Campfire

By Leon B. Agee

Have you ever wondered what would happen if those campfire stories you told could be real? Six friends go on their yearly group trip. Instead of it being all fun and games, the trip has deadly consequences. This story starts with a killer who goes by Mr. Voodoo. He is being hunted down by Detective Lace and Detective Shutner. The cat and mouse game they play will have you guess what will be next.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Dec 27, 2022
• ISBN: 9798886542905

Book preview

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Campfire

Leon B. Agee III

Copyright © 2022 Leon B. Agee III

All rights reserved

First Edition

PAGE PUBLISHING

Conneaut Lake, PA

First originally published by Page Publishing 2022

ISBN 979-8-88654-289-9 (pbk)

ISBN 979-8-88654-290-5 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

About the Author

To Mom and Dad,

Thank you for letting me be unique and believing in me.

To Mommom,

Thank you for understanding. We made it!

It was a warm autumn day. Six friends are driving for their yearly meetup. Juan is a six-foot caramel-complexion bald-headed man with a smile that would melt the hearts of the coldest of his patients. Juan had just finished his supervision hours for school. He had just gotten a response from Saint Clark's Medicinal Clinic. He could now add a graduate doctor to his résumé of things he accomplished. Since he finished top of his class, hospitals were begging for him to join their team. After opening the envelope and finding out Saint Clark's Medicinal wanted him, he gave a call to the board of directors to see what his options could be.

Hello, thank you for calling Saint Clark's Medicinal Clinic. My name is Sandra. How can I help you?

Hi, Sandra, my name is Dr. Juan Rumi.

Oh, Dr. Rumi, congrats on joining our team today. How can I help you?

Umm, Sandra, how do you know that I'm joining the team?

Dr. Rumi, do you mind if I call you Juan?

Sure, you can.

Thank you. That's easy. We are one of the best clinics to work with. My job is to do a deep background on potential candidates who want to work here. Congratulations on getting valedictorian. It must have been crazy holding that GPA and partying in South Beach in 2006.

How—

Don't worry. I won't tell anyone. Make sure you do a better job not being in the background of pictures.

Looks like I got someone who is dependable in my corner.

Yes, you do, so how can I help you today?

I see you have residencies all over the world. How possible is it for me to get into the Louisiana location?

He knew he could do his residency in New Orleans instead of staying in New York like a lot of his colleagues with the grades he had.

It is very possible for you to have that. Did you also want to do a tour of the grounds also?

If that is something that can be done, I would like that.

I can make sure we get you in when you get back from your trip.

How did you know?

I told you I know things. I'm going to give you my direct number, so if anything comes up, you can reach me versus explaining the process all over again.

Juan wrote down the number she gave him on some paper he had in his pocket.

Sandra, looks like we'll be meeting soon.

It looks like we will, Dr. Rumi.

He hung up the phone with a smile on his face.

It looks like I know where I'll be when I return.

*****

On the other side of town, Michelle is dressed in a black pencil skirt with a loose-fitting crème blouse writing down notes in her session. She is watching the clock counting down her time to leave. This was her last session for the day.

Doc, my wife doesn't ever listen to my concerns when it comes to raising our kids.

Alyssa, did you hear what Al said to you?

He has to include me on the plans that include my kids.

What do you mean your kids? Al questioned. "These are our kids. You didn't create them alone."

Michelle is the type of therapist who overanalyzes everyone's words to make sure they come to the conclusion together.

"Alyssa, why do you say my kids? You are discounting his feelings, and this isn't helping the progress of you two. Do you feel you've been alone in the raising of your kids? Or is this an underlying issue we need to discuss one on one?"

Yeah, Doc. Get to the bottom of this because I'm sick of it.

Al, you doing that won't help her open up, and we need to get y'all in a better place. Am I right?

Sorry, Doc. You're right. I just get irritated when it looks like I'm the cause of our stress.

I understand that, and it can be difficult. I am here to help you two come to a resolution. Be it staying married or going your separate ways.

Al sat back and just observed Alyssa's movements while she explained how she felt.

Michelle, when we first got together, I had dreams and aspirations. I wanted to be senior vice president in a Fortune 500 company, like Goldman and Sachs, or start my own construction company. At first, Al was very understanding and agreed with what I wanted to do. As soon as we had our first child, Al would make sure he wasn't home as much. He would put long hours in at the office. I think he was ecstatic that I couldn't work because it made me dependent on him.

Is there a specific reason you didn't work?

My pregnancy was high risk, so I was bedridden until I gave birth. At the time, we only had one income in the household, when I was capable of working. I let him know where I stood and what I wanted. He just waved me off, and he continued not paying me attention. Do you know he hasn't touched me in three years?

Al, is this correct?

I've been stressed, and I've been working hard to get us to the next level.

What is the next level?

Al sat back while he thought of an answer.

You see, he doesn't have an answer.

Alyssa, you have to give him a minute to answer.

Al replied, I don't really know. A day we aren't in debt or a day we can just take off without checking with someone else. I haven't really thought about it.

What do you consider debt-free?

Debt-free is where we have more money in our savings and checking account than all the loans we have.

Alyssa interjected, I understand what you want to do, but why are you doing it alone?

Because I am the man in this relationship. My job is to provide and protect. I haven't been doing a good job providing.

Al, we have money.

Yeah, but the debt is still there.

She held his hand while saying, The debt will always be there. I need my husband back, not a shell of a man.

Al rubbed his hand over his face and sighed.

I guess I haven't been doing my job at all.

Michelle took one last look at the clock.

All right, you two, looks like we're out of time. My homework for you two until the next time we see each other, set up a date night. I want you two to get reacquainted. It sounds like too much time has passed.

Thank you, Michelle. I think we can work on that tonight. As soon as we leave here, I'll tell my job I wouldn't be doing that double tomorrow.

Good work, Al. Things are looking promising for you, guys. Let's stay on the right path.

Al and Alyssa got up from their seats and began walking out the door. Michelle picked up the phone and called her assistant.

Hey, Michelle, what can I do?

I am leaving for the weekend.

Oh yeah, it's your yearly trip with your friends. It's good to see how y'all keep in contact through the years.

Yeah, no matter how busy we get, we always make time for our trip.

And where is this trip being held this year? Is it going to be in Bali? What about Saint Bartz?

I wish we were going there. This year, we are going on a camping trip.

That sounds fun.

I'm glad someone is enjoying that choice.

You don't want to go camping.

If I could send you in my place, I would.

You should bring my name up to your friends, and then we can all be friends.

You know I would never allow that.

Why is that?

You know I don't mix business and personal. I'm gone for the day. You can leave as soon as you finish sending out all the invoices of the day.

Wow, boss is cutting out early today. It's only three o'clock.

Yeah, I gotta cut out early so I can make it. You enjoy the rest of your night.

You too.

Michelle walked out the door and started up her car. She calls Juan.

Hey, baby, you done work?

Yeah, I'm done.

You excited for the trip?

I'm just happy we get to see everyone.

Yeah, me too. I think we should do more than just one trip a year.

I'll just settle with a dinner. You know something a little more intimate. It'll give us the ability to really see how everyone is doing.

I agree. I worry about Jeremih sometimes. He's so dedicated to getting his blog together, and he needs a big hit.

I saw his blog, and it looks like it's getting some traction.

Yeah, a little bit, but I know he expected fast results with the friends he has.

You know the saying you can rely on strangers before your friends.

Matter of fact, let me give him a call and see how he is. I'll call you back.

All right, can't wait to see you tonight. We can celebrate your accomplishments.

I can't wait. You gonna wear that little thing I like.

She laughed, Boy, bye.

*****

He hung up the call and called his brother.

Yo, bro, what it do?

I don't know, playa from the Himalayans, you tell me.

You ready for this trip?

As ready as I'm going to be. You still coming to get me tomorrow?

That's the drill. I come get you, and we drive out. This time, of course, we wouldn't be alone. Michelle is coming along.

How she been? It has been a while since I talked to her.

She's doing fine. We should all get together some time.

You right. Things have been a little hectic with my blog.

Juan let out a huge sigh.

Jeremih questioned, What's that about?

Listen, I'm your big brother—

By five minutes, but continue.

Do you really think being a blogger was the best move? We were top of our class. We planned on being the twins graduating first and second in our class.

Oh my gosh, you sound like Mom.

But was she wrong? From what I'm hearing, you're struggling to get things taken care of. I've heard stories that you can't take care of your bills. Why are you sticking with this?

Jeremih yelled, You wanted us to graduate side by side. After we made it through our first year, I realized it wasn't for me. Ever since we were kids, I have lived in your shadow for too long. Do you know how it feels to come in second place but still be the best? When the stress of classes and lab overcame me, I had to gracefully bow out. Do you know how much anxiety and the depression I went through in school? I popped Adderall like they were Tic Tacs. The workload was bananas. Do you know why I started the blog?

Juan whispered, No, I don't know why you started the blog.

There was a girl in my AP biology class. She ended up committing suicide when she got a B on her exam. A B was a bad enough grade to take yourself out? She was a bright spot for me while I was in grad school. We always hung out since we shared so many classes. She helped me study and stay on track. Once she was gone, I didn't have anyone.

Juan got quiet and just listened.

I slowly fell into a dark depression. I didn't want to go to class or eat. My roommate introduced me to pills. I started off with two Xanax and a bottle of alcohol. After some time, I fell behind in class, and I was sleeping all the time. I started taking Adderall, and I was hooked. I ended up OD'ing, and the doctors brought me back.

Did Mom and Dad know about this?

Nah, they still don't know till this day. I was ashamed and didn't want to be treated like an outcast. I checked myself into a rehab after I dropped out of school. My therapist told me to write my thoughts, and I did. Next thing I know, people are relating to my post. I'm getting congratulations all over the place since I took care of me. The people whom I thought would be there the most went missing, but I didn't fall into a depression, and I just buried myself in just enjoying life. I traveled and told people about the many places I have been and what were the places to see. The real reason I became a blogger is I wanted something I could call mine. And for the first time, it didn't feel bad saying that.

Well, damn, if I knew you felt this way, I would have told you to quit sooner. Don't ever walk this earth and think I'm not going to be there for you. We came into this world together, and no one will understand our bond.

Thanks, J. I appreciate that. If you want, we can talk about this more another time. Right now, I have to finish this post, and I can relax until the trip.

Last question, how does it feel being your own boss?

If I'm being honest, some days, it is the best thing. Other days, it is a scary and sad experience. If something goes wrong, it's all on me. No, I get to go blame the boss for poor equipment or things not coming together. When something is wrong, I gotta clean it up, and let me say, that's the best feeling.

All I care about is that you're happy and still here. I love you, bro.

I love you too.

They hung up the phone.

*****

He's crazy. I didn't even get to wish him congrats on graduating. I'll tell him tomorrow. I can't wait to see Alisa. I hope she's done dealing with that buster.

He went back to finishing his post regarding his latest trip.

*****

Hi, you've reached Bill Arbis and Associates, how may I direct your call?

Hey, Sydney, can you get me over to Tia? I need to finish the deposition she was helping me with for my case.

Not a problem, Howard. Hang on one moment.

Sydney called Tia to let her know what was going on. A petite five-foot two butterbean-complexion woman was sitting on the other side of her office. She was wearing a teal blouse, with a black skirt, and a pair of high heels. She was prioritizing her cases to make sure she had all her bases covered when she left. She looked over to her ringing phone and walked over.

Sometimes I wonder if I wasn't so nice how much work would get done.

Tia is a top lawyer at Bill Arbis and Associates. She has been ranked the highest in her firm for closing cases. Usually, she didn't have Sydney screen her calls, but things were getting overwhelming between getting ready for the trip and maintaining her position on top. She promised herself this would be her last year at this firm unless they made her partner.

Sydney, send the call through.

Hey, Howard, what do you need?

Did I catch you at a bad time?

Not really the best time, but what's up?

I need a little help finishing the deposition we started.

She pulled the phone away from her ear and looked at it with disgust.

Everything is pretty much done. All you have to work on is your closing argument. Besides that, there is nothing you need me for.

Can I send you what I have so far and you can tell me if that works?

Howard, unfortunately, I can't right now. I have to finish the files I have on my desk, and I'm behind the eight ball with finishing up the research on the case I have when I come back.

Come on, Tia. What's the worst that will happen if you help me?

You don't learn how to take care of a case on your own.

You say that like it's a bad thing.

"It is. I'm not trying to be mean, but if you can't do the work, you might want to find employment elsewhere. We work on high-profile cases, and our clients need to be able to depend on you. If you lean on me for every little thing, your clients, which they have, will sideline you and choose me to represent them."

Howard didn't say another word and just hung up the phone. Tia put her head in her hands and started massaging her temples. She heard a knock on her door. She looked up and saw Alisa.

In walked a five-foot-five hazel-eyed woman wearing a creme blouse, with tan dress pants, and carrying different files she had printed for the different lawyers. She adjusted her glasses and put the files on Tia's desk.

Was that Howard asking for your help again?

Does it ever change?

She took a seat across Tia.

Girl, he was just asking the paralegals to assist him on his case.

Does he ever do his job without help?

Who knows? He probably still lives at home with his parents.

They both laughed at her remark.

Are you ready for this trip?

Absolutely not! Why would you choose an outdoor trip? I'm not built for the outdoors. I'm built for expensive and luxury trips. Like Aruba or Santorini, Greece. Only you would choose this.

I thought it would be a good change of pace. We are always running around caught up in the hustle and bustle of the world. I think some time in nature would do us all good.

Next time you planned something like this, lose my invitation. Please and thank you.

Come on, friend, I would never let that happen. I'll just come to your house and hand-deliver it.

I'll make sure I'm out of town.

I'll just leave it in the mailbox.

Mail gets lost these days.

Alisa shrugged her shoulders.

You gotta come to work at some point, so I think I'm good.

Tia just shook her head and started typing the rest of her notes.

Well, I'm going to let you get back to work. I'll be riding with you for this trip.

Tia responded without looking up, This ain't new.

Before she left, Alisa remarked, See, I knew you understood me.

Girl, please get out and go to work.

She saluted Tia, Yes, ma'am.

Alisa picked up her files and made her way back to her office.

She said to herself, I wonder if Tim's going to make it back in time.

*****

Meanwhile, on the other side of California, the music is blasting from the DJ station and people are dancing all in the club.

A six-foot-four man with brown eyes was surveying the club to make sure everything was running smooth. He checked to make sure the bartenders and the staff were treating the guest with respect. He glanced over to the VIP section to make sure no one's glass was empty or a table without any drinks.

The DJ says on the microphone, Welcome to Club Duos. My name is DJ Treasure. I want to give a special shout-out to the man of the hour. Give it up, Tim.

Tim turned his attention to the DJ booth. He was a club owner of Club Duos in California. He raised his glass to greet the DJ from the VIP section while checking on some of his guests.

Aww, shit, boss. What's the special occasion?

What do you mean?

It's very rare that you are down here one. Two you're actually drinking. What's in your glass?

As you can see, we have special guests with us tonight, and I needed to make sure they have the best treatment.

Boss. we handle this on a regular. You don't trust us?

Absolutely not, Gavin! The team we have is top-notch. I know I can trust you all to run this place without me having to stress. Key point, I'm going on vacation, and you are in charge.

You know I won't let you down, boss.

Gimme a run-through of what you will be doing while I'm gone.

While pointing around the club, Gavin said, I'm going to have strippers on the main floor. The ATM in the corner, I'm going to put it near the bar. Also, I'm going to make sure no one comes in until midnight, and I'm charging everyone.

Tim gave him a look to let him know he was reconsidering taking his trip.

Boss, I'm kidding. I'm going to come in at eleven o'clock like we discussed. I'll work on the inventory list with Marsha to make we have enough for the week. We are running low on the fried chicken and the pancake batter for the cakes. Also, can I order another case of Tito's? We have a special guest coming through, and they want to have our bartenders producing different variations.

Tell me what you think.

I know you trust, but this is an additional charge that you weren't expecting. No offense. You be tight on the cost.

Tim looked at him in disbelief, and his mouth open.

Boss, I've seen the invoice, and you make things do what it does.

First of all, I'm not cheap. I'm resourceful. Have you seen your check recently?

"It is looking really beautiful these days.

Yeah, I know. I have made sure you don't have to worry about losing your job. I have a fail-proof plan to make sure we are all good.

A few women on the dance floor came to where he was. He saw them coming to him and started rolling his eyes.

Here we go again.

Hey, Mr. Man of the Hour, why is the DJ shouting you out?

Gavin questioned, You don't know who this is?

No, is he a rapper?

Tim shook his head at her question.

Girl, he doesn't look like no rapper. He's an investment banker.

Gavin explained, You have one more guess, and if you're wrong, be gone.

Gavin, let's not be rude. That is not good for business.

I'm sorry, boss. Let me get back to my job.

Gavin walked away to check behind the bar to see if it needed any more fruit cut.

So your name is Tim?

Yes, I am.

What can we do to be in your bed tonight?

Sorry, that won't be possible. I have to catch a flight, and my woman wouldn't like that idea.

Well, what she doesn't know won't hurt her.

He laughed at her remark.

I appreciate the gesture, but there are enough ballers and high-profile people in here. Why don't you see if they want to have a night of fun?

Girl, let's leave this broke nigga alone. You got me over here wasting my time.

Wow, I see where this is going. Please have some drinks on me.

Tim waved one of the bottle service people over. The bottle server made their way over to Tim and leaned forward. He whispered into her ear. She nodded her head and pulled out her pad to take their drink order. Tim walked away to get ready to leave.

You two ladies enjoy the rest of your night.

The girl with the attitude asked, Why are you listening to this guy?

The bottle server responded, He's my boss. This is his club.

The two women looked at each other in disbelief. Tim started making his way to the front door.

Gavin, I'm leaving for the night.

Are you going home to pack your clothes for your trip?

You are a smart man. Make sure you don't burn the place down.

You got it, boss.

Tim was walking down the street and reached in his pocket to call Tia to let her know he was leaving. Before he could make the call, Gavin yelled for him. He turned around and stopped walking.

Boss, I know this doesn't have to do with anything, but I want to say I'm happy and very overwhelmed with joy. The opportunity you are giving is amazing.

Gavin, in all honesty, you deserve it. You have shown me countless times you are the best. I've watched you being the first one in and the last one out. I also know you have covered shifts and stepped on the floor to help with coverage. You aren't like the other managers here. You are willing to go the extra step. Anything I have asked you do, you've done without a question. We need to have a bigger discussion when I come back. Was that all you needed?

Actually, I had a personal question for you, if that is okay.

I always told you if you had a question for me and I can answer it, I will.

I appreciate that. You inspire me to become a business owner in the future.

Cut it out, Gavin. You over here hyping me. You got me feeling like I should open another club or something. Anyway, what's the question you have for me?

When it comes to your friends, I see you all are a very tight-knit group.

That is very true.

How did all of you become friends?

Well, Juan and Jeremih are twin brothers, so they never went too far without each other. We went to the same elementary school. Tia was their next-door neighbor since they were kids. When she moved away, they always stayed in touch with her. She would come down for the summertime, and we all hung out. Her friend is Alisa. She happens to work with Tia. After some bonding, those two have been inseparable. I'm the friend of the group that nobody remembers how we became friends, but we just were. Michelle is Juan's girlfriend. She just became a part of the group.

I see. So what made you choose an outdoor trip as your get-together?

Every year, someone chooses where we go, and this year, it happened to be Alisa's turn to pick where we would go for our vacation trip.

I hope to get some friends like yours.

I hope the same for you because people today aren't built the same. As soon as you disagree with them, they are more than willing to talk behind your back. One piece of advice, don't rush the connection. Just let it happen. Everything will fall into place like it should if it is meant to be.

Thanks again, boss.

Is there anything else you need before I go pack my bags and drive?

Nope, I'm glad you took the time out.

No problem. Now I gotta run, and you have the job of showing me why I left my baby in your care.

Gavin shook Tim's hand and said, I won't let you down.

Tim got into his 2021 silver BMW i8 and called Tia.

Hey, baby, you ready for this trip?

I'm getting ready to leave work now. I'm still not fully packed, but by the time you get home, I should be ready.

That's fine. You still coming over tonight, right?

Of course, I am. You know I can't go a moment without seeing my man.

He smiled at her remark.

Tim expressed, I can't wait to see you either.

I'm going to tell Alisa to meet me at your house. I planned on her riding with me, and it wouldn't be out of the ordinary since we always do this on trips.

Yeah, just make sure you give us enough time before you tell her to come over.

Oh, you trying to get nasty before the trip. I see you. What you got planned for us tonight?

I thought I would start off with some pan-seared salmon with some jasmine rice and peas. Something light easy to digest, then I was thinking a nice rum cake for dessert.

That's all we have for dessert?

Of course, you know that's not all I'm eating tonight. You better make sure those legs are prepared for entry.

Boy, you so nasty! Let me leave this office before I get in trouble.

Yeah, you better leave before I make a visit to your job. Matter of fact, shouldn't you have already left the office?

Listen, we not going to discuss that. Just know I'm leaving.

Does this time happen to exist?

Don't hold me to it, but I'm going to say that like two hours.

Babe, that's super late.

I know I should have already been home, packed and waiting on you.

You need to leave now. That work will be there when you come back.

You're right. I'm logging off the computer now.

That's my girl. Looks like I'll be seeing you in an hour then?

Still hold me to the two-hour mark. A girl gotta look good for her man at all times.

Babe, you could come dressed in a potato sack, and I'd still want you.

I bet that's true, but gimme some time and I'll be at your house.

All right I'll be waiting.

Tim hung up the phone and started driving before he could leave the parking garage. The women who were in the club from before came stumbling pass. He pressed on the brake to let them go by. They stopped in front of his car.

One of them said while pointing, Mary, if it ain't the club owner. We should show him what we can do.

Leslie, I don't think that's a good idea.

What's the worst that can happen? We fuck him and rock his world.

Mary thought about her friend's words and decided to go along with her plan.

They walked over to his car and sparked up a conversation.

Hey, Mr. Club Owner, where you heading?

Like I said earlier, I am heading home. I got a long day ahead of me.

You shouldn't have to do that long day alone. We could be the perfect distraction to ease things for the stress coming your way.

Before Tim could respond, Leslie took off her panties and threw them into his car. Tim was shocked and amazed by her forwardness. He turned to his passenger seat to retrieve them, and when he turned back, both women had their breasts out.

Ladies, don't think I don't appreciate the gesture, but I am a happily taken man. If I met both of you a few years ago, we would definitely have had a great night. You are two of the most beautiful women I've seen.

They both pulled their tops up, knowing by his words he truly was in love with someone and they wished they would have something like that.

Can I call you two a cab or something?

We drove here. How would we get our car?

As much as you two have been drinking, it wouldn't be fair or sit well in me for y'all to be driving home like this. I'll call one of my people to drive your car if you're more comfortable with that.

They nodded. Tim took out his phone and called Gavin.

Hey, boss, did you forget something?

Nope, but I need you to do me another favor.

What you need?

Come out to the parking garage.

I'm on my way.

He hung up the phone and kept conversing with the women. Gavin came walking out and met Tim at his car.

Gavin, I need you to make sure these two lovely ladies make it home safely.

Boss, don't you need me making sure everything gets cleaned up, inventory is taken, and the drawers get counted?

You're not the only manager I have Gavin. I have someone taking care of that.

Whatever you say, boss.

"Can