A Gentle Hell

By Karan Bishop

Her entire life Tara has had a need to expose the dark side of the soul.
She was exposed to the occult by her family growing up and suffered
deep personal loses. She dealt with the grief and pain by becoming an
undercover agent for the FBI. She teams with two other women who
share a similar background. They are only called to action when the
FBI needs a team of experts to investigate occult crime.
Taras team is called to Denver, Colorado to deal with a cult involved
in child prostitution and the drug trade. As Taras team comes close
to exposing this cult the danger grows. Before it is over they will
experience the full impact of the cults cruelty and violence. Through
this experience their lives are changed forever.
Join them as they face the gentle hell that is true evil.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jan 26, 2012
• ISBN: 9781469148564

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

The room was dark and smelled dank. There were candles around a star shape. Everyone was chanting, but the little girl didn’t understand what they were saying. She was standing outside the circle that was drawn around the star.

There were two figures in hooded robes standing on either side of her. She couldn’t see their faces. They whispered to her in gentle voices, You have nothing to fear, Tara. Nothing bad is going to happen to you.

But the people whispering to her lied. There was something terrible happening to Tara. Her sister was tied to a big rock at the center of the star. She didn’t have any clothes on and she seemed to be asleep, but her eyes were open.

Tara wanted to rush into the circle and cut the ropes that held her. She wanted to get her away from there. But the people in the hooded robes were holding her hands. Tara felt sleepy and her legs were wobbly.

There was a tall man in a black robe standing in the circle. Tara thought he looked bad. He was very handsome, but he looked mean. She had seen him before. He wore a big star necklace. He started speaking in a language Tara couldn’t understand.

She saw her mother in the circle. She was kneeling in front of the man in the black robe. Her head was bowed.

Then her mother stood up and smiled. The man laid a hand on her shoulder and spoke. Then her mother walked over to Tina and kissed her on the forehead, turned and left the circle to stand with the other people.

Tara wondered why her mommy didn’t get Tina off that terrible rock. She should untie her. She should take us home, Tara thought. I’m so tired and I hate this place. I hate these people.

At that moment she hated her mommy too. Why wouldn’t her mommy help Tina get off the rock?

Then the people around the circle began to bang on things and chant louder and louder.

The man in the black robe picked up a knife that curved at the end. He took it and stood over Tina. He said something Tara couldn’t understand while he held it above her.

She couldn’t take her eyes off that knife. Tara knew she was awake, but it all felt like a dream. She watched him plunge the knife into Tina’s chest. Tina never made a sound. Tara would always remember that moment vividly.

He kept cutting until he held something up in his hands. It was dripping with blood. Tara knew it was Tina’s heart. She had seen the man in the black robe do this to animals before. Then the man took the knife and cut the bottom of Tina’s feet, her stomach and her throat.

All this time the people kept chanting louder and louder. Tara thought they sounded like wild beasts.

The man took some of Tina’s blood and mixed it with a glass of wine. All the people drank some of the mixture.

They held Tara’s mouth open and poured some of the wine in. She held it there until they let her go. Then she spit it out.

She watched as the people began rubbing Tina’s blood all over each other. She would never forget the ugly smiles on their faces.

Tara got sick to her stomach. She was dizzy and felt like she was on a merry-go-round. That was the last thing she remembered about the dark room and her sister’s body tied to that awful rock. Her entire body went numb.

The next thing she remembered was waking up in her own bed and Tina was gone.

CHAPTER 2

Tara woke from the nightmare with a sob caught in her throat. Her clothes were damp with sweat and her hands trembled as she checked her watch. It was three in the morning. Sleep wasn’t an option now.

She got up and went to the window. It was still dark and the street lights were bright. She could see the new spring grass peeking through the snow. The daffodils and crocus were beginning to push their heads above the ground. She was glad to see spring coming.

Her little dog Taco sat up and looked at her. Then he turned two circles and plopped down. He was resigned to his mistress’ strange sleep habits. He never let it stop him from getting his eight hours.

She changed into workout clothes and went into her second bedroom which doubled as a home gym. She got on the tread mill and started her morning jog.

While she ran she began organizing her day. She needed to email Tracy and Sharon. They liked to keep in touch at least once a week and it was her turn to write.

Tara thought it was strange that her life was so closely linked with two women she seldom saw. Yet, they were like sisters in every way but blood. They were the only family she had and she loved them very much.

There were a lot of things to tell them about. She listed them in her mind while she finished her two mile run.

They would both want an update on Taco. He was having problems with his arthritis in the cold weather. At eight his age was sneaking up on him. He was a happy little boy though and never let it get him down.

Tara was sure Taco would have fewer aches and pains in the warmer weather. He loved taking long walks around the neighborhood in summer. He was a very social little boy.

Tara adopted Taco when she was in college. She was lonely and wanted someone to talk to when she wasn’t busy with school work. The perfect solution was a dog. A dog is always glad to see you. They always keep your secrets. And, never say they don’t like what you are wearing.

Most importantly, they never judge you. To Tara they were the perfect friend.

Taco was a little black and tan dog who looked like he might have some silky terrier in him, but his hair was curly. The people at the shelter said he probably was part poodle too.

Tara loved coming home to his enthusiastic welcomes. He was her best buddy.

She switched to weights, and began her strength training.

Her life was so different from the one she planned. She knew she wouldn’t change a thing.

Tara thought of the woman that was a little sister to her and smiled. Sharon had a birthday in May. She would be twenty-seven.

Tara and Tracy always sent her a big bunch of flowers and a funny balloon. It gave Sharon a large charge to get flowers from her sisters.

When they arrived she will take dozens of pictures, Tara thought. Sharon had an entire album devoted to what she called her ‘flower power’ pictures.

The card would be a funny one too. They would sign it, ‘Love from your big sisters’. She wished they could all get together for Sharon’s birthday, but it wasn’t possible this time of year.

Tara was a striking woman of about five feet five. She had auburn hair and dark brown eyes. She didn’t think of herself as pretty even though people often complemented her on her looks.

Her eyes were mesmerizing. Sometimes they made people uncomfortable. Behind the penetrating gaze was a quick mind with a special gift. She was able to see into other people’s minds and read their thoughts.

She seldom used this gift though. She firmly believed that people were entitled to keep their thoughts private.

For Tara the only reason to intrude was to achieve something positive. There had to be a specific purpose for intruding.

She used it in her work to keep others from causing harm. Tara believed this was the reason she was given such a special gift.

Tara took a quick shower and headed to her office.

While she was waiting for her computer to boot up the phone rang. It was Roger Smitzer.

Hello Tara, how are you?

I’m fine, Roger.

Why don’t you get on with it, she thought with irritation? We both know this isn’t a social call.

There’s an assignment for your team in Denver, Colorado. It involves a cult called ‘Brethren of Light’. They’re involved in drug trafficking and child prostitution. A nasty bunch. The Denver Police Department and Colorado Bureau of Investigation have asked for our help. Could we meet Friday at my office?

Friday is fine with me. I’ll call Tracy and Sharon and let them know. What time do you want us there?

We’ll plan on ten. Your tickets will be waiting at the airport. I’ll book flights for Thursday afternoon and reserve rooms for you at the Hilton. There will be a car at the airport to pick you up when you arrive.

Could you book the tickets for Thursday morning instead, Roger? I’d like to get there early so the three of us have time to visit before the meeting Friday morning.

Sure, that won’t be a problem. Call me when you’re checked into the hotel.

I’ll see you Friday then Roger.

Tara hung up and dialed Tracy’s number.

Tracy picked up on the second ring when she saw Tara’s number. Tara, it’s so good to hear from you, she said in a soft voice with a slight Mediterranean accent. If you hadn’t called, I would have tagged you later today. How are things?

Fine Tracy, but I’m ready for spring. It’s been a cold winter.

Tracy was a beautiful young woman in her early thirties with raven black hair and chocolate colored eyes. She was slim and dressed casually in a blue sweater and jeans.

How is Taco doing? The last time we talked you said he was having trouble with his arthritis.

He’s doing great. With the new pain med he acts like a puppy again.

I got a phone call from Roger this morning. We’re needed in Denver, Tara told her. We’ll meet with him and the others involved on Friday morning at ten. Will that work for you?

I’m going to fly out early Thursday, Tracy. I asked Roger to book morning flights for all of us so we have time for a good visit Thursday night.

That sounds great. I don’t have much to take care of here. That’s the advantage of being self-employed and living in an apartment.

Is Marcy going to house sit and take care of Taco for you?

I’m sure she will, but I haven’t talked to her yet. I wanted to call you two first. I’m looking forward to seeing both of you.

Tara called Sharon next.

She was a petite woman with long, silky light blond hair and beautiful corn flower blue eyes. She looked young enough to pass for a teenager. Sharon had an easy going playful personality.

Hay Tara, how are things with you? Had enough winter yet? she said with a laugh.

Things are great here Sharon. How is the photography business?

"Good or bad times, Tara, people still insist on getting married and having babies. That alone keeps me in beer and pretzels.

Since people are always sure they’ll only get married once, they don’t skimp on the expenses.

I shot a wedding last week for a woman who is on husband number four. I’ve shot every one of her weddings. I think she likes getting married but not being married. It’s a lot of work I’ve heard.

I’ve heard that too. Tara said with a smile.

Roger wants us in DC Friday at ten. I asked him to book the flights for Thursday morning so we have some time together Thursday night.

That sounds great. I’ll free up some time and get out of here early.

With that chore done, Tara left for her antique shop.

She knew Becky would take care of the shop. She could run the business just as good as Tara.

She was sure she could get Marcy to house sit and take care of Taco.

Tara didn’t like kenneling Taco for long periods of time. She could never be sure how long she would be gone when she was on assignment.

As she drove her thoughts drifted back to the first time she met Roger.

*     *     *

Tara’s ambition in life was to be a writer. She wanted to be a hard hitting investigative reporter. She wanted to write stories that exposed the ugly underbelly of society. She wanted to expose people who abused their power to hurt others, and the liars and cheats that preyed on the innocent and vulnerable.

She was in the college library working on an article she needed to finish for the school paper by the end of the day.

She was almost through her senior year at State University and would graduate in two months.

Roger walked up and sat down at her table. He didn’t say a thing, but only stared at her.

She glanced at him and knew he wasn’t a student. He was wearing a dark suit and tie and black leather shoes. No self-respecting student she knew would be caught dead looking like that.

Finally she looked at him and said, Stop staring at me and go away.

Would you like to be able to fight back, Tara? Would you like to make a real difference?"

Tara stared at him. This man was crazy. How did he know her name?

That’s my intention. That’s what all the time spent in mind numbing classes and endless study is for. It’ll give me the credentials I need to get a job where I can make a difference.

Do you want to write about things you know are wrong or do you want to change them? You can be a part of the solution, or someone who sits on the sidelines passively writing about the world outside their windows?

Tara’s jaw tightened and her face went pale. She closed her computer, grabbed her belongings and left the library. She went straight back to her apartment, locked and bolted the door and began to rage.

Taco sat under the coffee table and watched. When Tara calmed down she plopped down on the couch and he jumped up next to her.

I’m sorry boy, she said "I didn’t mean to scare you. There was this guy at the library today. He really pissed me off. And, he kind of scared me too.

It was another week before Tara saw Roger again. She was in her criminal investigation class and the instructor introduced him as the guest lecturer. He was a special agent for the FBI working in Major Crimes. He talked about the connection between drug cartels and the occult.

Tara was very interested in the topic and listened to everything he said. She gained a lot of information to use in her writing. What she wanted to know was why he had approached her the week before.

After class she confronted him. What do you think I know about drugs? I’ve never used illegal drugs in my life.

You do know quite a bit about the occult though don’t you, Tara? You know what it’s like to have it color every corner of your life. She turned on her heal and began to stride away. His statement hit too close to home. Roger caught her arm. Will you give me fifteen minutes to explain? I wasn’t accusing you of anything. That wasn’t my intention. I’m sorry I upset you the other day.

Tara had to admit she was curious. I’ve got classes back to back until four today, so I don’t have time to talk now.

Could we meet at Jack’s Bar and Grill about six? I’ll buy you supper.

Tara lifted her chin, I’ll meet you there but I’ll buy my own supper.

That was the day her life changed forever. It took a wild spin and headed in a direction she never thought possible. She had never regretted it, because she was making a difference.

CHAPTER 3

Tara’s mind flipped back to the present. She needed to let Becky know she would be gone first thing. She knew Becky wouldn’t ask her any questions about her trip. That made it so much easier for Tara. They were good friends and trusted each other completely.

Becky had worked for Tara since she opened her shop.

Tara had just shown up in this little Missouri town one day. She bought a building and started an antique store. The people were very kind to her and over time she had become a part of their community.

As they got to know her they respected the fact she didn’t want to talk about her past. They could tell by the haunted look in her eyes there were some very bad memories for her back there.

When Tara got to the store Becky was on the phone. Tara just waived and headed back to the office to check messages.

After Becky finished her phone conversation she went back to the office and leaned against the door frame. That was Liz Jacobs. She wants us to find her fifteen or twenty nice antique fountain pens for special clients. She said real-estate is a competitive field and she wants something to help her clients remember her. Then the next time they want to buy or sell property they’ll call her.

Great! If I ever decide to sell my house I’ll call her. She’s a good customer.

I’m going to be out of town for a while Becky. I’m leaving Thursday morning. Will that be a problem for you?

The only problem might be this Friday night. My son has an early baseball game and I promised to be there. Maybe I can get Kim to come in and close for me. Then I can get to the game on time.

Just close the doors a little early if Kim can’t stay late. I’m sure our customers will understand. Let me know if there is anything specific we need to discuss before I take off, OK?

Tara envied Becky. She had been married for fourteen years to a very nice man. They had three beautiful children Tara adored.

She wondered if she could ever have that kind of life. Or would she even want that kind of life? How could she