Taste of Blood: Tales of Horror and Suspense

By Martin E. Patterson

Martin lives in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is a retired autoworker, is fifty-eight-years-old, and lives with his wife and three kids. He is currently working on a book project.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Sep 11, 2012
• ISBN: 9781477142837

Martin E. Patterson

From his basement lair located in a small town in Ohio, Martin Patterson enjoys writing horror and suspense. It’s in the Blood is his third book with another one in the works. He has at least two dozen original short stories and is working on several more.

Book preview

Best Seller

I typed on my computer keyboard as fast as I could, forcing the sweat to trickle down my forehead and into my burning eyes. Sentence after sentence, page after page—the hours crept on. My fingers throbbed from the constant tapping on the keys as I recorded the terrible events of the last few days. Would this nightmare ever end? I wondered. What had I done to deserve this fate? I glanced over my shoulder; it was still there, watching me.

This book is not exciting enough, Glen, croaked a voice from the corner. I looked up frightfully from the monitor as I heard the commanding tone behind me. But as always, I could see little in the dark shadows in my study. It would not reveal itself to me. And I didn’t want it to.

W-what do you mean? I stuttered.

This will never do, Glen, it repeated. Our book can never hope to become a best seller with such rubbish.

"Our book?"

Of course! You didn’t think I’d provide my services for free, did you?

It suddenly seized me by the throat with an invisible hand. I gagged and fought for air as the crushing pressure was slowly increased. Shhhhh, its foul breath whispered. You should be thankful for the opportunity to serve a master like myself. But if you don’t desire my help, then say so, and I’ll end your miserable suffering. Look at you, your balding head, pitiful-looking blue eyes, which I’ll poke out if you don’t start using them for my purposes. I struggled desperately for air as it lifted me off my feet and shook me roughly. Huh? Answer me, Glen. My mind was screaming, Please, you’re killing me. I was just blacking out when it sent me crashing into my desk chair and onto the floor.

I withered on the floor in my wrinkled clothes for several minutes until I caught my breath, then rose slowly to my feet. The shades to my window suddenly pulled themselves back, letting in the dim light from the moon outside. The window overlooked Ben Sutton’s house next door. A putrid odor flowed from the direction of the deranged being, my confused mind not knowing what was real and what wasn’t.

Get your pen and paper out, Glen, it ordered. We’re going to liven things up a little.

Please, I said meekly. I don’t want anybody hurt.

Do what I tell you! it screamed. The receiver to the phone moved through the air, and the buttons began to push themselves.

What are you doing?

Its eyes suddenly became visible, two red marbles glowing like sizzling coals. They floated toward me. I heard the hissing words echo out from the darkness—Shut up and sit down! I sat down. Below the floating eyes, a mouth began to take form, and then the entire face. I pushed my chair away as the hideous details began to appear. There were bulging veins that snaked their way down both sides of its face like thick snot, finally stopping at smiling black lips that were lined with sharp teeth. Two of which were unusually long. What the hell! Its head floated with the phone to its hairy ear.

Hello? Its voice drifted easily and eerily from the foul mouth—strangely hypnotic. Is Janet there? it asked. Oh, I’m just a good friend from work, it continued. No, just tell her I’ll see her tomorrow at work. It laughed, then hung up. That ought to get the bastard thinking.

I knew what the wicked thing was up to. Ben was a jealous man with a violent temper. I watched from the window of my dark study as Ben paced nervously through the house waiting impatiently for the return of his wife. And it wasn’t long before I heard her white Ford Focus pull into the driveway.

A heated argument erupted as Janet entered the house, and my Bionic Ear picked up every word. The demon conveniently adjusted the direction of the listening device when they moved through the house. Most of their curtains were closed, but we had a clear view inside one of the bedrooms and into the kitchen. Even though the house was mostly dark, my telescope with the night vision lens was more than enough to zero in on the arguing couple.

I knew you were cheating on me. I just knew it!

What on earth are you talking about?

"That bastard you work with called, asking for my wife. The fucking nerve of him—and you! He’s going to pay for sleeping with my wife, just like you’re going to pay now!"

Ben, wait… You’re… He grabbed her by the hair and pulled her roughly into the kitchen. Stop it! she screamed.

Damn, I’ve got to do something before he hurts her, I thought nervously. I quickly picked up the phone and began to dial the emergency number; then suddenly, the phone was snatched from my hand. I stared in astonishment as it floated in front of me. But just as quickly, it slammed down against my skull. I staggered away as the pleading cries from Janet echoed clearly from the speakers of the Bionic Ear.

This can’t be happening! I cried loudly.

Get back to the scope, Glen, roared an inhuman voice.

I looked about the room but could see no one. A picture of my accursed wife suddenly leaped off the desk and crashed into my face, shattering the glass and frame. A picture I kept to remind myself that she was really dead. I fell to my knees as warm blood trickled from my nose and a deep cut across my eyebrow.

I said get back to the scope! One by one, the leather-bound books that lined the far wall shot toward me like bullets. I covered my face with my arms, but the hard bindings pounded bruises on my arms, shoulders, and legs. One book crashed into my balls so hard I briefly lost consciousness. Amazingly, my glasses were still intact.

When my mind finally cleared, I pulled myself painfully to my feet. A cool breeze whipped past the curtains, scattering loose papers about the room. The desk lamp’s meager glow flickered. Then a woman’s voice scratched harshly from the shadows.

Glen? came the coarse voice. My wife! It was the cruel, domineering voice of my long-deceased wife, Heather. You think you can get rid of me. Ha! I’ve been watching you. The same old wimp-ass, Glen.

No! Stop it.

I’m home, sweetheart.

I knew it wasn’t my real wife’s voice. The damn creature was playing with me. But I also knew—I was insane. There could be no other explanation. A heavy, invisible hand suddenly fell upon my shoulder like cold lead. I screamed and fell back against the desk.

Don’t pull away from me, came Heather’s throaty voice. You’re going to bang me like you used to.

Stop it, damn you! I squeezed my still-bleeding head between my hands. Please.

Last chance, said Heather’s voice. Get back to the fucking scope, or so help me God you’ll never have a minute’s peace the rest of your life.

I stumbled over to the shiny black telescope that stood upon a wooden tripod and then put my eye to the lens. It was pointed at one of the rooms in my neighbor’s house. And the sound from the Bionic Ear was crisp and clear.

What do you take me for, Ben cried, a fool? Do you want me to believe you fell asleep in the parking lot of Green Valley because you had too much to drink?

I did, Janet wept. You can ask Gail, she’ll tell you. She was passed out in the backseat. I could plainly see Ben pacing angrily across the room.

Gail would lie for you in a second. She never did like me. I don’t know why, I always took pains to treat her kindly.

Maybe she doesn’t like men that hit their wives, Janet snapped.

Why, you cheatin’ little bitch! How dare you talk to me like that!

Janet fell to the floor screaming beneath a barrage of heavy blows. I cringed with disgust as thud after sickening thud sounded vividly from the Bionic Ear’s speakers. Finally, I pulled myself from view of the violent scene when Janet’s blood began to splatter onto Ben’s face. I puked, then turned from the window as the demon laughed hideously behind me.

Now that’s the spirit, the demon shouted gleefully. There’s more to come, Glen, get back to the scope. I looked at the broken picture of the miserable witch I’d been married to for ten long years. I went back to the scope.

Thirty minutes later, I watched in shock as Ben yanked the murdered body of his wife down the basement stairs. Her head thumped loudly against the hard wood. It was ghastly.

Go to your desk and type it all down, ordered the thing. I’ll be back tonight.

I looked toward the sound of the voice but couldn’t see anyone. Pushing my glasses up on my sore nose, I wondered if the creature was really gone or just watching. Did it really matter? I went to my desk and began writing the most horrible crime I’d ever witnessed. Two hours after that, at dawn, I went to bed.

The dreams I had that day were of my once-petite wife, who in two short years of marriage blossomed into a huge, cruel excuse for a woman. A woman who had but one goal in life—to make me, Glen Turner, miserable. I dreamt of her death in 06, and in my dream, as in real life, I was elated. Not that I wanted her dead, but because I was free to pursue my dream of becoming a writer. Something she discouraged with abuse and the destruction of my most prized work. Work that took years to complete, destroyed in a matter of minutes. My anger grew at the memories, and in an instant she was leering over me armed with a filthy kitchen knife. The knife was jammed into my belly. I woke up and screamed.

I found myself on the floor next to my bed with a bullwhip from my collection of antiques hovering in the air in front of me. Christ, it’s back! I didn’t have a chance to react when the whip lashed out with a crack. The skin on my bare shoulder split like the skin of a grape. I howled and scooted across the floor away from the evil being.

You’ve slept enough, it bellowed. The whip danced up high and came down with another brutal snap, catching me below my shorts.

I screamed as the hot pain sizzled through my upper leg. Why are you doing this, for God’s sake? I’ve done what you’ve asked.

God! Did you say God? You say that word again, I’ll cut your tongue out. I cringed as the whip shook violently in front of me. It’s dark out, and you’ve wasted enough time with your precious sleep—there’ll be no more of that until my book is finished. Get back to your desk!

I walked wearily from my bedroom, through the hall, and into my study. Looking at my beloved desk, I never knew so much dread.

Now, Glen, floated the eerie voice from behind me. How about we up the suspense a bit? What do you say, huh, Glen?

The heavy footsteps swooshed across the thick carpet as the invisible thing walked to my desk. The phone once again rose from its cradle; the buttons began to push themselves, and after a few seconds, the voice of Ben Sutton echoed from the gloom.

Hello, Gail? This is Ben Sutton. Did you happen to see Janet last night? She never came home from work, and I’m going crazy. Yes, I’ve called the police. Yes, I’ve called everyone I can think of. Could you come over to the house for a while, help me figure out what happened? I sure would appreciate it. Thanks, Gail. Good-bye.

The phone was tossed onto the desk. A deep throaty laughter, seemed like it, came from the very walls inside the room. I now knew—I really was insane. Ben would kill Gail when she arrived, and I could do nothing to prevent it.

I briefly scanned the room. My eyes stopped at the mess of books on the floor that the monster had made earlier and at one book in particular. An idea came to me. Something that brought me hope. Something that could perhaps rid me of the revolting being that haunted my dwelling. It was a slim chance, one that would no doubt cost me my life if I failed.

A hard slap quickly brought my addled brain to the present.

Did you hear me, toad? I said Gail’s knocking on the door of our dearly departed. Get to the scope! And turn up the Bionic Ear.

I did as I was ordered. Shaking, I zeroed in on Ben and Gail as grim reality began to take shape.

So, you haven’t seen Janet this morning?

No, Ben. I haven’t seen her since last night. I came over as soon as you called.

Really? I called?

Yes, Gail replied.

Hang on a minute, Gail. I need to check on something in the oven. Come in, have a seat. Ben walked swiftly through the house and into the kitchen. He immediately searched a drawer, coming up with a long thin filleting knife. He stuck it into the back of his pants and strutted back through the large rooms. He stood before Gail.

All right, Gail. Who was my wife screwing?

What!

You heard me. Who was fucking my wife? Did you set her up with someone from work? Answer my question, damn you!

Gail looked stunned, mouth hanging open in a confused yawn.

Ben grabbed Gail by the hair and pulled her head back, exposing her neck. I’ll teach you to mind your own business. The knife suddenly appeared. He pushed the pointed blade deep into the white soft tissue of her throat. Gail screamed. Even from where I was, I could see plainly through the powerful scope—the blood squirted into the air and onto the floor. I was just about to turn away when Ben Sutton cut her throat.

Blood gushed down the front of Gail’s pale blouse. I had never viewed anything as horrible my entire life. The creature laughed somewhere behind me. Apparently it didn’t need a scope to see the slaughter, and that’s what it looked like, a slaughterhouse. I again felt nauseous. And not for the first time, I contemplated taking my own life.

Bravo, Glen. Now, there’s a picture you can sink your teeth into. Get back to your desk, you pathetic man, before I suck your living soul from that husk of a body and carry it in my pocket for amusement. My book is almost finished. It’s almost daylight, and I want the book done by the time I come back tonight. Get to it! Unless you want to spend a few weeks with your dead wife. Its laughter faded like a man screaming into an endless abyss.

I walked unsteadily to my desk, sat down, and began to write; I didn’t hear the voice that struck terror into my heart the past two weeks. The abomination was gone for the day. After a few hours, I was finished. I had preparations to make before the vile creature returned. My one chance at salvation. I must hurry.

It was almost dark, and I was ready. If my plan didn’t work, I’d be dammed into some unimaginable hell, taken by force into its dark world. The thing would torture me and then kill me in some sort of heinous sport. I cringed. Hell, it’s going to kill me anyway. I waited nervously for its arrival.

I stood facing Ben Sutton’s house—wondering what sort of murky corner the victims’ final resting place was in—when an invisible hand seized my collar and flung me across the room like an empty candy wrapper.

Have you finished my book? boomed a voice from across the room. I stared into the gloom but could see nothing.

I picked myself slowly up from the floor. Yes. Yes, I have your precious book. It’s on my desk. I could see a few loose papers flutter upon my desk from the beasts passing. Captivated, I watched the book lift itself off the desk and float.

What are you trying to pull, Glen?

Fear suddenly leaped into my chest. It knew! Christ, it knew. I was going to die. I forced myself to answer. W-what are you talking about?

I’m talking about the title, Glen. There’s no title on this fancy cover of yours.

I was somewhat relieved but didn’t dare hold out hope. There’s a title on the next page. You’ll like it. I watched, fascinated, as the monster flipped open the book. At first, the room stood eerily silent, and then there was a high-pitched squeal as the heavy book dropped onto the desk. The creature’s invisible hand suddenly erupted in flames. Its howl shook the house as the fire crawled rapidly up its arm.

What have you done, Glen? it bellowed. Its arm began to take shape beneath the punishing fire—sharp, fiery talons tipped its elongated fingers. The fire quickly spread to its neck and face, exposing the hideous features I had witnessed just a few short weeks before; the creature’s chunky veins that crisscrossed its face popped and withered from the burning fire. It screamed. The window in the study crashed outward from the beast’s powerful display. My ears were ringing as I pressed my hands to my head. The thing’s grotesque body was now engulfed in flames as it quickly began to shrink. The flaming creature, in its death throes, began to disintegrate until there was no more—not evens a spot on the floor to prove its evil existence.

I stood, mouth agape, in shocked silence. I did it! The creature was apparently gone. Unevenly, I walked over to the spot where I’d last seen the demon. Nothing. With trembling hands, I picked up the book, then flipped over the fake cover to reveal the real title. The Holy Bible. I had painstakingly glued and stitched the fake cover on and into the binding of the Bible, enough to mask its true purpose, which turned out to be a demon killer. Was I safe?

Several weeks had passed since that fateful night, and I had started a new book, a story that I’d had in mind since my terrible ordeal. New people had moved in next door, and Ben Sutton sat languishing in the county lockup, facing life in prison.

I rose from my chair thinking about the beginning of my book. Strolling to the window, I peered out at Ben Sutton’s old house. Thanks to the wicked entity, I had material for my next manuscript. I put my eye to the eyepiece of my powerful telescope, wondering what I could do to liven things up a bit.

THE END

Double Trouble

How’s my tie look, Ted?" I asked.

It looks great, man. Just the way a single man should look when he’s out on a hot date, Derrick.

I looked in the mirror at the familiar face. It’s not a date, it’s what you call looking for a date. Besides, I’m just hoping she’ll be at the party, you know, maybe there’s still a torch between us, at least a small flame.

Derrick, my man, I don’t know what you see in the little tramp, she dumped you for another man.

That was a long time ago, Ted. I stared in the mirror and straightened my tie. An aging man with sad brown eyes and dark hair stared back at me. I couldn’t see the reflection of Ted in the mirror; he must have stepped out of view. Her body alone is enough to convince me to try and make amends. Besides, she was great in bed.

And that’s where her final resting place should be, Derrick, in a place where she spends most of her time sleeping and fucking.

I didn’t like where the conversation was leading. Not liking her is what you do best, Ted. She never did anything to you that I’m aware of.

She’s done nothing to me, it’s what she’s done to you that makes me angry. If I’d catch her fucking another man, I’d kill the bitch and dump her body alongside the road like the trash she is. She’s no good for you, Derrick. She’s no good for any man with half a brain.

So now you’re calling me stupid?

If the shoe fits, wear it.

You’re making me angry, Ted.

You’re making me angry, Derrick. And you know how I get when I get pissed, man. I won’t take shit from anyone, including you.

This was going too far. I had to calm Ted down before he did something stupid. I didn’t want him causing any trouble. I didn’t need reminding the last time Teddy boy decided to help me. It was something I didn’t want to think about.

Okay, Ted, I suppose you’re right. I still love her, I thought to myself, but I had to convince Ted that she meant nothing to me. At least let me try and get a piece of ass, will you? I combed the last of my dark hair, noticing that Ted had again walked from his reflection in the mirror.

Now you’re talking, Derrick! Get what you can and get out, man. Give it to the little bitch and then dump her like she dumped you.

I don’t know if she’ll even be there, much less have anything to do with me.

If she doesn’t, Derrick, I’ll take it from there.

I suddenly felt sick. I didn’t want Ted to butt his nose into my business; it always meant trouble. You stay out of there, Ted. This isn’t your concern.

I’m going with you just in case.

Shit!

Don’t worry, Derrick, I’ll stay in the shadows and just watch. But if she hurts you, so help me God I’ll…

Okay, okay, just stay out of the way.

There were no more words between us. Ted became silent as I grabbed my keys and exited the door. I reached my car and looked around. Ted was nowhere to be seen. Perhaps he’d decided to leave me be.

After arriving at the party, I saw several students I recognized and quickly began to make small talk. Diane was the one I really wanted to talk too. And sure enough, there she was standing among a herd of young men. Slowly I built up enough nerve to walk over and say hi.

Well, hi, Derrick. Where have you been keeping yourself?

I’ve been around. Just thought I’d say hi and see if you were still single, or did you marry… what’s his name… ? Dave, that’s it.

Heavens no, Derrick, Dave meant nothing to me.

Meant nothing, I thought. She dropped me for a man who meant nothing to her. I’m sure glad Ted didn’t hear that.

Well, I continued, maybe we could get together for a drink some time.

Sure, Derrick. Why don’t you start by fetching me vodka and orange juice over at the bar?

A few minutes later, I handed her the drink. It’s been a long time, Diane, but maybe we could get together after the party. You know, for old time’s sake.

Oh, Derrick, came her sweet reply. "You are such a boring man. I couldn’t stand you then, and I can’t stand you now." She smiled like she was the goddess of heaven itself.

I stood still, dumbfounded. Had things really been that bad? Can’t stand me, she said. Tears stung my eyes, but I refused to let them flow in front of the sniggering crowd. I loved her, and all this time she couldn’t stand me. I was speechless as she smiled up at me, enjoying the hurt she knew must have stabbed my gut. What did I do to receive such ridicule?

Don’t look so hurt, Derrick. You were the only one with any money back then. You’re such an idiot.

B-but you said you loved me.

I lied to get what I wanted. Just said what you wanted to hear. Get away from me, you poor slob, you’re chasing away the young student I plan on being with tonight. There were low chuckles from some of the girls.

Walking slowly to the bar, I couldn’t believe what she said to me. Had I been that stupid to think she really cared? Ted had been right all along. She embarrassed me in front of a multitude of students, some of whom were surely in my classes. I suddenly felt tired. Going home to bed was all I wanted to do.

Well, that wasn’t pretty, boomed a voice from behind me. I turned around.

Ted! How did you know… ?

How did I know? I have my ways. I heard everything.

Great! I replied.

You know what we have to do now, don’t you, Derrick?

I won’t, Ted—not this time. I turned around and faced the bar, then took a sip from my drink. Suddenly the bartender said, Who are you talking to, buddy? I looked into the huge mirror behind the smooth wood bar, but Ted had gone. His reflection wasn’t there.

My brother must have gone to the bathroom when I wasn’t looking. Anyway I’m done. I tipped the bartender then headed out the door to my car, leaving Ted behind in the bar. Stopping in front of my beat-up car, I still couldn’t believe what Diane said to me. Somehow, Ted heard it too. What did I know about relationships anyway? I thought Diane liked me enough to at least let me down gentle. I can’t stand you. Wow! What must it have been like for her to pretend she liked me when really she couldn’t stand me?

After arriving home, I popped the tab from a cold light beer, turned on the TV, and then promptly fell asleep. I dreamt terrible dreams, nightmares really. I dreamt of knives and blood—lots of blood. And I dreamt of Diane and how much I loved her even after all that she said.

The next morning, I woke exhausted, lying in my own bed; I couldn’t remember how I got there. My head hurt. I felt sick to my stomach, and to make matters worse, Ted was sitting in my recliner watching the sci-fi channel. I’d never given Ted a key to my apartment, but he always managed to get in. After a while, I never even questioned it. I had once made it plain to Ted that, being my brother, he was always welcome in my home. An invitation I’ve regretted ever since. I went to the bathroom and drenched my face with water, and then I heard Ted say, What are you going to do about the little tramp Diane?

All right, Ted. I’m already sick of hearing about it, okay. I just want to forget it.

And let her get away with what she did? She insulted you—embarrassed you in front of your students. You’ll be the laughing schmuck of the whole campus. You say you want to forget it. You say you’re sick of hearing about it. Well, let me tell you something, Derrick. I’m not going to forget about it. I’m going to do what you’re too chickenshit to do. I’m going to kill the little cum-sucking whore!

I’ve never heard Ted so angry before. It frightened me. Ted, please, can’t we just forget it?

You’d like that, wouldn’t you, my pathetic brother? When someone hurts you, they hurt me. And I don’t take any shit. Little Miss Diane hurt us. His voice suddenly became calm. It’s not your fault you’re so meek, brother. I did it for you, Derrick.

What? Did what for me? I was really scared now.

She’s dead! Ted spat. Up in slut heaven with her fellow whores. That’s right, Derrick, she’s really dead. You should have been there, Derrick. I gutted her like a pig and listened to her scream—and then she shit her pants. Humiliatingly fit for a woman of her nature. She doesn’t look so pretty now. No need to thank me, it was my pleasure.

I was speechless.

Don’t look so down, you really wanted me to do it.

No! How can you say that? I loved her.

We’re two of a kind, brother. If you hated her, then I hated her. If you wanted her dead bad enough, then I wanted her dead. Get the picture yet?

The room was beginning to spin. What was he talking about? No, I didn’t get the picture—I didn’t want to understand. I just wanted to wake up. Surely this nightmare would…

We killed her, Derrick! You and me. Didn’t think I could do it alone, did you?

Stop it! You’re making this up. You just want to scare me. I could never do anything like that to someone I love. Even if she did hurt me, I couldn’t kill her. I couldn’t kill the…

That’s it, say it, Derrick.

No!

Say it!

I couldn’t kill the little—I mean, I couldn’t—that little whore! What was I saying? I couldn’t kill the… two-timing tramp. The foul words seemed to spill from my lips. There was no stopping them. Then, I didn’t want them to stop. The stinking bitch got what she deserved, I bellowed. Ha-ha, killed the piece of shit. Yes—scalped her blond hair like a pro. We did it, and it felt great. Me and you, Ted. We made the bitch suffer for what she did to me. Didn’t we, Ted? Ted, where are you? Run off like you always do, huh, Ted?

I’m here, came a familiar voice from the bedroom.

I ran into the bedroom and looked around. I could see no one. I walked over to the dresser and looked into the mirror. He stared back at me. There you are, Ted.

THE END

Granny Be Nimble

Grandma! I bellowed. Why did you turn off the hall light? You know I don’t like your house dark at night, and you turned that damn light off again." I struggled to keep from laughing while I put on my best angry face. Granny looked up fearfully from the book she’d been reading, her heavy glasses falling off her nose and onto the pages with a dull thud. She sat in her bed staring dumbly up at me. I held my breath forcing the blood into my head—a look that always made Granny tremble.

I… I’m sorry, Alan, I was only trying to save on the electricity.

Save on electricity? With all the money you’ve got? By God, if you want to save money, we’ll just get rid of that stupid Chihuahua of yours, Mitzie.

No, Alan, please! I’m sorry.

No, Alan, please, I mocked. I’m going to teach you a little lesson this time, Grandma. Something you’ll remember.

Her outstretched arm shook slightly as she begged. Alan, wait!

Ignoring her pleas, I stormed from her bedroom and searched the house until I found the tiny mutt shivering under the couch downstairs. The dog always knew when I wanted to have some fun; it would run and hide every time. I snatched the animal by her scrawny neck and jerked her yelping from beneath the couch, then headed upstairs to Granny’s room.

I stood in front of Granny and smiled, then gripped the struggling mutt hard with both hands. "What are you doing, Alan? Stop it!"

Now you’ll see, by God, I mean what I say! My flexing muscles felt good as I slowly twisted little Mitzie’s monkey head. She yelped and kicked painfully until—pop! Her neck bone snapped like a dried twig.

Granny screamed, Noooooo! Alan!

I threw the lifeless pooch down at her feet. "I’ll have to lock you in your room from now on, Grandma—in the dark—to save on the electric." I giggled and then slammed the door hard, leaving Granny’s piteous cries behind me.

Your easy lifestyle’s over Granny, I thought. You and your damn money. Where were you on the nights Mom and I sat in darkness to save on electrical costs? Mustn’t waste! Where was dear old Granny then? It’s too late for Mom now, but not too late for me.

Uncle Herb was right when he said by being her only grandson, I was the person who should care for her. And he also said, You’re the beneficiary of her money and estate. That’s right, Herb. And by God I mean to have it. All of it.

I hastily whipped up another pot of my special tea that Granny was so fond of, this time being sure to add a generous amount of the sedative, Ambien. I poured a hot cup of the mixture, then walked across the carpeted hallway, thinking. When I first moved in here, nothing would piss me off more than Granny’s deceptive praises about my looks. You’re so handsome with your dark complexion and youthful face, she’d say. With your long dark hair and slim build, Alan, you should’ve been a movie star. Christ! The only woman I ever allowed that kind of talk was Mom. A hard slap across the face quickly convinced Granny there were boundaries she’d better not cross. But she’d pay for her insults. Dearly.

I stopped and smiled up at the steep wooden stairs, scanning the upper hallway leading to her room. I crept silently up the stairs; stopping outside her door, I listened. At just the right moment, between her pathetic sobs, I burst through the door.

Grandma! I yelled.

Granny cringed with fright at my surprising entry. She sat on her bed wide-eyed and teary-eyed, shaking pitifully, her hand pressed to her chest, clutching the flowered nightgown that covered her bony frame. Her old lungs heaved with every breath, and strands of gray hair straggled from beneath that ridiculous wig she always wore. The tall but fragile old woman looked pleadingly at me with her sad brown eyes. She pointed a gnarled, veiny finger at the corpse of her dog.

M-M-M-Mitzie, she choked. You killed my Mitzie.

I raised my hand quickly, making Granny flinch. Then I smiled and spoke softly, I’m sorry, Grandma, I don’t know what came over me. Look, I’ve brought your favorite tea. Lipton’s, with cinnamon. Drink this, and maybe you’ll feel better.

Why do you treat me like this, Alan? Why do you hate me?

I said drink it, damn you! Her face lit up in fear as she quickly took the cup and began slurping the tea. That’s it, Grandma, drink up like a good girl. I watched with pleasure as she shakily sat the empty cup on the nightstand.

After becoming groggy, she lay back on the bed. I made sure I didn’t put enough dope in her tea to knock her out; I wanted her to feel what was coming. I then left the room, kicking the stinking dog carcass from my sight as I went.

When I returned several minutes later, I carried with me the only thing I would need—a small syringe with a long needle. It was a simple plan; the death of her mutt was too much for her, I thought with a giggle. First, a little fun!

I bent down and whispered in her ear, Grandma, can you hear me? Listen to me—I’m going to kill you now, Grandma! Yeah, that’s right. You’re going to die and join Mitzie in doggy hell! I laughed aloud, drowning out her weak moaning. She attempted a meek struggle, but I held her head down against the mattress. Oh no you don’t!

I glared at the drugged woman with anticipation. Goose bumps covered my trembling body with excitement as I slowly inserted the long sharp needle deep into the soft tissue at the back of the skull. She exhaled a high-pitched squeal as I shoved in the plunger, forcing air into her brain. Her wrinkled fingers gripped the sheets hard, and as though subjected to an electrical charge, her body began quivering rapidly on the bed. Wet gurgling sounds escaped her lips in quick gasps as I forced her face still tighter against the bed. I stared transfixed, savoring every second of her fascinating death—it was better than I’d hoped. But after less than a minute, she lay still, foamy spittle flowing from the corner of her mouth onto her chin.

Withdrawing the needle quickly, I stepped back breathing heavily. There! That should do it. I chuckled as I prodded the limp form on the bed. Sleep tight, Granny.

Later that night, I awoke from a sound sleep. The lamp from my bedside table burnt brightly as did several other lights in the house. Darkness was a stark reminder of my wretched childhood.

Sitting up in bed, I listened, hearing someone babbling and then something overturning with a crash from down the hall. Somebody’s in the house! I walked quietly to the bedroom door and stared down the hallway. Shit! It’s coming from Granny’s room. She’s not dead yet?

Slipping on my pants, I rushed from the room.

Arriving at Granny’s door, I stopped and listened, hearing soft crying from the other side. A thin smile crossed my lips. Well, Granny, your miraculous recovery calls for a little bonus round. I began my somewhat clumsy imitation of the now departed Mitzie, barking and scratching at the door. After hearing no response, I flung back the door in disappointment.

The room at first looked empty. The bedsheets were rumpled, and the small nightstand holding Granny’s cup of tea and false teeth lay overturned on the floor. The gagging odor of puke and piss permeated the room around me.

The door suddenly slammed shut behind me. I spun around and stared in horror at the decrepit thing by the door. Her pale face stared back at me, watery eyes blazing red with insanity; drying vomit covered the front of her flowered nightgown. The veins on her face were swollen and pulsating, as if her old heart was beating at a tremendous rate, making her features look distorted and cruel.

"G-Grandma? You must