Sweet Daisy

By William Schumpert

Kevin and his daughter Beth move to escape the past. But when Beth falls ill with a terminal disease, Kevin faces a heart-wrenching dilemma.

 

A strange man appears in his life promising to heal Beth, but at what cost? Kevin will do anything to save his daughter, but how far will he go?

 

As the bodies begin to pile up in the community, all drained of blood, Kevin realizes the horrific truth. Will he be able to stop the monster that he has helped create?

 

Read this spine-tingling horror tale of a father's love and the price he pays for it. But be warned, you may never be able to see the sunlight in the same way again...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Better Brains Books
• Release date: Feb 27, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393350187

William Schumpert

William Schumpert is an author and illustrator born and raised in Oklahoma; he graduated Southern Nazarene University in 2009 with a Bachelor's Degree in Art and Mass Communication and enjoys writing poetry, horror and short stories.

Book preview

I

Early morning wind rustles with uncertainty. It was once a calm and tranquil atmosphere that has broken into discourse. The withering leaves fall from the autumn trees. Nature has broken its tide as a flock of birds make their way from their nestled homes. The squirrels run from the clamoring footsteps. Deer run for cover, acting on their instinct of survival as the traces of blood lie on the early morning ground. The peaceful sanctuary that lay near the ocean front gave way to a chaotic outbreak that was followed by the investigations of the grisly murders that have recently occurred across the town of Rapisville- at least that’s how they were labeled by investigations...

It was seven in the morning as forty year old Kevin was ready for work. He took one more glance in the mirror to check his hair, making sure he combed it right. Everything seemed to be in place as its dark brown color reflected rather well. It showed little to no grey as he applied the hair spray. Rest assured with his appearance Kevin made his way downstairs. The cold morning was now a gentle and worm sensation. Standing before him was sweet and innocent five year old Beth playing with her curly hair.

Kevin almost blushed, seeing how she always reminded him of Angela. If only Beth could have met her, often came to mind at these moments. But it was even so dismissed when Beth showed her big smile in loving enthusiasm every time she saw her father.

And as Kevin made his way down Beth was ready to embrace him with open arms, as if her own father hung the moon.

Well you’re ready earlier than usual. What gives?

The only response Beth gave was a shy giggle, and Kevin joined with her as he chased her in a circle and caught her with a hug.

For the past few months Kevin wasn’t sure if Rapidsville was going to be an ideal home for Beth. Yet it was moments like these that reassured him. Even if those times were short lived- Kevin checked his watch, realizing Beth was going to be late for school.

So he took a hold of her hand and made post haste to the front door. The sudden action caught Beth by surprise but she was soon able to catch up, even as the turn of events confused her.

They made their way out as Kevin was fast enough to turn around to shut and lock the door.

Daddy-

Beth burst out in discontent as the moment became hostile for the toddler. But Kevin knew Beth all too well as he came to an abrupt stop.

Come on Beth, he said in a gentle voice. We’re running late!

We’re going to be late? But I want to go to school...

Kevin smiled as he grabbed Beth by the hand.

Then we better get going then!

The two raced to the car as Beth’s uncertainty became a warm and glowing sensation of happiness. Kevin swerved open the back seat, making sure her car seat fit into place. As Beth grinned she looked over her shoulder...

There was someone out there- looking towards her. It would be too hard to tell with the fog and pale light- but the outline matched that of a man wearing a suit. For the moment she was spellbound by this questionable figure. All it did was stand there- not a move nor budge as it starred right at Beth. It didn’t take long for her to ask for Dad as she turned towards Kevin, who was finishing up with the seat.

Daddy she said as she shook Kevin’s leg.

Daddy look there’s a-

Before she could finish Kevin grabbed her and carried Beth to the car. As she looked over Kevin’s shoulder she once again saw-

Nothing.

Yet her confusion was short lived as Kevin plopped her on the car seat and fastened her safety belt.

Honey we gotta hurry he immediately said as he closed the back door and made his way to the front. Kevin opened the door, almost jumping in the car (looking over his shoulder to make sure that Beth’s door shut).

And off they went- a little late for the morning commute but not as much traffic. The drive was rather tranquil for Kevin as he was rest assured that Beth would make it to Kindergarten on time. As for work he wasn’t sure but it would be a problem. The one thing that did matter in his life was sitting right behind him. Scratching her cute curly hair  she held her doll by her side.

Driving up to the curve Kevin parked the car and immediately made his way out to get Beth. He walked her to the school holding her hand (but with caution) and opened the front door. Beth’s teacher Kelly greeted him, and she received the warmest greeting from Beth. Even as she seemed to look a bit more pale in skin tone. Kevin noticed earlier before. But decided that Beth may have been up too late or had trouble getting to sleep.

They hugged, he wished her a good day and it was off to work for Kevin. The office wasn’t too far from the school, but the traffic was a bit congested as he turned on the main road. Looking at the time-

Damn it- gong to be late he thought to himself. And indeed he was late, but only by seven minuets. Rushing in he began to apologize for his lateness. But his supervisor understood Kevin had a child and brushed away the notion.

It was the usual business day as Kevin was able to get through the paperwork in good time. He even had some time to spare, deciding to organize his desk- a first in a long time (too long). With that he grabbed the note from Dr. Martin Phillips, making sure he had the right address as he began to move out.

No matter what everything will be all right he told himself as he locked the front door to his office.

Beth sits in her car chair as Kevin pays close attention to the rode. She’s not sure why but Dad seemed to be more worried than usual as he kept peering back. He kept checking on her as he drove at a slower pace. As he did Beth kept wondering if there was anger or if he were playing a game. Kelvin’s mixed emotions confused the child and she decided to ignore it by looking out the window. Her eyes opened wide with enthusiasm as she saw an adorable