Riddle Hearts

By R.L. Worthon,, Jr

Eleven gut ripping horror stories that will make you think twice about the outside beauty of a person, place or thing.

• Language: English
• Publisher: R.L. Worthon,, Jr
• Release date: May 10, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301755790

R.L. Worthon,, Jr

Born on the Westside of Chicago,Illinois. Robert was raise on the Southside of town and has been writing and publishing non-fiction, fiction, short stories and poetry for over 20 years. By trade, he has been employed in the fields of and mastered automotive technology, diesel technology / Heavy equipment,as well as industrial/commercial mechanics in the same time span. In 2007, Robert was promoted to an engineering assistant and since that time he has been employed at operating some of the largest structures such as production plants, arenas and skyscrapers in the midwest. His hobbies includes chess, studying logic in several languages and basketball. As a youth he once told his large family that after he accomplished his mechanical dreams and before his age took it's course, that he would begin a literary career. He lives up to this promise in 2013.

Book preview

Riddle Hearts

By Robert L. Worthon, Jr.

Copyright 2013 By Robert L. Worthon, Jr.

Smashwords Edition

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Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. I you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

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Book Cover By Jennifer Fitzgerald

www.MotherSpider.com

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Table of Contents

Chapter-1: Riddled Hearts

Chapter-2: Whitestone

Chapter-3: Caves of Canis Latrans

Chapter-4: Decisive Orders

Chapter-5: Deadly Err

Chapter-6: Jabez

Chapter-7: Love Overboard

Chapter-8: Limbs

Chapter-9: Top Find

Chapter-10: Ringing Voices

Chapter-11: Dawn of Probosics, pt.I

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Chapter-1: Riddled Hearts

It was Monday morning in the small town of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. At six fifteen a.m. Gloria Valdez was asleep and also running like for work. After several attempts to awake his darling wife, he surrendered all efforts and hit the pavement with a flash. Migel, her husband was moving and weaving through the busy rush hour traffic that lasted only an half hour, but could cost a subordinate employee a dock in pay or worse, his or her job. Gloria leaped out of the shower in haste, drying herself off and dashing a little of this and a little of that upon her slender frame. At five-foot-five she was often mistaken for a teenager. It took no time for her to get dressed as she rushed down the stair case of the three flat-apartment building, each stair squeaking loudly as she made contact and out the entrance door.

Gloria’s usual breakfast consisted of wheat, strawberry bagel, toasted with cream cheese and a hot latte` all to go. It was fast and convenient since the coffee shop was located on the corner from her place. Mr. Will Mundson, the owner, would prepare her special order and have it ready and waiting by the time Gloria reached the dinner. It was raining buckets as Gloria entered drenched with raindrops pouring from her long silky jet-black hair. Running a little late, are we? Mr. Mundson uttered with an ancient tone of voice being nearly seventy years of age.

No. I’m actually late. Gloria replied attempting to wipe her face with a red-napkin shaped like a heart.

The sun should come out of its hiding place by noon, that should cheer every one up.

That’s great, if you work outside, by then my hair will be dry and manageable.

Ha, ha-ha! Mr. Mundson gaggled. You still look as beautiful as when you were just a little teeny-bopper destroying my front lawn.

She blushed. Thanks Mr. Mundson. You are a sweet person. Thanks for the motivation. I’m going to need every ounce of it this morning. Gloria stated as she picked up her order and motioned towards the door.

Good-bye, Gloria! Have a very pleasant day!

You too, Sir, Gloria shouted in the rain as she shut the door. The drive was only three minutes tops, but it was three more minutes she didn’t have.

At twenty-four Gloria had known the Mundson family for about twenty of those years. Will’s wife, Linda Mundson was a registered nurse at the local hospital where Gloria was presently employed as an receptionist. Although Gloria and the Mundson’s daughter named Hartley-were the same age, Linda showed no partiality when it came to being on time for work which would be disclosed each time Gloria arrived late.

Well, since I’m performing your duties as well as my own I should also be the recipient of that pay check in your name. Linda stated with affable sarcasm staring Gloria straight in her eyes. It would also save me time and very expensive stationery from writing you up.

Mrs. Mundson, I apologize. This morning beat me up a little. Gloria sobbed. it will never happen again. I promise.

It better not. No more excuses. A good job is hard to find these days. I need you here every day sweetie on time. Am I making myself clear? Linda asked with a stern and serious tone of voice. Now give me some sugar and a big bear hug then get your tail to work! The two ladies embraced with mother-daughter respect.

Later that afternoon, Gloria’s emergency alarm button suddenly flickered and again it flashed in and out. When the buzzer went off it meant that the paramedics were to arrive shortly. But suddenly the signal flashed off and a strange message appeared upon her assigned monitor which read: ‘What would you do for a million bucks?’

Once again the beeping alarm sounded loud and clear echoing through the wing alerting staff to tend to their stations. The paramedics were en route with a twenty-two year old college senior who had been struck by a hit and run driver. The fifth, all struck by expensive luxury cars. Top of the line models and in as many months each driver was capture days later.

Gloria paid very little attention to the similarities of the victims, even now her focus was on that question of a million dollars and exactly how far would she allow that thought to cultivate inside her brain. She even ignored the young lady’s screaming. Don’t respond! Don’t respond! Gloria knew deep down that her and Migel were months behind on mortgage and car payments to mention the least. That money could go a long way in paying debts. She fantasized.

That night her and Migel sat quietly at dinner. Silence filled the room as the two boiled in their troubles. It was a soundless affair in a dream or in their case a living nightmare as each gently scooped up their food by small bits and ate as if they were chewing the cod, slow motion without a whisper. Migel had received word earlier that day regarding the down-sizing of his company. He held seniority over seventy-five percent of the company’s work force and some how a white slip found its way into his mailbox. It wasn’t the final song or dance, but the lights begin to go dimmer-meaning the party was about over. Migel broke the trance and added a little more irritable news. You know they had the audacity to serve me up a white slip today at work.

That’s crazy! Gloria blasted out. You have slaved at that plant longer than anyone there and you’re more experienced than all those other managers whom you also have trained.

I don’t believe that holds any wine with the big wigs. Now-a-days everything depends on favors, deceptive elections and looks. I have neither of those selected qualities. Migel reported nodding his head down towards the glass table.

So where do you stand as of today? Gloria piously inquired.

If the shot-callers keep to their purposed schedule, everyone with pink slips will be ousted and marched off the property first. Then the company evaluates receipts, accounts and production. When that’s completed, personnel will be sifted through for the best candidates to rebuild what was mismanaged by those same idiots running it now. If they make money all white slips goes into the trash.

What happens when they lose a little revenue? Gloria curiously asked placing her hands over her mouth hoping she did not offend him.

If they lose money, I simply lose any chance of keeping my job. Migel sadly stated while looking down and at the same time flipping over an untouched T-bone streak. Just the though of losing his job sent a spiritless emotion into his soul.

To make matters worse, Gloria’s hours at work were recently cut to thirty hours per. week, which also meant part-time for her with no benefits. The two faded back into a web of noiseless miseries twisting around inside their young minds.

After dinner Migel went into his home office to answer e-mails and open up his snail-mail. Inside the pile was an unmarked envelope addressed to Gloria. Migel opened it and pulled out a neon-red sheet of paper which read: ‘What would you do for a million bucks?’ He thought to himself briefly how a million bucks would save his sanity. It was the first time in his life that his manhood was placed into jeopardy. The fact of not being able to provide for his family devastated him every second he spent thinking on the subject.

The couple laid in bed sleepless for most of the night, both glancing at the night-glowing synthetic stars pasted upon the ceiling. Honey, I found an expensive piece of paper in some fancy envelope. There was also a note which read: ‘What would you do for a million bucks? There’s no return address, nor anything to indicate who it is from. Now who would spend all that time and money just to leave it on someone’s mailbox? Migel wondered as he attempted to analyze a just cause.

At first Gloria didn’t catch on as she responded. May be someone has nothing to do with his or her free time. Then she thought and remembered that that very same text message was sent to her blackberry as well as several others were sent via e-mail. Sweetheart, wait a minute! I’ve been receiving those messages all day. I believe my sister Marie and Carlos, her husband are behind this prank. I think this silly hoax of a letter have their names written all over it. Gloria even attempted to re-dial the stored cell phone number, but each time a loud ringing sound came from the other end.

I’ve should have known that loco pair would have their prints on this one. We should play along with them and answer it Sunday at supper. It’s time for them to get punk for a change of flavor. Migel suggested with a playful sinister smile painted on his face.

What do you suggest we say? Gloria naively asked.

Migel strongly suggested, Let’s say something so outrageous and frightening that will make their heads spin.

Tuesday morning rolled around and Gloria was on schedule, so she performed her normal routine by stopping by the dinner to pick-up her usual breakfast order. Mr. Mundson was wiping and clearing dishes off the tables. He greeted her as she entered the shop. Hello, there! How are you this fine morning, Miss Sunshine?

I’m fine. Thank you. How are you doing?

I feel like a million bucks. I can’t complain with that type of money lying around. Will stated with a gloomy look in his eyes. His response caught Gloria by surprise. She stood frozen and speechless, but then retained her composure when she came to her senses. There was no way Mr. Mundson could have known anything about the text messages, e-mails and neon pieces of paper. She thought.

That’s great Mr. Mundson. You know I actually feel better today, compared to being soggy all yesterday. Gloria replied with a semi-smile.

Here’s your order my dear, I stashed an extra bagel inside. Those TV people on the health channel say that this favored dough is good for the heart…heart. He hesitated then stated. They’re probably advertising off theory rather than grounded facts. Regardless, I want you to enjoy your breakfast and enjoy the rest of your entire day.

Thanks. Gloria replied as she received the sack she noticed his hand shaking wildly and rapidly. Mr. Mundson, are you sure everything is well with you?

Yes indeed. I’m an old man. Old people have a tendency to shake here and there. Now you run along before my wife misses you at roll-call. Bye-bye!

Good-bye! Gloria stated as she turned, then exited the shop and headed towards work with a suspicious thought rattling in her mind regarding Mr. Mundson statement of feeling like a million Bucks. Her haunches all faded away into nothingness when she arrived at work. The hospital was surrounded by police, sheriff deputies and every other law enforcement agency located in the Department of Homeland Security. Gloria found herself scanning the area for familiar faces that could possibly enlighten her as to what was taking place. Amy, her co-worker tapped her on the shoulder. Gloria turned around to witness the look of bewilderment on Amy’s face. What’s going on, Amy? It looks like someone committed the crime of the century.

You got the world record part correct. Amy confirmed. But, wait until you see this. As Amy led her by the hand towards the elevator, the two entered and rode the iron cage down to the basement level. Once there, they traveled through a series of short hallways until they stood in front of the blood vault. Amy directed Gloria’s attention to look inside the vault. Do you see what I mean?

Amy, I see units of blood stored exactly where each blood-type is generally stored. What’s your point?

My point is that we only store a month’s supply of each type. Someone or a group of people broke inside the big cool icebox and stocked us up with a full batch of uncontaminated blood. Amy held her hand out in display.

Gloria’s eyes lit-up to match her puffed-ruby red lips. Who could have done something like this-this is insane and spooky.

Wait until you check out the bonus prize, stated Amy as she grabbed her hand and led her towards the organ vault yet through a series of hallways. The ladies now stood in front of a giant transparent refrigerator where human organs were kept. Gloria noticed it was also filled to its capacity. Its very Creepy, Hey? Amy pointed out.

I’ll say. Gloria agreed. I’m afraid to think where all these spare body parts came from. I believe someone has been performing the devil’s shopping.

Suddenly the two ladies were startled by a tall gentleman dressed in a jet-black business suit with a small microphone wire leading out of his shirt collar to a beige object in his ear. Ladies, I’m Special Agent Ross of the F.B.I. How are you ladies feeling today? May I have your full names, your parents’ maiden names, and any and all cell phone numbers and addresses just in case I have any further inquiries, please.

We are employees here, Sir. Amy stated.

Which also means you shouldn’t have any problems or delays in complying with my demands. Agent Ross implied.

Here’s my driver’s license, my clearance pass and my parents’ last name has been the same for many generations. Gloria stubbornly informed the agent.

Very good, Ross responded. And you Miss. He requested Amy’s I.D. and parents’ information as well which has been also the same for years since Columbus sailed the Mayflower off the shores of Virginia. Amy handed the agent her identifiable information regrettably. I will return your property before your shifts end. Ross guaranteed the two ladies.

But, when if we need to run outside errands like to the post office or go shopping for supplies? Amy inquired.

Agent Ross started walking away and without turning around replied after clearing his throat, I would advise you to hold off until your shifts ends to do your shopping. I may have a few further questions to ask you both separate. Ross continued down the corridor and disappeared.

Boy! Agent Ross is sure arrogant isn’t he? I get bad vibes from him. It’s like a deranged energy or something very unsettling inside him.

Everyone should be a little uncomfortable with the fact that 48 units of blood, a dozen livers, kidneys and other body parts mysteriously show up. Even more spine-chilling and unnerving is that it means six people donated their entire shell, all except the meat on their bones. Gloria insinuated with a dissenting gesture written all over her face.

Well at least we have spares. Amy naively said.

What do you mean by that, Amy? Gloria asked out of curiosity.

We have five patients in need of a heart transplant. I find this creepy act of kindness very convenient for the hospital’s bottom line.

I’ll say. Gloria agreed.

We are about to witness an historical medical break through. We’re living martyrs in our own right, Mrs. Mundson proclaimed as she crept up behind the two young ladies like a cougar to its prey. The ladies collided into each other’s arms from temporary fright of her voice.

Mrs. Mundson was a plus sized woman with matching hands and feet to go along with her roaring deep voice. Are you two afraid of me? If so, then don’t be.

Yeah! Hello! Amy blasted out with a shrill-screeching voice. There are a lot of weird events happening around here and not one of them can be clearly explain in detail.

No, Mrs. Mundson. Gloria testified. We are in a baffling disarray from the bizarre change of events occurring.

It’s a bitter-sweet salvation ladies, for all who are in need of those vital transplants and as well as for the donors of those priceless organs. Linda confirmed with a diabolical frown on her face savoring the moment. We have applied for funding and grants for many years to purchase six full units and build up our type-O negative blood supplies. It’s a miracle, we enchantingly find ourselves involved with here. Now we have more than enough to give those six poor souls a new start in life.

I figure that’s good news for the common health, sort of. Amy replied while her eyes made constant contact with Gloria’s.

Well, ladies we have lots of work to do upstairs. Let’s tend to our duties, shall we. Linda mildly ordered as she literally gave each a shove to get them in motion towards the