Curse of the Demon: Supernatural Mystery, #5

By DJ Jewett

EATING YOUR SOUL ...

 

LeMonde was the greatest – the greatest magician to ever set foot on the stage. So masterful, that the audience was awestruck, and no one could glean his secrets.

 

One day, he welcomed a few guests for dinner, and for a private showing of his latest, most impossible, illusions. The performance was perfect, until an illusion went awry, and someone died.

 

From that moment forward, death became a course in everyone's dinner. Who would die next? And how would their soul be consumed?

 

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For fans of The Exorcist, this frightening tale delves deeply into the realm of possession. From award-winning author, DJ JEWETT, this story is set near the Witch City of Salem.  Curse of the Demon is the fifth book in a series of haunting, horror, and mystery; featuring our psychic heroes, Lucius Jackson and Maureen Rennik.

• Language: English
• Publisher: JT Media
• Release date: Oct 20, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201807726

Book preview

Curse of the Demon

A Supernatural Mystery (Book 5)

by

DJ Jewett

Curse of the Demon

A Supernatural Mystery (Book 5)

Copyright © 2021 by David Jewett.  All rights reserved.

All rights reserved.  No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the Author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Prologue

July 7, 1911; Ipswich, Massachusetts

THE FIRE BURNED IN THE HEARTH; a roaring, roiling blaze, lapping the sides of the fireplace and licking outward to the corners, even threatening to escape from the hearth itself!

It cast a surreal, flickering illumination throughout the room, dwindling into shadows as it receded from the room’s center, finally dissolving into darkness at the edge of the chamber.

At the center of the room there stood a dining table.  The table was surrounded by six chairs, each with a single candle as a placeholder, and with a lone candle standing in the table’s center.

A flame flickered at the tip of each candle, mirroring the roaring blaze within the fireplace.

There was a portly man with a round face, and wearing a dark suit.  He was standing near the side of the dining table, speaking in a quivering voice.  He nodded to a mature regal woman of indeterminate age.  Our spiritual medium, Dame Jeanine Letner, has asked that each of you take your assigned seat, as denoted by the inscribed card next to each candle.

The gathering of six selected their respective chairs and sat down.

One of the six, a youthful Lucius Jackson, glanced to his right, noting he was seated beside Dame Letner.  He didn’t ask ‘why’, instead believing that Letner, as the primary medium in this gathering, had her reasons.  After all, she was the one guiding the séance.

He glanced to his left, seeing his wife.  Phoebe was a fair, dark haired woman, normally joking and comfortable to be around.  But now, he could easily read the strain on her face – furrowed brow and pinched lips.  He brought his lips close to her and  whispered, Is Thomas safe and sleeping?

She nodded as her smile broadened, her eyes emitting a soft sparkle.  Yes, she whispered, the butler put our son into an upstairs bedroom, away from all of this.

Lucius’ eyes continued to roam, his eyes coming to rest on the portly gentleman with the round face.  Simon Haskell had invited him and Phoebe to his home.  He said he wanted Lucius because of his sensitivity, and because he knew Lucius as a prospective spiritual medium in his own right.

Simon’s eyes connected with Lucius, and then he twisted his mouth in a subtle gesture, then nodded.

On the other side of Simon, Lucius’ eyes came to rest on Lincoln Haskell, Simon’s son.  Lincoln’s penetrating gaze was fixed on Dame Letner, a singular focus.  He didn’t seem to notice that Lucius was watching him.

Lucius turned his gaze to the final member of the gathering.  Robert Samuals was a young man, as well as a friend to Simon.  A blonde fellow with an air of correctness, he sat stiffly in his chair, his gaze also fastened on Letner.

Lucius turned to the woman at the head of the table.  She was speaking in a melodic voice ...

... my reason for such a strict seating arrangement is to take advantage of the peculiar energy that each of us brings here, and how our energy flows between and amongst us, so as to obtain the greatest, er – effect, shall we say.

She paused, sniffing as she looked around the table.  Now, during this session, you shall all hold hands with the person on each side of you.  Then her voice deepened, quivering, You must not let go, for to do so could bring injury or death to any or all of us!

Perusing the gathering through her now darkened eyes, she said,  In this session, I ask each of you to focus – especially on the candle in the table’s center, and on the flame arising from it – and to allow yourself to become one with the energy in this room.  For it is this energy that will give us what we seek – connection with those who dwell in the afterlife.

She stopped talking, her eyes taking in the others seated at the table.

Further, she continued, if you find yourself being taken, or controlled, from anything outside of you, just yield to it, embrace it, and allow it to communicate through you.  She took a deep breath and exhaled.  For we know not what, or who, this being shall manifest!

Silence descended.

But then all at once, a thunderclap broke the stillness, and flashes of lightning streaked across the window, lighting up the grounds outside the house.

And then a torrent of rain descended, striking the ground with a staccato-like rhythm.  It was palpable, and growing in its intensity, with the sky now opening up in a deluge.

Dame Letner ignored the deluge, instead focusing on the gathering around the table.  Now, I ask that you grasp the hands of those on either side of you.

Nodding, she clasped my hand, as well as Robert’s, then looked on as the gathering did the same.

When the circle was closed, she nodded her head in satisfaction, then closed her eyes and pronounced, Oh, great universe, we reach out to the spirit world at large and implore you to cast a spell of protection upon us, to give us a wall that shields us, from any and all spirits and entities that would do us harm.

She stopped speaking, then opened her eyes.  Her eyes were ever-watchful as she waited in silence.

She continued, Now, we reach out to the spirits within this house, seeking especially those who are disturbed, or angry, or sad.  We ask that you come forward and give us a sign; a sign of your presence.

Silence.

Her voice lowered, quivering.  Oh, great disturbed and angry spirits.  Please arise and make yourselves known to us.

The room remained silent, each person grasping the hand on either side, their eyes tightly closed.  Focused on their intention, their desire, they sought to bring forth the presence they believed was around them, even though there was the possibility that malevolence might arise!

And yet, all remained still.  It was the quiet solitude of the dead.

Dame Letner’s voice deepened still more.  Her voice quivered, hoarse, Oh dark spirits – spirits of the dead.  Come forth and make yourselves known to us!

A soft wind arose in the room, tilting the flames atop the candles, while the fire in the hearth roared up to a new level of intensity.  A chill descended, and the circle exhaled vapor into the air, almost in unison, while marking a rising presence in their midst!

An apparition materialized into view, as though performing on a stage.  It was a man holding a stick – a wand, if you will – and wearing a top hat.  He was a frothy sort, with bushy hair and an equally bushy mustache and eyebrows.  His suit was from somewhere in the late 19th century, and he wore a bow tie.

He held out his hand, presenting an object in front of him.  Yet nothing was there.

But then an old footlocker materialized, surrounded by a white iridescent glow, a multitude of shimmering colors.  The man gazed at it, a smile spread across his face; and then he lifted the lid, opening it for all to see.

Inside, the chest was overflowing with jewels, emeralds, and other precious stones, as well as gold, silver, garnets.  He held out his hand, presenting it to his audience, even as his smile broadened still more.

Then he aimed his wand at the chest, flicked it, and more jewels appeared, piling even higher in the chest, expanding.  He turned to the audience and grinned, then bowed to a ‘thunderous applause’.

The man faded along with his chest.  Then the chill diminished, growing warmer throughout the room.

A quietude descended upon the room, remaining for some moments.

Dame Letner’s voice broke the silence, her throaty tone deepening still more.  Her voice was like that of a witch, quivering, hoarse, as she pronounced, I call on the most dark and angry spirits.  Come forth and make yourselves known to us.  Give us a sign!

That’s when an icy chill descended; this time, the cold was absolute, entombing the gathering in a frigid cloud.  Their breathing again shifted, now exhaling vapor, streaming from their lips; yet they remained resolute, retaining their grasp with the person next to them.

Her invitation rang out anew, uttering the words in a dark, quivering voice.  I reach out to you, oh great spirit.  Please – PLEASE – show yourself to us – come into our realm!

Lucius began to wonder.  What is this?  She’s trying to attract angry, disturbed spirits.  These could be dangerous, even evil!

The torrent outside had ceased, and a stillness was heavy throughout the room, motionless, save for a wisp of air, a wisp that tilted the flames of the candles, ever so slightly.

Now! She proclaimed, and then cut off her speech.  That’s when a breath of air arose within the room.  It was a breeze of soft serenity, causing a shifting of the vapor that streamed from the members’ mouths, even as the flames of the fireplace contorted into twisting, layering images, ultimately opening up a hole in the flames.

A low guttural growl emanated from Lucius’ lips.  Deep, fierce, like a lion attacking its prey.  What is this?  Something violent, evil, is expressing through me.  I have no power of my own in this.  Very well, I shall allow it to pass through me ...

Hands remained clasped, even as Letner focused her eyes on Lucius.  Who are you? She demanded, her shrill voice quivering, almost losing control.

Lucius growled more intensely; low, sneering.  And then as though dripping blood, it spewed venomous howls as the others looked on in horror.

Phoebe watched, her face grimacing in abject terror at what she witnessed.  And yet she remained silent, not interrupting; for she knew this wasn’t her husband, the love of her life, but instead it was some dark, hideous creature, imposing control over him.

Control.  The word sunk into her consciousness, and all at once she was overwhelmed with fright!

But Dame Letner knew what she felt, for she could see it in Phoebe’s eyes, and so she leaned toward her and said, Do not fear, Mrs. Jackson.  I feel your husband; Lucius is present inside of this body, and I assure you, nothing untoward shall happen to him.

The growl emanated from Lucius’ curled and twisted mouth.  To this moment, his eyes had been wide – but now they were bulging outward from his flushed and crimson face!

Growling, his contorted face was staring toward the other side of the room.  A space where apparitions were even then appearing.

There was a man in the garb of the revolutionary war era, wearing a cocked hat and carrying a sword.  He was whipping the sword to and fro’, from one side to the other; and then he would bring the sword up and aim it forward, while assuming an ‘on guard’ posture.

And then the shape of a boy took form, and he stood behind the man, even as the man continued to whip his sword out in front, motioning as if to make cuts in whatever adversary he might be fighting.

But as the shivering boy stood behind the swordsman, a mask of terror crossed his face.

The swordsman continued his display, even as he moved further away from the boy; until, a headless medieval man wielding an ax appeared.  The headless man took practice swings with the ax, first holding it above his head, and then snapping it down into a chopping block, making deep cuts into its surface.

The boy’s face twisted into a grimace as he eyed the ax, then his eyes shifted to the man holding it.  The man leaned back in the posture of a long, deep belly laugh.  He finally grabbed the boy and pulled his neck onto the chopping block; but the boy ducked under the man and spun away.

Yet the man repeated his grab, again jamming the boy’s neck onto the block.

It was that moment when Lucius’ growling ceased, and his eyes acquired the hardness of a conscious, focused man.  Yet there was also fear in his eyes; a fear borne of understanding, of knowing.

He shouted, I must go to him.  I must leave, and leave now.

But you cannot!  Letner commanded.

Lucius pulled the hands on either side, bringing them together; they clasped each to the other, leaving his own hands free!

I must! he said.  Then he shouted a question to Wadsworth, Where did you put my son?

In a snap, Wadsworth replied, Left at the hallway, go out to the atrium, up the stairs to the second-floor balcony, then down the hallway, second door on the right.  He paused.  But above all else, avoid the door at the end of the hall.

My son is in danger, he shouted, dashing out of the room.  The gathering could hear his footsteps echo along the hall, then up the stairs.  Phoebe abandoned the circle and quickly followed.

Lucius reached a balcony at the top of the stairs, his eyes scanning the hallway before him.  Then he dashed along the corridor, hearing a boy’s cry echo along the walls.  As he traversed the hall, he sensed the crying becoming louder, clearer, until he came to the second door on his right.

He grabbed the knob and turned it as he shoved his way into the room.  There was Thomas, elevated off the floor and pressed against the wall; his eyes were closed tight, even as he shook his head.  He was crying out in screams of terror.

Lucius felt an oppressive malevolence inside the room.  A presence so vile, so horrific as to be revolting to any human mind.  He immediately rushed to the boy, but was thrown back against the far wall, hitting his head on its surface.

He dropped to the floor, shaken; then he shook the cobwebs out of his head.  How did that happen?  There’s nothing there!

He looked up and glared, his eyes hard as glass; then he launched himself toward Thomas.  Yet again, he was thrown back against the wall!  Damn, what’s doing that?

Phoebe entered the room.  She assessed the situation with a quick glance, then rushed at Thomas.  Yet she was also thrown backward.  She shook her head; a surprised expression crossed her face.

Meanwhile, Lucius focused on Thomas; but that’s when he was taken aback, surprised.  Here was Thomas shaking his head, even as his face began to shimmer; and then he quivered as a different expression – a face unto itself – began to emerge.  The new face was superimposed on Thomas’; and each was distinct.  But then the two separated even more, the faces becoming unique.  One face was his son, Thomas; but the other was an apparition – the face of a grotesque-looking creature with a large nose and pointed ears, and with gleaming red eyes and horns.

The apparition emerged from Thomas as it growled, then it flew through the air, approaching Lucius.  Yet in the same instant, Phoebe lifted herself off the floor and again rushed Thomas.  The creature turned and focused its glare on Phoebe; she was again thrust back against the wall.

Meanwhile, Lucius picked himself off the floor and rushed at Thomas.  But the creature turned and spewed a stream of energy from its eyes, and Lucius was again thrown against the wall.

Phoebe and Lucius caught sideways glances, then the two rushed together.  She was thrown back yet again, but Lucius was able to get through.  He snatched the boy off the wall and carried him under his arm as he dashed for the door.

The creature spied Lucius and let out an unhuman screech, then howled as a ball of energy erupted from its eyes. But Lucius was moving too fast through the doorway, and the creature’s attack missed its mark!

Phoebe picked herself up and followed Lucius through the exit.  The three made their way down the corridor with the creature following, shooting streams of energy at them.

As he ran, Lucius threw his anger at the vile entity – begone, you are hereby banished from this place – leave my boy alone!

Yet the creature was on their heels.

Lucius was struck by energy from the creature.  The strike caused him to stumble even as it pushed him forward.

Phoebe glanced at him.  She shouted, Lemme help!

I’ve got ‘em, he shouted back.

They reached the stairs and quickly descended; the creature was still following, although it seemed to be moving slower.

The three reached the bottom and raced down the hall toward the dining room.  They burst into the room, with Phoebe shouting, Help!  A monster is attacking us!

The gathering exclaimed a collective gasp as the creature came into the room.  It was shooting energy at all the people; Dame Letner, Simon, and the others.  For their part, several took refuge under the table.

Still holding the young boy, Lucius shouted to Phoebe, We need to get out of here.  Now!

Oblivious to the streaks of energy landing around them, they dashed out of the room and along the hallway, sprinting toward the front door.  Phoebe was leading the way, and she flung the door open as they dashed into the night.  The ground was soaked, but the rain had passed.  They sprinted through the warm moist air toward the car.

Lucius noticed that the creature was no longer following.  It must have remained inside, trying to kill the others!

They reached the car and hopped in.  Lucius quickly started it, and they pulled out of the driveway.

They didn’t look back!

WHEN THEY WERE ON THE road, Phoebe breathed a sigh.  She turned to Lucius and said, What was that thing?

I don’t know, Lucius replied, hunched over the steering wheel.  Possibly a demon or some such thing.

But I thought they were only in fables and folklore, she said.

He glanced toward her, then said, No.  Not just fables.

The boy was sitting between the two.  He embraced his father, holding him close, then closer still as he felt warmth.  Thomas had been gasping in fear, but his breathing began to slow, becoming rhythmic.  Lucius could feel his fear receding.

Phoebe said, I wonder what might happen to those people in the dining room?

What do you mean?

Well, that creature was attacking them.

Lucius nodded.  Yes, I saw that too.

Well, Phoebe continued, shouldn’t we go back and help?

Lucius shook his head.  I don’t think so.  He glanced at her, said, You two are my family.  And my first responsibility is to you.  Were we to return, there’s no telling what might happen.  In short, I won’t do anything that puts you or Thomas at risk.

He faced forward, then said, As it is, I shouldn’t have brought Thomas to this ‘place’.  I just didn’t have any idea such evil would be here.

The three faced forward with their eyes fastened on the road beyond the windshield.  The car puttered down the road.

TIME PASSED, AND LUCIUS’ memory of the incident faded, merging into the obscurity of life events.  Within a year, he’d established himself as a premier spiritual medium.  Years later, his wife had passed and his son struck out on his own.

Thus, Lucius gave no more thought to this particular incident, until...