned, sensing depression in Steve’s voice. What happened, man? Did you have trouble at work? You know, we’re always hiring at my job. There’s no pressure there, as long as you’re not screwing around.

No, my job’s all right. I basically just sit in a cubicle and type up office papers all day. And it pays pretty good too. Seventy grand a year. He paused. But that’s not what caused my rough day. One of my co-workers got killed today.

One of your co-workers? What happened?

They just had it on the news. Anna Peterson.

Wasn’t she the blond girl that you said was hot?

Yeah, that was her, but that’s not my point. The cops said she had been dead for a week. A WEEK!

Yeah, so?

She was at work yesterday. And Wednesday. And Tuesday, and Monday! She’s been there all week! Now, how in the hell could she have been dead for a week?

Chill out, Steve. They probably just screwed up on their calculations. I don’t think that you can always get an accurate read on those.

The coroners had over sixty years of combined experience. The cops said there’s no way they could be wrong.

Is that what they told you?

No, they didn’t talk to me. That’s what I’ve heard from Ohlman.

I don’t know, man. But the whole thing smells like a big conspiracy to me.

Oh, there you go again, with your damn conspiracy theories again.

Look, it’s just like I’ve been telling you about that meteor crash. That was two weeks ago, right?

I think so. Why?

Don’t you find it weird that these backwards people started showing up right after the meteor crashed? But the cops and the military haven’t said a word about them and officially deny that they exist.

What are you saying?

I’ve heard that they blocked off the road that goes by where the crash is. They just did it today. I guess the military doesn’t want anyone else near the meteor. You know what I think?

What, Dave? Steve asked, sounding annoyed.

I don’t think that it’s a meteor at all. I think it’s a spaceship. I think that the backwards people are actually aliens disguised as humans.

Dave, come on! That’s ridiculous!

You probably would have thought Roswell in 1947 was ridiculous too. I’m telling you, man, it’s all a big damn conspiracy by the government and the military! Once again, they want to leave the civilians in the dark, just like they always do.

All right, that’s enough. I agree the whole thing stinks, but I’m not going to go so far as to say that it’s a conspiracy. There has to be some sort of logical explanation why a woman that was clearly alive yesterday could be mistaken by two experienced experts as someone that has been dead a week.

I don’t know, man. But does it really matter? I mean, if she died yesterday or died a week ago, the bottom line is, she’s dead, right?

Steve sighed. I know. You’re right. I guess I’m just so upset and in shock that she’s really dead that I’m getting myself all worked up over what the police have said. It just makes me feel like they’re hiding something.

Dave laughed. Now who’s talking about a conspiracy theory?

Yeah, yeah. So, are you busy tonight or not?

We’ll go to the bar. Is Johnny’s Club all right?

Sure.

Maybe a few drinks will put your mind at ease. Besides, Johnny’s on a Friday always means two things.

Cold drinks and hot women, Steve and Dave both replied.

All right, said Steve. I’ll meet you there at about nine-thirty.

Sounds cool.

Steve said good-bye to Dave and hung up the phone. Conspiracy, he said to himself. I don’t know. Maybe he’s right, but, who knows? All I know is this whole thing with Anna just sounds really screwed up. I wish I knew the truth, but for some reason, I get the feeling that I never will.

******

Nine-thirty p.m.

Steve arrived at Johnny’s Club, a local hot spot situated in downtown Hillcrest. It was here where many young singles and couples would meet for a drink, a dance, pool or darts. Friday evenings were usually the busiest night. The club was beginning to fill up now, and would be even fuller as the night hours progressed. Steve walked in and found several empty stools at the bar. He sat down at one and ordered a beer. Looking around the club for Dave, he spotted a man against the far wall standing still and silent, but was moving his head around, as if he was scanning the scene. The man was wearing a trench coat and dark sunglasses, which seemed quite unusual to Steve. Steve turned back around and called for the bartender.

May I help you? the bartender asked as he was wiping down a glass.

That man, over there, Steve said, pointing in the direction of the suspicious looking individual, who had short, slicked back hair. How long has he been here?

I haven’t been watching. Why?

He just looks suspicious, like he’s waiting to start something.

Well if he does, I’ll take care of it, The bartender said before walking away to help another customer. Right then, Dave sat down next to Steve.

Hey, Steve, you been waiting long?

No, not at all. I’ve only been here about five minutes.

Dave raised his hand to call for the bartender. So, Steve, have you seen any hotties yet? he asked, using his typical phrase to define an attractive woman.

Honestly, I haven’t really looked yet. I’ve been looking around for you.

Come on, Steve! There’s a bunch on the dance floor right now!

You go ahead, man. I’ll wait right here.

Right then, the bartender tapped Steve on the shoulder. Steve, who had been facing the dance floor with his elbows on the bar, turned around and faced the bartender.

Where’s your friend? I thought I saw him call for me.

Oh, he went out to the dance floor. But I could use another beer.

Wow. That was quick. Don’t down them all too fast. I don’t want to have to have the bouncers carry anyone out of here. He handed Steve another bottle.

Thanks, Steve said. I’ll slow down.

Just then, two very attractive young women sat in the two bar stools to Steve’s left. They paid no attention to him as they continued their conversation. Steve immediately glanced at the woman to his immediate left. She had on a skin-tight red shirt with a V-cut neck, and tight blue jeans. He couldn’t see her face, but she had long curly auburn hair that extended to the center of her back.

Wow, Steve said to himself. This girl is gorgeous. I have to talk to her.

Steve tapped the girl lightly on the shoulder. She turned to him, and Steve immediately studied her face. She had what Steve considered the perfect face, along with sparkling green eyes. This was quite possibly, the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.

I’m Steve, he said with a smile, extending his hand.

Hi, she said, offering him a smile which showed off an almost perfect set of white teeth. I’m Kalia.

Steve tried his best to hide his look of admiration as he offered to buy her a drink.

Sure, she said.

Steve called for the bartender again.

Well I guess this proves you are interested in the ladies, the bartender said to Steve as he eyed Kalia. What will it be for the miss here?

I’ll have a Long Island, Kalia said in her soft, sensuous voice.

One Long Island ice tea. He looked at Steve. You ready for three yet?

No, I’m still working on two, he said as he held up his half-full beer can.

The bartender left momentarily to prepare Kalia’s drink. She turned to Steve. This proves you’re interested in the ladies? she asked, almost laughing. What was that all about?

Oh, Steve said, sounding embarrassed, There’s some guy standing over there, he just looked like he was the type that would pull a gun out and start shooting people for no reason. I was watching him for a moment. He looked over in the direction where he had seen the mysterious man, but he was nowhere to be found. Well, he was there.

At that moment, he overheard a conversation from some people sitting in the bar stools a few seats to his right. They had seen the man leave, and apparently, he left the bar out the back entrance, backwards.

Thank you, Kalia said as the bartender handed her the drink. And thank you too, she said to Steve, who immediately turned his attentions back to her. What’s going on? I saw you looking over there. Was there a fight or something?

Kalia, have you heard the stories about these backwards people?

Oh yeah, she answered as she sipped her drink. That’s all I ever hear about on the news these days. It’s weird. Stacy here thinks that they’re aliens, she said, nudging her friend next to her.

I do not, she replied in a way that sounded more like a denial than anything else.

Don’t worry, Steve said to Stacy. My friend thinks the same thing. He thinks it’s all some sort of government conspiracy.

Stacy stood up from her bar stool. I’m heading for the dance floor. Do you want to join me, Kalia?

I’ll be there in a minute, Stacy, she responded, turning to Steve. Can you dance?

Honestly, I’m not very good at it. I’d probably make a jackass out of myself.

Hey, don’t feel bad. I can’t really dance good either. Are you here by yourself?

I’m here with my friend Dave, he said, pointing to the spot on the dance floor where Dave was presently, as Steve thought to himself, making a jackass out of himself.

Kalia saw Dave. What the hell’s he doing? she asked as she giggled. Doesn’t he know the John Travolta Saturday Night Fever era ended years ago?

I don’t know, Steve replied. Dave’s a goof, though. He’s always thought he’s a ladies’ man, and it’s just so funny because all the girls he tried to get with, not all, but most, anyway- would tell him to get lost. I’ll give him credit, though. He’s like Rocky. You knock him down, he’ll always find a way to pick up his teeth and try again.

For the next several minutes, Kalia and Steve talked to each other at the bar. Steve ordered his third beer, while Kalia still sipped her drink. Steve watched Dave on one end of the dance floor while Kalia watched Stacy on the other end. Both were appearing to be unsuccessful at finding one to dance with, Dave because he was making a fool of himself, and Stacy because most of the men were drinking and making passes at her rather than wanting to dance. Then Kalia turned to Steve and asked him a question.

Do you think what’s going on lately on Lake Shore Drive has anything to do with those backwards people?

Steve’s mind flashed back to a story on the news the previous evening. Until now, he never thought much of it. For the past two weeks, cars had begun disappearing on Lake Shore Drive, a seldom-traveled rural road about four miles south of Hillcrest. Nobody could seem to understand why the cars and their passengers were disappearing while traveling down the road. There had been a few reports of witnesses viewing a bizarre, mysterious light stretched across the road, and some were wondering if the light had any connection to the people’s disappearance. People were even more baffled by the fact that right around this same time is when the first alleged sighting of a backwards person was reported. The police, not surprisingly, had already come out with an official statement saying that the disappearance of these cars and their occupants had absolutely, positively nothing to do with the backwards people, and there was absolutely no truth to the rumors of there being a strange light stretched across Lake Shore Drive. Yet many people remained skeptical. But if the police were correct, then what could be the cause? Just then, Steve remembered something.

Kalia?

Yes?

Wasn’t it two weeks ago when we had that meteor shower?

Kalia took another sip of her drink. I think it’s been about two weeks since then. Why?

I wonder if that might have some connection to the cars’ disappearance.

Who knows? she replied, shrugging her shoulders. I really don’t know why. All I know is that those people freak me out.

Yeah, Steve said, as he chugged down the rest of his beer. I don’t think they’re really anything to be scared of, he said aloud while silently wondering if they were behind the strange death of Anna.

Damn, you drank that beer fast, she said with a smile. Planning on getting hammered tonight?

I don’t usually drink, at least not this much, but tonight there’s just a lot on my mind. He called for the bartender again.

Hey, man, the bartender said to Steve, This is your fourth one tonight. I hope you’re getting a ride home.

I’ll take him home, Kalia said suddenly. I’m fine. I’m just going to finish this and be done for the night, she said, holding up her drink which still was about a third full.

Are you sure? Steve asked. I don’t want you to have to go out of your way.

Yeah, I’m sure. You seem like a nice guy, Steve. I won’t mind.

Steve smiled. Thanks. The only problem is, one of our cars will have to be left here if you’re taking me home. I really don’t feel comfortable leaving my car here all night.

I can drive your car.

I don’t know, Steve said sarcastically. Dave always told me to never trust a woman with your car.

Kalia smiled. Well, I remember you telling me Dave was a goof. So, who do you trust? Me or a goof?

Oh, you, definitely. You’re much prettier than Dave.

Kalia laughed. I sure hope you think so. I’d have to go find some other cute guy to sit by if you think Dave was pretty. She paused. You’re not drunk already, are you?

No, this is only my fourth. It usually takes me about six to get buzzed, eight to get drunk.

I thought you said you weren’t really a drinker.

I’m not normally. Just once in a while. Steve proceeded to explain to Kalia about the mysterious death of Anna, leaving out certain minor details such as his affections for her, but closing by telling Kalia that suddenly losing a person you see every day, especially under shady circumstances, is almost akin to losing a family member.

Well, shit, said Kalia rather matter-of-factly, I’d down a few beers too if I were in your shoes.

A brief silence ensued as Steve took another drink from his beer while Kalia watched him before looking out at the dance floor, where Stacy had an unpleasant look on her face.

Kalia?

Kalia turned to Steve. Yes, what?

Do you want to get out of here? he asked, rather uneasily. I mean, you don’t have to take me home right away if you don’t want.

Stacy and I drove separately, so sure. Where do you want to go?

Steve was surprised. He had expected an answer more along the lines of You want to go NOW? or, I’m not leaving until I’m good and ready. He was pleasantly surprised, almost relieved, to know that Kalia seemed to enjoy his company enough to be willing to take him wherever he wanted, even though she had just met him. He took this as a sure sign that she was interested in him.

Actually, he said after a long pause, I can’t really think of anywhere to go besides home. Unless there’s somewhere that you want to go.

I do kind of need to get to my place. But if I’m taking you home, in your car, how am I going to get back to my place?

I can see this isn’t going to work. I can drive. I’m okay.

No, Steve, you’ve been drinking. I don’t want to see you get arrested.

Well, I have an idea, Steve said, once again rather nervously. Now, don’t take this the wrong way, but maybe I can.... stay the night at your place. On the couch, of course. In the morning, after I’m all sobered up, I’ll just drop you off here to pick up your car. Then I’ll head home from there.

How dare you! How dare you even suggest the mere notion of staying at my place, you pervert!

Steve covered his eyes and bowed his head, humiliated. If there was a hole for him to crawl in right there and then, he would’ve most certainly done it. He looked up after a moment, expecting Kalia to be long gone. Instead, she sat there with a smile on her face. She was laughing.

I’m sorry, he said. What... what’s so funny?

No, Steve. I’m sorry. But you should have seen the look on your face when I said that.

You were kidding? Steve looked somewhat upset. I thought you were pissed.

Kalia reached out and touched his arm. Hey, ease up. Relax. You’re too tense. I could hear it in the way you talk to me. That was probably the answer you expected, wasn’t it?

Well, yeah, sort of. I guess it’s just bad experiences with women in the past.

Steve, let me tell you a little about me. I’m not like that. I’m laid-back, I’m easy going, and I like to party, kid around, and just have fun. And I like you, Steve. You’re nice. You just introduce yourself and buy me a drink. I like that. The guys I can’t stand are the ones that think they’re funny but they’re not, and try to use some lame pick-up line like, Hey, baby, why don’t we rearrange the alphabet and put U and I together, or Do you shop at the discount store? Because at my place, your clothes would be one hundred percent off. I mean, come on! Do men actually think that those are going to work? Maybe on some complete bimbo with the IQ of a pea. Sorry, I’m rambling on.

Steve smiled. Hey, that’s great. I feel totally at ease now. I’m always nervous when I first meet a girl. I’m always afraid if I say the wrong thing to them, I’ll get smacked upside the head. I wish more girls were like you.

Thanks. That’s just how I am. I like people to feel comfortable around me, because if I don’t feel comfortable around someone, then I know they’re not right for me.

Well, that’s.... comforting. Are you ready? I’ve just finished this beer.

Sure, let me just tell Stacy I’m heading out.

Yeah. I’ll just tell Dave... he said, looking out to the dance floor where Dave was trying to dance behind some woman, and the woman simply turned and saw him, and walked away from him, laughing at him. Never mind. I think he’s forgotten I’m even here.

A minute later, Kalia and Steve left the club together.

Chapter 3

STEVE AND KALIA arrived at Kalia’s house twenty minutes after leaving Johnny’s Club.

Don’t be surprised if you suddenly hear a door open while you’re here, she said to Steve. Stacy lives here. You know, the girl I went to the club with.

Are you two sisters?

No, she said with a smile. We’ve been friends since high school. We just decided to move in together because it was more cost-efficient. We each go half-and-half on everything. She pointed to a large black couch in the living room. You can have a seat if you want.

Steve sat down on the couch. Thanks, he said, looking around the room. There was the couch, a television, a recliner, and a stand next to each. There was also a large grandfather clock on the wall near the front door. The clock read twelve twenty in the morning.

Wow, it’s after midnight already. I didn’t realize it was so late. Is this clock accurate?

Yeah, it’s twenty after twelve. That’s what it says here on the microwave, Kalia said from the kitchen. Hey, do you want anything more to drink?

Sure. You have any ice water?

Water? she asked, incredulously. The way you were choking down beer at the bar, I figured you’d want more alcohol.

Oh, what the hell, you talked me into it. What do you have?

Well, hey, if you want water, I’ll give you water. I don’t want you to think I’m forcing anything on you.

No, you’re not. But you said earlier that you were a party girl. I don’t want to spoil the party.

All right. I’ll make you a drink. Let’s see if you like it.

What is it?

It’s a surprise! You’ll just have to wait and see.

Steve waited while Kalia poured two glasses of cola, rum and whiskey mixed together, and brought them out to the living room. Here, she said, setting the drink in front of Steve, Try it.

Steve smelled it, and stuck his nose up at the strong alcoholic odor. What the hell’s in this?

Kalia sipped her drink. Mmm. That’s good. Just try it, Steve. She watched as he picked up the glass and looked at her as she took another sip of her drink. She then looked at him. "Oh, come on, Steve. You’re looking at me like you think there’s rat