Blake's Rope

By Ronder Scott

Desperate to find solace through the web of lies created to distract her from the truth, Robin gets caught up with a secret society inadvertently when her mother promises her soul to Satan then reneges on the deal. Robin was born into this life but she must protect the people she loves by all means.
While under voodoo magic she finds a cave where she symbolically trades her life for fame. Not knowing what she’s done, believing it was a dream, she continues on this downward cycle of blessings with price tags. Until she understands the music industry and all its covert makings, looking over her shoulder will be the least of her worries.
Can she rid her family of this generational curse placed upon them with the help of Chinedu Adesanya?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tenth Street Press
• Release date: Feb 18, 2017
• ISBN: 9780994295583

Ronder Scott

Ronder Scott was born in Northern Louisiana where she enjoyed reading books. In Minden, the town she calls home, reading became her passion. She started exploring other avenues where her voice could be heard. Over the years she has penned a number of screenplays, which she is fond of turning into novels for her readers’ enjoyment. That is why when you read her work, it is visual with descriptive annotations that are sure to take you on a literary ride. Weaving characters into authentic, realistic writing is her craft. Her conceptual writing comes from the atrocities of humankind, though she is very brave in choosing which topics to bring to light. Other than writing, she is a recluse - bound to reading old manuscripts or meditating, bringing forth new ideas for writing. She is currently married and living in Houston, Texas where she is pursuing a Master’s degree from Texas Southern University. She maintains her stance that writing new material comes from being inspired by the things around us.

Book preview

BLAKE’S ROPE

RONDER SCOTT

T HIS EDITION

© Copyright 2016 Ronder Scott

Published by Tenth Street Press 2016

Cover design by Axel for Tenth Street Press

ISBN-10: 0-9942955-8-8

ISBN-13: 978-0-9942955-8-3

This electronic format distributed by Smashwords Inc.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and events either are the product of the author’s imagination, based on actual events, or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead is entirely coincidental.

This book is sold on the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, re-sold or circulated by any traditional or electronic means or have any original content contained herein reproduced in any form without prior written consent

from the publisher.

TENTH STREET PRESS Ltd.

MELBOURNE LONDON

www.tenthstreetpress.com

Email: [e-mail]

Chapter One: Haunting Memories

Robin Evans’ visit to the doctor seemed overdue. She had to hustle her way through Bossier City to get there on time. She caught a space some rows away from the lab connected to Willis Knighton Health Center. She walked up to the black door, where she had to swipe her card to get in. Her dosage of weed was due and she felt the side effects of not having any. These biweekly appointments had lasted for the past two months and this was her third session. She felt this doctor was authentic and his techniques were what she desired, rather than the cramped space of a traditional psychotherapist’s office. During his sessions, the code of ethics rule books were thrown out the window. He got pretty close with his patients.

Robin, already acquainted with the setting, took a seat in front of the video camera. It was on and already recording. She put her belongings on the midnight blue carpet, took the rolled cigar from the ashtray, and sparked up. The flame lingered on the tip of the blunt that she blew until it burned slowly, smoke polluting the air.

Get comfortable. Take your shoes off and lay down. Robin did as she was told.

You know, getting high before hypnosis is the most serene feeling, but it’s causing some kind of brain dysfunction. I’m beginning to forget things. My senses are heightened. I can hear things, see things more clearly, I guess.

The doctor replied, These ‘specially medicated blunts’ allow you to go to a place you keep locked away, a place you need to expose if you want to get better.

Dr. Frank Dabachi leaned over Robin as she lay on the three-cushioned leather couch. Tell me, Robin. What bothers you about your childhood? I want you to think back to when the trauma all started.

She felt butterflies and negative energy well up inside her.

When I count to three, tell me what you see. Frank snapped his finger after counting. She kept her eyes closed and seemed to be in a trance. Robin traveled back to a rare time in her life.

I’m in my backyard. There’s somebody’s green shirt sticking out from the soil. Someone was buried there.

Go back further in time Robin, Tell me what you see.

They’re playing a game.

Dr. Frank nodded, Tell me who, Robin.

He’s choking. The rope won’t let him breathe.

Who was wearing the shirt, Robin?

Robin’s own breathing came to a standstill. Frank took notice. He called her out of the hypnosis, but not before blood flooded her nose. She lifted her head up, putting her hand to her face, retrieving the blood. Frank found a thin tissue for her.

Again? Did we make any progress compared to last time? Robin wanted to know.

Robin, let’s look back at the tape. He played the recording back. She heard herself speak.

Robin was chilled by what she heard. If this was true, she witnessed a murder and the body’s buried in her backyard.

She handled her prescription, thinking about the drive back to Minden. Before she could make it to her car, a very pungent smell, gasoline, triggered a headache that lasted more than a minute. It was brutal. She couldn’t focus. She almost puked. She opened the door to her car and got in. Robin drove back home, still scared and shaken. The evening was beginning to settle when she looked out the kitchen window.

***

She made it outside just as night fell. She was walking when a branch crumbled underneath her feet. She heard someone yell, No! Then she had a vision. It all came crashing down on her at once. Chinedu was mad at her. Her first love, first kiss, and first romance. Robin betrayed him. She wanted to tell Chinedu how desperately sorry she was for confessing to the principal that he had a gun in his bag; a confession that ultimately led to him getting kicked out of school for good. She meant to stand by his side, but she didn’t. This became their first fight. Before she could say a word to him, the boy in the green shirt was hanged by the rope.

Get back in this house, girl, Anna yelled.

She snapped out of it. Robin dropped her eyes to the spot where the remains would be. She trembled. But that didn’t stop her from walking closer. She knelt down and touched the soil. The harmless clouds in the sky became red and lightning blazed effortlessly. Rain drops surfaced on the grass beneath her feet and her skin got wet. She was moving away from the fence when she saw him: the boy in the green shirt. He was running across the yard. She couldn’t believe her eyes, but it was real. Just as he turned the corner, she noticed her house ablaze with smoke and fire. She ran to the steps, climbing them quickly, hoping to warn anybody who may still be inside. Mother, Jayce, Cole! Is anybody in here? She grabbed her keys off the counter and bolted out the door. She had to get out of there.

She went as fast as she could over the steep hill leading off Windwood Drive and turned left to get on Penal Farm Road. She looked in the rearview mirror once, then looked back and saw the boy in her back seat. She was reaching the railroad tracks, speeding over them. She merged to the wrong side of the road, almost colliding with a car that was coming directly at her. She swerved off the road to avoid the car and hit a tree in the woods. Her airbag deployed. She opened her car door afraid to look in the backseat again. She ran out into the road, cars barely missing her as they passed.

Dr. Frank got the report on Robin when she was transported to the hospital via ambulance. Robin was hysterical screaming, He’s after me. Robin was then injected with a shot of haloperidol. I have to save them. Please. Her words turned to a whisper. She couldn’t resist sleep or the effects of the drug any longer.

***

Not long after that, Jayce was parking in the driveway. He walked into the house to find Cole sitting on the couch. I’m out of cigarettes. I need to go to the store. He lit his lighter, staring into the light.

Cole turned his head to Jayce. Hey, man. When I got up, the house was wide open and shit.

Just then the phone rang.

Hello. He listened to Dr. Frank’s voice on the other end.

Yes, this is Jayce….What?....She okay?...I’ll be right there. He hung up the phone and slowly walked over to the kitchen counter to retrieve the keys he’d just set down. Anna had pulled into the driveway, stacking bags into the kitchen through the backdoor.

Anna, Robin’s back at the emergency psych ward. She wrecked her car damn near killed herself. They trying to determine if it was another suicide attempt.

Oh, we’ve got to go then. Robin’s in the hospital. Oh, no, she was doing so well.

Huh? Cole said.

I said your sister’s in the hospital.

You want me to come? Cole asked.

Jayce looked at him, Do you have anywhere you can go for now.

Shelia house. She wanted to see me.

I’ll get you your cigarettes and drop you off over there. He’d already drunk plenty that day there’s no telling what could happen with him in the house alone. You coming back to get me? Cole made sure he wouldn't be stuck at any woman’s house.

I’m not sure how long I’ll be.

As long as you come. I don’t care. Cole said.

Be ready in five minutes.

Anna walked into her room and closed the door. She was very concerned about Robin. She noticed the wet rug and the pungent smell of gasoline but didn’t say a word. She stood on it crushing the liquid with her shoe, and it left a mark. The lights flicked on and off.

It’s time. Anna said.

Chapter Two: Matters of the Mind

Bossier City, Louisiana, 2004, Willis Knighton Medical Center

Robin batted her eyes, trying to adjust to the bright lights that were hanging over her. She tried to recall what had happened. She opened her eyes up, looking around to see exactly where she was. There were windows leading into a hallway, but they were covered with a curtain so no one could see in. In the corner of the room, she saw a man sitting. He was in the front of a computer, and another man was standing guard outside the doorway.

Without even turning around, Dr. Dabachi picked up a telephone and said, She’s awake. Send in Nurse Smith.

Please, let me go. She didn’t want to panic and get another shot of whatever that was. Her mouth was dry, and her mind was racing with thoughts.

The door opened and a woman, presumably Nurse Smith, entered Robin’s room. She walked right over to her and smiled, placing a straw in a glass of water and holding it so Robin could take a sip.

You slept a while, Robin. I’m glad to see you’re rested. Can I ask you a few questions?

How do you know my name?

Nurse Smith looked at the man seated at the computer. He shook his head for no. You mumbled it in your sleep. We’ve contacted your father and mother; Anna and will be here shortly.

They’re alive, oh good. The fire didn’t harm them. I was so worried. Robin said. Her eyes were relieved.

We wanted your immediate family to know that you’re back…….. The nurse looked over at the man seated at the computer again. Then corrected herself. Um here,

How long have I been out?

For several hours, Nurse Smith replied.

Robin couldn’t believe it. It seemed like just a minute ago she was running from a ghost. I’m parched. Could I have something more to drink? Robin asked. The nurse gave her the cold water in the cup.

Alright. With that, the nurse left the room; the man continued typing on his computer, and Robin wondered what the heck was going on.

Dr. Frank Dabachi got up from the computer. Look I’m sorry for what happened to you. You’re in the best care here. Don’t worry. Robin looked at the man not saying a word.

He took Robin’s hand in his for a moment then let go. Tell me what happened?

I was standing in the backyard, then I saw him. I swear I know it was him. Robin said.

Calm down.

Don’t tell me to calm down. I know what I saw. Look why is all this happening now?

He walked over to the computer desk he’d been at and grabbed a clip board. Then he came over to Robin and held it out. I just need you to sign this.

What is it? she asked cautiously.

Papers that consent to us providing you with treatment.

What if I refuse?

I’m hoping you won’t. I know it’s frightening, but I truly want to help you.

You don’t know what’s wrong?

I know you see things, things you can’t distinguish from reality.

I had a brief conversation with your father, Jayce, over the phone.

Robin squeezed her eyes shut tightly, feeling horrible that her father was now worried about her. It was the last thing she’d wanted. She didn’t want to be a hassle to anyone, yet here she was in the hospital, and everyone thought she was crazy. She knew full well she wasn’t.

Can I talk to Jayce? The nurse said he was on his way.

Yes, I’ll send him in as soon as he arrives, Dr. Dabachi said. He walked toward the door and turned around to add, I’ll give you a few minutes to think about signing the form. Please believe, it would be in your best interests, Robin.

Robin nodded, and he walked out. She didn’t take her eyes off the door until her father and mother walked through it twenty minutes later.

Jayce and Anna entered the room. The anguish in his big brown eyes was evident but Anna’s gray eyes told a different story. Just check her history and you will find her ties to red magic. She believed the sins of the father was upon her daughter. She did something many years ago that she regrets.

Jayce always carried a weary look, having been through so much. No matter what had happened and the courses in life he’d chosen, he longed to see his children happy. Yet, here was his daughter having significant problems – problems that gave her a classification of ‘dangerous to self and possibly others.’

What can I do to help? Those were the first words out of Jayce’s mouth. He smiled, but it was slight. His attempts at being merry despite the situation couldn’t be masked.

Hey Jayce, hey momma, you alright. What about Cole, he alright? Nobody got hurt in the fire? Did the whole house burn down?

What are you talking about. There was no fire.

Jayce I saw him.

Who?

The boy that’s buried in the backyard.

I don’t understand what’s going on, but Dr. Dabachi seems to think he can help. Jayce said.

The problem is that this is not imagined. Robin said. It’s real, Jayce, and even if no one else believes me, I need you to.

Robin stared at him, and he put his eyes down. Anna’s hand shook slightly, and she reached over. Just get better, Robin. Come back home. Anna said.

Oh, Robin whispered. They didn’t believe her.

Robin, you thought the house was on fire? It wasn’t. You think you are seeing someone that’s already dead? What can I say? Jayce said.

Well, now that we got to see you, we should let you go so you can get some rest. We’ll check in on you in a few days, okay, honey? Anna said.

Okay, Robin said. They turned and left the room, leaving Robin staring up at the ceiling.

Meanwhile, Dr. Dabachi was watching the exchange from his office. The obviously complex relationship between the beautiful young woman and her father and mother was intriguing. He was mad Robin couldn’t pull herself away from thinking about the past after all this time.

He walked into the room and pulled up a chair next to Robin. Without saying a word, he slid the clipboard over, and Robin sighed in, feeling the cold white paper with her hand. It was meant to be a means to help her, but part of her felt like she was signing her life away.

She wasn’t sure what compelled her to do it, but she looked at Dr. Dabachi and said, I trust you to figure this out. The doctor smiled at Robin, and she looked up at him. Even in her solemn state she saw a sparkle in his eye, an eagerness that seemed out of place in the darkness she felt she was living in.

That afternoon, they took Robin out to the general area of the hospital. She had the whole wing like the other patients. She could socialize, watch television, or do activities the hospital staff organized. That’s when it really hit Robin. She was in a psych ward of the hospital. Despite her not wanting to believe she was nuts, others thought she was. As Robin stared out a window, not wanting to be around the others in the room, she was startled out of her thoughts by the nurse. Time to take your medication. She set some water down in front of Robin and held the pill cup.

Robin looked at her and she handed it over. What is this one? It was new and one that she hadn’t had earlier.

Oh, we got your test results back, and you have a slight urinary tract infection. The large, white pill is quinolone, and it’ll cure it. You take it once a day.

When am I getting out of here? Robin asked.

When the doctor says you’re better.

Robin took the pills despite her hesitation to do so, and the nurse left. They always stared at you taking your meds because they wanted to make sure you didn’t fool them. Then Robin looked down at what she was wearing. She