Darkest Side of the Moon

By Nick Spisak

James, a determined police officer, is hunting the most dangerous criminalthe Darkest Side of the Moon. Meanwhile, the criminal himself, John, is continuing his murder spree when he mysteriously gains a power to see ones entire history when eye contact is made. Morality itself is deconstructed as John uses this power to find redemption while James uses the same power to hunt down John.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Aug 14, 2018
• ISBN: 9781984543578

Book preview

Chapter 1

THE MOONLIT HERO

John’s Side

August 23rd 10:59 pm

John stands in the light of the crescent moon, while on the porch of Jessica William’s house. John is on the shorter end, with messy black hair, and dark circles under his eyes. He knocks on her old wooden door. Surprising himself that nothing broke during his knock. The crisp chill of the night doesn’t affect John at all. Unlike all the normal pedestrians that decided to not leave the house, and leave John all alone waiting for Jessica. She opens the door, and peeks her head out. Jessica has long golden blonde hair, with bright blue eyes.

John, when I said come at eleven, I meant a.m. not p.m. she scolds.

Oh man, for once I thought I was on time. I guess I’ll go home then. John groans and turns to leave.

I’m just messin with you dude, come on in! Jessica chuckles.

John walks in and they both sit in chairs facing each other. John’s back is facing the open window, he sits hunched over with the moon standing bright above him. The crescent shaped moon hangs above him, like a halo hangs by an angel.

You didn’t even offer your guest a drink? I’m really thirsty. John sarcastically points out.

I only offer it to guests who come on time. Jessica snaps back snarkily.

They both laugh together. Jess starts to get saddened, thank you for coming over on such short notice John. I’m just so devastated that he’d actually leave like that. she lets out.

John smiles, come on Jess, I’m not here to hear you complain. You aren’t here to hear yourself complain. Yeah we both know he’s a dick so let’s talk about something you don’t already know.

Like what?

Well did you hear about this man whose left side was cut off?

Oh, god. What happened to him?

Let’s just say, he’s all RIGHT now!

There’s a moment of silence broken by Jess’ laughter. She calms down and continues I always fall for you dumb puns, every time!

I mean I was thinking about telling you a chemistry joke instead.

Well why didn’t you?

Because I knew it wouldn’t get a reaction

They both laugh together. John twiddles his thumbs nervously. Jess smiles and looks down at the floor and continues to speak, you know you made me completely forget about him. Even if it was for a second, it really helps to just know there is more that can make me happy. I can’t even frown if I wanted to! You just make me smile John!

John sits up, his head now blocking the moon, leaving him entirely in black.

Well you’ll see true happiness soon.

John quickly leaps onto Jessica and tackles her out of the chair onto the floor. John hold his hand over her mouth so her screams are muffled. While keeping eye contact he pulls out a knife and stabs her throat. The light quickly fades from her eyes. He keeps eye contact. Then, at the moment before she dies, John sees Jessica’s entire life violently flash before his eyes. Every moment, every memory, and every bit of experience all projected at him all at once. Moments of laughter. Visions of pain. Endless projections of heartwarming moments with her family. The images stop.

He looks down at his bloody hands and realizes what he’s done. He starts talking to himself, while he stumbles, hunched over under the weight of his own depression, around the house.

God, I was doing your work! I was finding the good who were hurt and helping them by sending them to heaven! So why? Why did you show me this? I guess you could say this was a bit of an eye opener. John turns on the stove and leaves it on. As he walks away from the house he looks up at the moon.

They call me, Darkest Side of the Moon eh? I guess someone as evil as me deserves nothing less.

Chapter 2

THE CAPELESS VILLAINS

James’ Side

August 23rd 10:59 pm.

Meanwhile, down the street five blocks away sits a police car. Full of life and fun created by two police officers, James and Derek.

Derek, I ain’t joking. The kid looks me dead in the eyes and says, I didn’t eat anything! laughs James.

Derek laughs, what’d she have to say to that?

I go sweetie, but your face is covered in chocolate? James continues holding back laughter.

I can just imagine her face. Derek replies.

Derek it was priceless. James says.

The two laugh for a minute. When their laughs die out Derek sees the giant smile on James’ face.

You really love your daughter don’t you?

Yeah, even after she steals my chocolate. I was looking forward to that after a long shift you know? Don’t have much to look forward to after work, a simple candy bar will make my day.

Amen to that brother. If I had a kid and she ate my candy bar I’d be pretty pissed.

Their radio interrupts their conversation with a static filled call.

There is a reported robbery on 6th street.

Derek answers the call while James puts the car in drive and pulls out.

Roger that in pursuit. Derek answers.

You ain’t gonna pull anything this time right? Derek asks John.

If that’s what it takes, it’s what it takes. James replies with a straight unchanging face.

You never know when to quit.

Apparently neither do the criminals, the bastards keep popping up.

You aren’t going to change that.

Derek, I love you man, but you’re spewing bullshit right now. We’re police officers, it’s our job to protect everyone no matter what.

By everyone, you just mean your family don’t you?

Derek whose side are you on? We’re going after people who commit crimes. Want me to give them a hug and kiss?

I don’t know. Sorry. Derek looks out the window and the car stays silent until they reach 6th street.

The two of them leap out of the car, with eyes of burning determination.

Derek sees a woman calling out to them, while James spots the criminal holding jewelry in an alleyway. They both sprint to their respective targets. Derek listens to the woman’s sob story about being robbed. He doesn’t even notice his partner is not standing alongside him.

"Don’t worry mam, your jewelry will