Don't Kill the Candles: manifest in criminal minds, #2

By Bernard Harold Curgenven

His blood tasted similar to hers, only sweeter! The demons feasted on the flesh of those who had welcomed the sin of fornication, and indulged in their sacrificial blood.

This story takes us back in time to a period before the plot of Cutter's Demons, to a time when the latter characters were youthful and foolish. It takes us back even further, to biblical times, starting with Noah's ark. The creator became the destroyer but vowed to save those who obeyed. Hence, Noah was to rescue a pair of each creature formed of flesh, and discard all creatures that belonged with evil, thus eliminating demon possession. Evil found a way to survive though, and soon manifested in the new world. This story touches on drugs, sex, violence and demon possession. Although the plot is fictional, it relates to both fact and theory.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bernard Harold Curgenven
• Release date: Feb 10, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393640905

Book preview

Chapter 1

They deigned to join Cutter. His blood pressure rose with their failure to address him by rank, but he nodded as if in agreement. Pointing to the larger area now cordoned off by tape, he gave his report. He had with him an aerial map of the area. It was attached to the easels that were smuggled in earlier. This wasn’t their first cold case, but it was the most unusual by far! The field was buzzing with activity as the bloody mutilated body lay in the water, lifeless and bloated. The pun mostly went unnoticed when Frank Stone stood behind the line, scoffing his obese body with the leftovers of an oversized gamin.

Good morning all! It is imperative that we find evidence pertaining to the missing body parts. Please be diligent and as speedy as possible. Off to work with vigour then! Frank Stone finally instructed through closed lips. Elated, the posse scattered, each to their own purpose! A curse escaped him as another burst of rain drenched his already cold and wet body. He wasn’t impressed with the typical April conditions, wrapped up snugly in a large raincoat and sheepskin gloves.

By late afternoon they were tired, wet and annoyed. The evening had started off poorly.

Welcome Doctor Stone! This is Brigadier Cutter. We have been told of a similar incident that happened earlier this morning. Someone literally evolved into a skeleton! Frank exclaimed as the forensic specialist suddenly appeared on the scene. He wasn’t used to addressing his wife by her title.

The witness is badly shaken up as you can imagine. Do you want me to hold her here or send her home? We have her statement," detective Potter looked about, unsure whether he should address the question to his immediate superior or the visiting brigadier.

Hold her please. I will be there shortly, the brigadier from CID answered on Frank Stone’s behalf, after deciding to give the couple a moment.

I understand how upsetting this is, madam, but please tell us again exactly what you saw. Our forensic specialist has finally arrived and I now have time to listen, Cutter spoke gently to the young lady waiting patiently beneath the gazebo. She offered no resistance to the line of questioning which had already taken up two hours of her time. Although she appeared calm and collective, her partially dilated pupils suggested that she was suffering from a degree of shock.

Does this skeleton belong to a relative of yours, Doctor Bernadette Stone chipped in as the girl was gathering her coat to meet the awaiting police car.

On what basis do you make this presumption? the girl asked dryly. Her mouth was dry and her complexion was pale.

The bone structure for one! The similarities in cheekbone settings and forehead width are remarkable. Then there is height! You are both around five-foot-seven.

I need to get home now. Is there anything else? the girl asked.

"That’s all for now. Thank you, madam! The squad car will drop you at home and