Costly Obsession: Animalize

By Sasha Pruett

The town of Epson South Carolina had its pluses, like the crystal clear lake enjoyed by all, and its minuses such as its rising mutilated body count.
It was the start of another summer and other than a few pranksters with a little too much time on their hands everything was quiet, until a herd of cattle was found torn to bloody pieces that is. A monster resurrected from Epson's dark forgotten past has clawed it's way from the depths of Hell to annihilate everyone and everything.
Sheriff Frank Marshall may have discovered the origin of the beast, but can he tell anyone before coming face to face with it?
Wendy Kinsington has unlocked the secrets of Epson's past, but can she do anything about the present?
When the creature turns out to be one of there own they may have to give more than any of them are prepared to sacrifice. Do they kill a child to save the town; to save themselves?

• Language: English
• Publisher: BeLe Publishing
• Release date: Jan 1, 2011
• ISBN: 9781458181404

Sasha Pruett

Author Sasha Pruett has been writing for more than two decades in various genres from horror to sci-fi, fantasy and adventure. She resides in the south with her husband of more than twenty years where she enjoys taking care of her home and pets. She is an avid reader and gamer and has many hobbies including music, painting, crafting, knitting and more.When asked about what started her desire to become a writer she states, "It wasn't really something I decided like some people do, it wasn't one of those, 'When I grow up I want to be a writer,' or 'I'm going to write a book one day.' It was just something that was a part of who I was; who I am, something that was natural from the time I could remember, something I did that flowed from me. When I was nine I had an idea that I told my father I was going to write a book from, but that was more for myself and for him since he was always interested in my writing. The thought of being a writer was nowhere in my mind since I had so many other interests until years later when I decided to write down a list of all the different story ideas I had. To my surprise there were nearly two dozen ideas on that list and it quickly grew. That was when it hit me, when I realized I had always been a writer and all those short stories I had enjoyed writing over the years were just practice."With a binder filled with over one-hundred storylines and rough drafts she has no shortage of material to keep novels coming for years.

Book preview

Prologue

Chapter One

Little children, keep yourselves from idols.

I John 5:21

He sat motionless in an obscure booth at the rear of the tiny hotel café mesmerized by exhaustion. He willed his body to move, his eyes to focus, and his mind to come to life. He had to think, to see, to leave this place as quickly as possible, he hadn’t much time. Once he was on the road he wasn’t about to stop. He needed to be alert and ready so he sat sipping his tar black coffee; in an effort to awaken his sore and exhausted body, not caring if he appeared suspicious sporting sunglasses at 6:23 in the morning. A criminal, a drunk, or mad man, no one seemed to notice or at least no one dared to. The glaring light from the nearly naked fluorescent bulbs sent searing pain through his eyes like lightning straight into his brain. All he could think about was being on his way; the hotel, café, and this town would all be nothing but a bad dream.

Leaving a meager tip with the check, he breezed unnoticed through the restaurant doors to his car, pushing his sunglasses closer to conceal his bloodshot eyes from a night of little sleep and even less rest. He unlocked the door with a single touch of a button, ‘technology is wonderful,’ he thought, then slid into his seat and finally relaxed. The car was so familiar and comfortable that he could have fallen asleep right there, but instead he removed his glasses and placed them in the glove box and headed west from the hotel parking lot.

Only five hundred miles stood between him and his final destination, but his concentration was not on his mileage. He was positive that he had secured them between his suitcases properly, but every bump and pothole in the road sent doubt throughout his mind and he could not help but worry. He took a great risk, but certain that it was well worth the high blood pressure he pressed on. If he could just keep the heads, his heads, intact everything would be fine. Usually he packed them better, but this time he was in a hurry. He laughed at the thought of taking three heads across two state lines and what the local authority’s reaction to his little surprise would be. He could just picture himself trying to explain that one.

As if the mere thought of cops had manifested itself into reality he passed two state police vehicles parked beside the road. He automatically checked his speed then glanced into his rear view mirror silently praying. Just his luck; both cars were now trailing him and no sooner did he turn away from the mirror did the lights and sirens wail his impending doom. He thought about running, but knew his new model Ford would never outrun a fleet of cops especially in this age of technology, which he began to rethink his view of. Slowly he pulled to the side of the highway careful not to make any mistakes nor appear to be too cautious either still hoping that maybe by some chance the cops would just keep driving right on by. Even if they told him a taillight or something was out, give him a ticket, and then be on their way that would be fine… he was not that lucky.

Both police cars pulled to a stop, one behind him the other in front, encasing him. No one exited the cruisers, which made him even more nervous than before. Miniature beads of perspiration began to form on the back of his neck and his tiny hairs stood at attention. He knew in his gut and mind that the officers would not understand the situation and may never give him the chance to explain. Finally the two officers emerged in unison and trudged towards him, spelling his impending doom. A deep breath welled inside the man’s lungs as he prepared himself for the inevitable. If they failed to notice his precious cargo he would be in the clear, but if they saw the wrong thing then his life may very well be in grave danger, and he knew that no amount of explaining would prevent the confrontation he dreaded. At first all he could see was the uniform and wide brimmed hat of one of the policemen, its metal tassels reflecting a bright gleam of light as the sun bore down at just the right, or wrong angle, then he noticed the strong tanned arms of a well-built law machine. His shirt had to have been an extra-large to fit over the tight formation of muscles that he was sure was beneath it, his side and rear view mirrors captured the clear reflection of the second officer. This one appeared to be more of the mind over matter type, the type that would sense his uneasiness even at a fraction of what it was. Luckily the larger of the two was the one to make it to his window.

Good morning officer, is there anything wrong?

There’s a report of a car of this make and model that was used in a robbery last night, would you mind please stepping out of the vehicle while we have a look inside and don’t forget your license, registration, and proof of insurance? It was more of a command than any question he had ever heard, but refusal was not an option, so he complied. Steeling himself for what was to come next he slowly got out of his car careful not to look too suspicious, while trying to keep his calm.

He nonchalantly handed over his paperwork while keeping an easy look on his face, pretending not to notice the brainy deputy nosing around the trunk. What would he say? What would he do? What could he say or do?

What heads officer? Oh...those heads, well you see officer it’s not what you think…it’s actually a very funny story…

He was greatly regretting which officer had reached his door first when the muscle man led him to his own cruiser. Had it not been for the circumstances he would not have minded. Matter of fact he understood completely. None the less his heart raced, but not from being patted down as he was being now, but from the brain; who had just popped the trunk open and was heading to the rear of the car.

He could tell he was going to have a very bad day. Everything shifted into slow motion, as the seconds turned into his last minutes on earth.

The deputy on the other hand froze, choking on his own words. Ssssir… I thhhink you should see this.

It was all over. A chance to explain was out of the question. He closed his eyes and relaxed against the side of the deputy sheriff’s cruiser; waiting for it to hit the fan and accepting his fate. Maybe his surprise wasn’t such a good idea after all. He was definitely going to be late, maybe permanently.

The deputy sheriff unsnapped his holster expecting the stolen money and weapons, maybe more. What he found was beyond belief. There carefully lain between two suitcases, wrapped in thick, clear, plastic was a decaying, severed, head and two more plastic bags were all but hidden behind the two suitcases in the rear of the trunk. He could see the poor soul’s swollen, bloated, blackened tongue protruding from its still rotting jaw through the multiple layers of plastic. Its eyeballs had long since sunken into their sockets revealing even more of the brown, green, and blackened mass that had once resembled flesh hanging from the exposed bones.

The deputy began retching violently on his shoes, as the deputy sheriff drew his gun, refusing to show his horror to the hideous monster standing before him. He willed his body to portray the air of the tough cop he knew he was and mustered all of his strength into keeping his voice steady. There was no room for the fear that he was feeling. Hold it right there you sadistic freak! I’ll shoot you without a second thought. Just try me!

*****

Yeah, he could just imagine that. What a vacation.

The sun had started its nightly decent into the western horizon nearly blinding him, and his two-day trip from Illinois to Nebraska was finally nearing its end. Tired and exhausted he let out a deep sigh of relief and shifted his sore butt in the seat; again. Even a night at the hotel in Iowa gave little more than a few hours of rest and a headache. The couple in the next room made sure of that. People who fight that loud at three in the morning should be shot! he mused.

When the visor became of little use, he dug in the glove compartment attempting to find the pair of sunglasses he had dumped in there earlier. Maps, napkins, straws, and ketchup packets spilled into the floorboard, as did his much-needed sunglasses. Curses flooded his mind as he leaned over and began groping; his arms stretched as far as they could possibly stretch, and his fingers wildly probed the floorboard. Suddenly his car shuddered, banging his head repeatedly into the steering wheel. Panic welled in his gut, and he forced his body to jerk upright. He swallowed the lump in his throat and with it his fear resolving himself to regain control of his mind and his car. The loose gravel clutched the tires, refusing to let go, sending the wild auto into a series of spins. The sound of his spastically beating heart boomed in his ears and brain. He prayed that what he’d heard was true as he turned into the skid and steadily pumped the brake, fighting the urge to slam full force on the oblong pedal.

His prayers had been answered as the car slid to a stop just inches from a drainage ditch. Unsure of whether he was shaking from the slightly sudden stop or from pure terror he sat clutching the wheel unaware of his white knuckles and cramping digits. Dread turned to anger and vulgarities of every kind traipsed through his mind, yet You idiot! is all that came out.

‘All of this over a stupid pair of sunglasses. No, all of this because you were too lazy to pull off the stinking road. How are you gonna get there if you total the stupid car. Jeez you’d lose your head… head? The heads!’ Franticly he wrestled with the seatbelt, flinging himself out of the car and straight to the ground, kissing the gravel. Now he really felt like an idiot, but at least no one was around to witness his Stooge moment, or to see him on all fours shaking his head like a dog in the dirt.

He stood upright into a cloud of dust drifting nearly a mile down the deserted road, though the tracks gouged in the gravel measured only a few yards. He called himself a name even less flattering than idiot as he made his way to the trunk then realized he hadn’t pressed the trunk release button and had to return to his door. Being cautious, the now bruised and battered man looked both ways, just like his mommy had taught him, before opening the trunk and exposing its contents. A wave of relief, no damage had been done to his precious cargo and he was once again reassured that they would survive the last twenty minutes or so of his journey. He excitedly closed the trunk lid and sighed then sped off to the western horizon leaving behind yet another trail of dust to scatter in the dusk.

The dirt encrusted Ford slid into a lonesome driveway at exactly 6:07 p.m., just as the front door of the large log house flung open and out burst the skinny little boy he’d been wanting to see.

Uncle Alex, Uncle Alex, what’d ya bring me!? The ten-year-old boy flung himself into his uncle’s strong arms, giving him a huge hug… Uncle Alex smiled.

Chapter Two

... your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.

Acts 2:17

Now Trev, you haven’t seen me in over three months and all you can say is ‘what’d ya bring me?’. I’m beginning to think that you don’t love me.

Well it’s my birthday today ain’t it?

True, but still it’s not polite. Isn’t that right Dad? Alex’s eyes shifted to meet those of a tall man with broad thick shoulders. Sometimes Alex envied his brother and hoped that when he was in his mid-thirties he’d have what Nick did. With little Trevor nestled nicely in his arms the two brothers did their man hug with a few pats on the back, happy to be reunited.

All right boys, dinner’s on the table so get those cute buns in here.

Oooohhh… well you heard your mother. Run on in while I help Uncle Alex with his bags. With his son safely out of earshot Nick turned back to his brother, Did you bring them?

*****

With dinner digesting and all of the joy and excitement of presents coming to an end it was finally time for Alex’s surprise. Trevor’s own anticipation had occupied him while Alex and his brother made all the preparations, tonight would be one that they would never forget, especially Trevor.

All right Trev, are you ready for your final surprise?

Now that’s a stupid question Uncle Alex, of course I’m ready!

His mother Betty snickered at her son’s fervent reply, Yep, he’s already talking like a smart-alec preteen. The group rose from the table and with the birthday boy in front of them they guided him to his own pitch-dark bedroom. Confused, Trevor could only stare ahead straining his eyes to focus in the dark, yet saw only a slim line of boxes. Suddenly he was blinded by the light bearing down from above. He blinked feverishly before finally focusing on three rectangular plexi-glass cases, each containing the Holy Grail of the macabre; a perfectly repulsive severed head.

Well, what do you think? Still in awe over his newest treasures Alex’s words went completely unnoticed. Trevor’s small fingers traced the corners of the protective cases then flipped the tiny switch at the base, lighting even the most delicate details of its contents.

Betty couldn’t resist asking, How’d you get away with it? I mean I can’t believe that they’d just let you walk out with those.

Uncle Alex! These are the greatest! His scrawny arms wrapped as tight as they could around his uncle’s waist and squeezed with all his might. So hard in fact that Alex felt his dinner making a return trip.

Ease up there sport or you’ll be wearing my supper.

Sorry. Where’d you get them?

They’re from my private collection.

You mean you did them yourself? his mother gasped.

Sure, that’s what I do Betty.

I wanna be just like you when I grow up Uncle Alex!

A smile played on Alex’s lips, for there was no greater complement than that. It takes a lot of hard work, study, and talent… but I think you’ll do just fine. You may even be better than me one day.

You really think so?

Of course. Besides, special effects artistry is a booming business, even the computer techs still need models to go by.

Are they just rubber or what exactly? Curiosity had blossomed in Betty’s eyes and Alex could plainly see where Trevor had inherited it.

Actually they’re a special latex blend fitted over an animatronic endoskeleton. The remote, which resembles a toy car remote, is still in my suitcase. He’s gonna need a few lessons before I hand that over to him.

Can we start tonight Uncle Alex? Please…PLEASE!

Not tonight partner, it’s bedtime. A dark cloud had settled in, but even his father’s announcement of the day’s end could not spoil the joy Trevor felt. He brushed his teeth, changed into a pair of shorts with his tee shirt (only babies wore pjs), and climbed onto the top bunk. For years he struggled to make his room perfect. Monster posters and Halloween decorations lined his walls; fake razor gloves and hockey masks adorned his shelves as homage to his favorite movies, while fake butcher’s knives, meat cleavers, scythes, and axes were placed in just the right spot. The walls were white with dark blood red paint splattered across and running down them, his curtains were black and the fluorescent black lights lining the walls gave the whole room a surreal appearance when illuminated. Even the giant fake spider’s web covering his blood red ceiling made for the perfect morbid effect, but nothing could top his newest possessions. The three heads, exquisite in every way, rested flawlessly on one long shelf against the wall directly opposite his black wrought iron bunk bed that was adorned with chains and handcuffs. Most nights Trevor would lie awake tracing his handmade spider’s web shadow as it danced eerily on the ceiling until he fell into a dreamless sleep, but tonight he would gaze at the still lit cases until the sandman worked his nightly magic.

Animalize

Woe to the inhabitants of the earth... for the devil is come down to you,

Revelation 12:12

Animalize

Chapter One

...wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction,

Matthew 7:13

Summer had just begun in Epson, South Carolina and nothing could stop the flow of adventure than ran through the group of friends gathered at the water’s edge. Five boys had banded together since infancy destined to get into any and everything they could. They were all teens, and hormones raged; the call for exploration was undeniable and uncontrollable. These were the very urges that brought these five to gather at Deer Lake in preparation to explore the mysteries of the surrounding woods, their caves, and the secrets they held. Armed with little more than a couple of watches, some snacks, and five flash lights, the group of treasure hunters set off into the unknown; at least unknown to them. Michael Lamb, Chris Mann, Jeremy Kinsington, and William and Jacob Raleigh had long since been intrigued by the stories of settlers hiding their valuables in caves to protect them from thieves and today they were intent on coming home millionaires. The sun had long since begun its decent yet cave after cave turned up little more than dirt and rocks, the novelty was wearing off and dissension had arisen within the platoon.

This is boring. Let’s blow this off and go swimming.

What’s the matter Willie, scared of the dark?

Cut it out, my name’s Will, not Willie, and no I’m not scared it’s just getting stupid. There’s nothing out here except a bunch of trees and rocks. Besides I’m getting hungry.

You’re always hungry Willie.

Am not Chrissie!

Will you two knock it off I’ve found another cave. Michael was the oldest, by only a few months, but still he was the closest thing to a leader that the group had and everyone looked up to him. Although lately they had noticed that he’d begun to change. They didn’t really know how or why, but he had become moodier than usual and distant, not to mention his taste in music, movies, clothes, and everything else had changed almost overnight, they had become darker and slightly well… weird is all the guys could manage to describe it. Of course these things didn’t matter because Michael was still one of them. He was just growing up and asserting his individuality, so still they looked up to him and in all honesty, slightly feared him as well.

The opening to the cave was fairly large and had they not been looking for it they would have fallen straight down into it. Five bright beams of light danced around the walls and the floor curious to the surroundings. Their voices echoed as the group teased and joked their way through their insecurity and all over creepy feelings, each one not wanting the others to know that goose bumps had invaded their bodies and cold shivers ran up their spines. The thrill had worn off and the lack of riches only made the whole day seem to be a huge bust, so defeated the group made their way back to the entrance prepared to go home empty handed and beaten when they were stopped dead in their tracks.

I found something! I found something! Hey guys look at this. Come here, come here, check this out! Will’s shrieks of delight sent the guys running toward him; only he was nowhere to be found. Spooked, the four looked at each other in confusion before Will jumped from behind a giant stalagmite scaring them all.

Look what I found. He led them behind the stalagmite to a small opening near the floor and shone his light on his much treasured discovery, a skull.

Go check it out Will.

Why me?

Because you’re the one who found it, that’s why. What’s the matter, chicken?

Don’t call me chicken Chris! I’ll show you. Will inhaled deeply mustering all of his courage then thrust himself through the opening. Once inside he could stand easily and found the inner chamber to be quite large. He flashed his light all around him, finally focusing it on the remains on the floor. They belonged to what appeared to be a bear or something similar, but when he moved closer to examine his prize he tripped landing face first in the dirt. A roar of laughter reverberated throughout the cave and continued long after the boys had quieted. Embarrassed and angry Will examined his offender only to find that it was no rock or bone, but in fact was a very large, very old book; definitely worth some money,