Hallows Eve: Awakening

By R. L. Matthies

A man whose life has been forged by unfortunate circumstances. A businessman obsessed with locating the descendants of an ancient family line. One FBI agent investigating the case of her career. Each of them strangers to each other. But united on a path that will take them to a future they never would have believed. The road seems to be leading to an apex that lands on Hallows Eve.

• Language: English
• Publisher: R. L. Matthies
• Release date: Apr 22, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370674626

R. L. Matthies

I am a self-published author and I work a standard job. I love writing and delving into my imagination and "living" through my stories as I write them. To me there is no greater pleasure than to dive head first into the depths of the imagination, which I believe is the heart of all of mankind's achievements. I guess that mostly I love thinking and writing those thoughts down and I want to share them with others. I was raised in Florida, United States, in a peaceful country setting where my imagination was encouraged to flourish. I had parents who fostered imagination, creativity and independence. I have been developing stories most of my life and I hope that you will enjoy them as much as I do.

Book preview

Chapter One

As always in Kain’s Tavern, people were discussing their troubles. Be it marriage, finances or their job, whatever was going on in their drunken heads. The bar was built like a western saloon, but the décor was similar to a pirate‘s eatery. Other than the new lighting, black and red illuminating the walls, it was something expected to be seen in the seventeenth or early eighteenth century.

Malachi sat at a corner table, overlooking the bar, and he looked into the crowd. Now and then someone would look in his direction, but quickly turn away if he looked back.

Malachi tugged the brim of his black Stetson down a little and brought a cigarette to his mouth. The light from the ember illuminated his young face as he inhaled. He took a sip from the glass of red wine and pushed his plate of half-eaten steak away. He suddenly wasn’t hungry, he had the feeling that something was coming.

A young woman, dressed in a skimpy black shirt and a pair of blue jeans walked up to the table. Would you like anything else? she asked.

Malachi looked up at the woman, his dark emerald eyes almost piercing into her. Diane how many times are you going to visit my table? I’ve only been here for an hour and you check every ten minutes. Why? he asked.

Diane leaned down, resting her arms on the table, her shirt revealing a teasing amount of cleavage. Because I am waiting for you to ask for my number. You come here every night at exactly 9:00 p.m. and you stay until 10:30. Always at the same table, you always tip well, but you never say more than five words in a sentence. She continued listing what Malachi did every night.

Malachi lost track of the conversation as he tried to focus his mind. The noise in the building always annoyed him which was part of the reason that he always ate there.

Diane stepped back into Malachi’s view and snapped her fingers in front of his face. You haven’t heard a word that I’ve said, have you? she said.

Malachi brought his attention back to Diane after she snapped at him. He stared Diane in the eye for a moment I’m sorry, just drifted off. he said as he looked away.

Well, I don’t like being ignored, it makes me feel like you don’t care. So to prove me wrong, here’s my number, call me sometime. Diane said as she started to walk away.

Malachi stared down the line of her back, and watched her hips sway side to side as she walked. His thoughts shifted to what she would’ve looked like without clothes and possibly dancing in a shower. He shook his head hoping that the movement would shake the images out of his mind.

Malachi continued to watch Diane as she slipped behind the bar and into the kitchen. She truly was a beautiful woman, auburn curly hair, ocean eyes and tan skin. A figure most women would kill for.

Malachi looked down at the table and grabbed the napkin that Diane had scribbled her number on. Instantly he memorized it and then reached into his black leather jacket and pulled out a sharkskin wallet. He placed the number into one of the many pockets it had.

While he was looking through his wallet, he saw several small pieces of paper that also held numbers from women. Malachi didn’t know why he always kept the numbers, he had a photographic memory so it wasn‘t necessary. Sometimes, he thought it was just to have something other than cash in the pockets of his wallet. He pulled out a hundred dollar bill, still crisp, and placed it onto the table next to the tab.

Malachi placed his half smoked cigarette into the ashtray to finish burning and walked toward the door. He weaved through the crowd trying to avoid any contact with the people in his path. One man bumped him and his vision went red. He felt his heart begin to race and his muscles tense.

Malachi rushed out the door and took a deep breath focusing on the smell of a woman’s hair to calm him down. It worked, as usual not very well, but he had relaxed a bit. Malachi walked to his Ninja motorcycle, his keys in hand.

Malachi slipped the key into the ignition and gave it a twist, the motor started without delay. He placed his hands onto the handlebars and the red lights along the gas tank and by the seat glowed bright.

Malachi began to walk his bike out of the parking spot when he felt something slam into his back. The force knocked his face into the gauges of the bike. He rolled off the left side of the bike, increasing the distance between him and his attacker. Hello Malachi. You almost killed my brother in last night’s fight. Now I’ll return the favor. Malachi’s assailant announced.

Malachi stood up and glared at the large man. He didn’t know who he was but he sure as hell was going to send him to the hospital or the morgue whichever seemed like the better or easier solution.

Tell me your name, that way I can get it tattooed on my arm so that someone will remember you. Malachi taunted.

Already people from the bar were flocking outside. Everyone wanted to watch the inevitable fight. Every few nights someone was trying to get even with Malachi. Nobody knew why but they enjoyed watching him fight.

Malachi fought in an illegal arena. The rules were simple. No shirt, no shoes and no weapons. Oh and try not to kill anyone. That last one was the hardest for Malachi to follow.

My name is John, and my brother is David. The guy you almost killed last night, or do you not care what you did to him. John said.

Malachi sighed as John repeated himself. Ok John, and no I don’t care. He knows the rules as well as I do. He thought he could take me, and it appears that arrogance runs in the family. Malachi said.

John stood on the other side of the bike, his Louisville slugger in hand. Malachi placed his hand onto the seat of his bike and vaulted over the vehicle with his right leg fully extended. Malachi’s foot slammed into John’s lower ribs, and the faint sound of cracking bones slipped out of John’s body. The force of the impact knocked John off his feet.

Malachi waited for John to stand, his right hand protecting his left ribcage. Malachi just stood there, waiting for John to either do something stupid or submit.

Malachi watched John grip his bat with both hands and swing. As the strong piece of wood arced toward Malachi he swung his left hand out. As Malachi’s hand came into contact with the bat a slight shimmer of red light pierced the wood. If anybody had been paying close enough attention they would’ve seen the red glow slithering through the wood as the bat exploded.

Shards of wood flew everywhere and as they were falling Malachi slammed his fist into John’s stomach. His right hand swung down and collided with John’s collar bone. Finally, with a powerful stomp, Malachi’s foot hit John’s kneecap. The force from the impact shoved John’s kneecap three inches from where it belonged.

As John was forced into a bow, Malachi stared happily at John’s collar bone. It was protruding through the skin, the torn flesh releasing blood down his chest as he screamed in agony. With the final impact, John leaned to the left and fell to the asphalt.

Diane stood in the crowd and saw a red glow coming from Malachi’s eyes. She had caught a glimpse of it but dismissed it. Ever since she met him she was drawn to him, she didn’t fully understand why. Sometimes she thought it was his violent nature. Or the fights he got into so frequently. Usually she enjoyed seeing him in action, but this fight was much more brutal than the ones she’d witnessed in the past. The gleeful expression on Malachi’s face unsettled Diane more.

Sirens filled the air as John’s screams abruptly stopped. Mercifully, his mind shut down from the intensity of the pain. Police cars came screaming into the parking lot screeching to a halt several feet away from the incident. An ambulance arrived shortly after the cops.

The police bolted out of their cars, every one of them aiming their guns at Malachi. Put your hands up and get on your knees. Do it now Malachi. A young officer shouted. Malachi noted that he looked about seventeen, fresh from the academy. He hated the fresh ones. The young man’s partner threw an empty cup of coffee at his head after he finished bellowing his orders.

Two of the cops, the rookie and an older man, about thirty-five approached Malachi. Malachi had done as he was ordered. It was not a new experience for him, a weekly routine in fact.

The EMT’s hopped out of the ambulance and rushed over to John. They knew that any incident involving Malachi was not going to be pretty. But this was entirely unexpected.

Malachi enjoyed watching the EMT’s as they aided the people that had brawled with him. He knew it would take months for the bones to mend. But John would never walk again, at least not without a cane. Malachi’s smile broadened to the point that he began to frown. He had never enjoyed hurting someone as much as he did tonight. That simple fact frightened him.

Arnold, the rookie, jerked Malachi’s arms back and slammed the cuffs on Malachi’s wrists. Malachi flinched from the impact. Arnold’s partner walked up behind him and slapped the back of his head. I know that you’ve heard the stories about this guy, but I told you not to go tough guy on him. Jack said.

How’ve you been Jack? Malachi asked.

God damn it, Malachi, how many times is that this month? Jack asked.

It’s only been nine. Relax, Jack. What, did your partner eat all of the donuts? Malachi asked.

I don’t eat donuts. Jack replied.

Jack sighed and walked away. He was getting tired of his weekly pit stops and Malachi’s smart remarks were beginning to unnerve him. It was as though Malachi didn’t take these confrontations seriously.

Arnold, take him to the car. Gently! Jack said as he walked to the crowd.

Ok, I need someone to tell me who started this. Jack said.

Jack walked over to Diane You’re always out here early, did you see who started the fight? Jack asked. Diane shook her head No, I didn’t get out here until the fight had already started. She said.

Malachi sat in the back seat and watched the show. Apparently nobody saw the start because Jack and the young prick got in the car and drove him to the station. Although, even when they knew who started it, whenever Jack showed up Malachi knew he was in for a visit to the station.

Once they got to the station Jack and Arnold brought Malachi to Jack’s desk. Arnold, take the cuffs off him. Jack said.

Arnold tugged the cuffs off and stormed across the way to his chair. He glared at Malachi as he clutched his wrists.

Malachi looked back at Arnold and winked at him. Arnold growled at Malachi who had already turned his gaze to Jack. Why do we have to go through this every time? You know who started it. I just finished it. Malachi said.

Jack shook his head I do it to try to get things through to you. You have a record. Juvie, even two years worth in prison. All of it over the same thing, violence and fights. Jack said.

Malachi yawned as he let Jack’s words pass through one ear and out the other Done yet? he asked.

Jack sighed and rolled his eyes. Malachi, this isn’t a way to live. You’re only 23, you make your money street fighting and you drink and drive. Now we can’t get you on that and believe me, I wish that I could. But you get away with it because you ask for the blood test and don’t think that I don’t remember that you always come up positive on a breathalyzer. But I implore you, think about it… Jack said.

Jack wasn’t sure why Malachi always came up positive on the breathalyzer. He knew that Malachi was always drinking. But he couldn’t figure out why it never showed in his blood and he wasn’t diabetic.

Malachi nodded, he knew he wasn’t going to think about it and he was sure that Jack knew too. Can I get a ride back to my bike, and leave the little prick here? He asked.

Jack nodded Let’s go. He said as he began walking. Malachi followed, as he passed Arnold once again, Malachi winked and added insult to injury with a smile.

Chapter Two

Malachi walked through the door of his apartment and tossed his keys on the table next to the door. He turned around and locked the door. As he stood there he placed his head against the door and sighed. It was quiet and still here, but there was an emptiness that Malachi wanted to escape but couldn’t.

Malachi bounced his head off of the door a few times You fucking lunatic. You obliterated that man, a simple beating would’ve been enough… he said.

Malachi turned around and walked to the closet a few feet away. He flung the door open and pulled a hanger out and placed his jacket on it. He took off his hat and threw it onto the shelf and slammed the door. He got a few steps away before he stopped and walked back. He opened the closet door and pulled his wallet out of his jacket.

Malachi closed the closet and walked down the short hallway of his apartment. With a left turn he was in the kitchen. He moved like a prowling cat to the freezer and pulled out a bottle of vodka. He spun the cap off and tossed it onto the counter as he walked into the living room.

Malachi sat down on the brown leather couch and stared at the blank television screen. He took a swig of the alcohol before he closed his eyes.

Malachi lifted his left hand and the screen began to flicker. After a moment the picture was clear. Channel 13... he said.

Malachi smiled as he took another drink. He didn’t know how he made things do what he wanted, but somehow he did. Or perhaps he was delusional. Malachi looked to his left, there the remote sat. He grabbed it and switched the channel to the Cartoon Network. The Looney Tunes was on, one of his favorite shows.

Fifteen minutes into the Road Runner, Malachi heard the buzzer. He sighed and walked to the door. Malachi looked into the small screen next to the doorway which was linked to a camera observing the entrance to his apartment and he sighed.

Malachi pushed the speaker button on the screen What do you want, Jamie? he asked.

Malachi hadn’t seen Jamie in a little over two years, not since he had been sent to prison. Malachi, could you let me in? Jamie said.

Malachi unlocked the door It’s open. He said as he walked back to the living room. Halfway down the hallway he focused on the television, forcing it to turn off.

Jamie was walking behind him. She observed the room they entered, it hadn’t changed, no pictures, no knickknacks or any decorations of any kind.

Malachi sat down and took a drink from the bottle in his hand What? You are the one who said that we were done. He said.

Jamie stood in the middle of the room, fidgeting, as she was trying to think of what to say and how to say it.

Malachi just sat there staring at her. She looked the same, straight blonde hair, blue eyes and a swimmer’s body. Malachi still couldn’t figure out what she wanted.

Malachi… I need your help with something. Jamie said quietly.

Malachi leaned forward What? I didn’t hear you. He said. But he had heard her, however she always said that she didn’t want his help. She could handle her problems herself she always claimed.

I need your help with something. Jamie whispered.

Ohh, and what could there be that you cannot handle yourself? Malachi said.

Jamie walked to the couch and sat next to Malachi My brother owes money to someone and he said that if Jason couldn’t pay him in 48 hours that he would kill him. Jamie said.

Malachi downed the rest of the vodka and set the empty bottle on the table. And what makes you think that I can help with that? Malachi said as he stared at the blank television. He knew where this was heading.

Well… You always have money. Jamie said.

Why would I help? I have no reason to. Malachi said in response. Their relationship didn’t end very well. Malachi caught her on a date with another man.

Jamie’s eyes got teary Jason didn’t do anything to you. I know that our relationship didn’t end well but… she said

Stop! I don’t want to hear another excuse. You went on a date with another man. You might’ve been fucking him. I don’t know how long it went on for. Malachi thundered.

Jamie sank into the couch and started crying. This was one of the reasons that she left. His rage terrified her and once he started, there was usually no space for her to speak. Malachi sighed as he walked to the freezer and grabbed another bottle of vodka, this one full.

As Malachi was guzzling the alcohol down Jamie looked to him I wasn’t dating him. It was a business meeting. She said between her sobs.

Malachi stopped mid swig and looked at Jamie. He went to prison for sending her date to the hospital with seventeen broken bones.

He was talking to me about my financial aid for college. Jamie said as she stared at the TV.

Malachi put the bottle onto the counter and walked to Jamie. Although he was skeptical, he wasn’t heartless. How much money do you need? He asked.

Jamie looked up at Malachi A hundred and fifty thousand. She said.

Malachi sighed. "It would be cheaper and easier to send the guy to the morgue than come up with that much in 48 hours…" He thought.

I’ll see what I can do. I’ve only been working for the past couple months. I spent the bulk of my savings keeping this place while I was in prison. Malachi said.

Thank you Malachi. Jamie said.

Look, just stay here tonight. I’ll drive you home in the morning on my way to work. Malachi said.

Jamie nodded Okay. She replied.

Chapter Three

Malachi had spent over half of the night setting up bouts. His entire day was booked. When Jamie woke up Malachi was sitting in the chair with his morning breakfast. It was a cocktail of Jack Daniels, vodka, lemon juice and Jag. Eight ounces of cure-all he always called it.

Jamie shook her head. She always told him that he drank too much. He never listened. Maybe I should just call a cab. She said.

Malachi shook his head Nonsense. I’m almost done. He replied.

Jamie looked at her watch, 7:20 it read. She was awake early. She also knew that Malachi hadn’t gone to sleep or eaten anything. They were living together for two years before he went to prison and had been dating for six months maybe seven before they moved in together.

She knew all of his routines, but she never did figure out what he did for a living. Malachi, how are you going to get the money? Jamie asked.

Same way that I always have. Malachi said as he stirred his drink. He’d been street fighting since he was fourteen. Whenever he wasn’t back in Juvie that is.

Jamie looked at her watch again and started walking to the door. Malachi watched for a moment before he slammed the rest of his ‘breakfast’ and ran up behind her.

Malachi stopped at the closet and grabbed his black jacket. It was the same one he was wearing the night before, along with his hat.

Jamie was trying to unlock the door, but for some reason the deadbolt wouldn’t budge. Malachi smiled as he grabbed it and unlocked it without effort. What’s the matter, didn’t want to wait for me? Malachi asked.

Jamie shook her head No, I just figured that it would be quicker for you if you didn’t have to make an unnecessary stop. She said.

Let’s go. Malachi said.

While they were riding down the elevator Malachi was staring at the camera. It was making him uneasy for some reason. He felt as though someone was glaring at him on the other side.

When they got into the parking lot Malachi couldn’t shake that uneasy feeling. It happened