Terror in the Shadows

By Bob Leone

Demons! When Lisa started to see demons, she knew that once again she was about to embark on another deadly mission. She was to face her deadliest foe, ending the evil reign of a witch called La Bruja, a witch with unimaginable supernatural powers. The power behind the witch was a monstrous dragon-demon. The witch and her demon master proved to be too powerful.

Defeated, she woke flat on her back, disorientated, her leg pulsating in pain. She could barely move. She felt like she had fallen a thousand feet to the sandy ground. She felt jabs of pain; her eyes widened. Seagulls were pecking away at her bloody leg! She shooed them away. Crimson tainted beaks cried in protest as they fluttered away. She winced. Her jeans were ripped and congealed blood stained her tattered pants. She tried to move her leg. The pain was unbearable. Upon closer inspection, she saw that her calf was ripped open, almost completely gone with jagged teeth marks around the edges. The wound was blackened, oozing yellow-green pus.

She shivered, gasping, "Who am I?" She tried to stand, but couldn't, there wasn't enough muscle left. The pain in her leg shot up her side. She fell back onto the sand.

Dazed, she felt the back of her hurting head and was rewarded with a bloody hand. What happened to me? Why can't I remember anything?

She lay back, cupping her hands over her face, trying hard to remember. She began to sob.

This is the third book in the Shadow series. The first book in The Shadow Series, They Don't Cast Shadows, is a feature motion picture (www.inspireworksproductions.com).

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 15, 2022
• ISBN: 9781638747192

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Terror in the Shadows

Bob Leone

Copyright © 2021 by Bob Leone

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

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The Shadow Series

Book One: They Don’t Cast Shadows

Book Two: More Than Just Shadows

Book Three: Terror in the Shadows

For my parents:

Joseph and Irma (Bushberg) Leone.

They taught me love for God, country, and family.

Foreword

The Twilight Saga of the Christian world, The Shadow Series is fictional with true to life elements. The way the author, Bob Leone, explains prayer with a golden hue leading to heaven—what it means to know, follow, and love Jesus, as well as the presence of demons and angels—is most definitely real. Leone has a gift for evangelism when speaking about the Lord in easy, understandable, and encouraging ways, which is evident when reading The Shadow Series. His faith shows how much he believes God loves us and how much he believes we need to share our faith with others.

Bob Leone uses the character Lisa in the book to show us that God is always in control. God guides the angels to protect Lisa from the demons. Scripture tells us that He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4 NKJV). This is a premise that Lisa lives her life by. As I read this book, I found myself trusting Jesus more to protect me each day from life’s hardships.

The Shadow Series are books that draw the reader into their story. To say I could not put this series down would be an understatement. The Shadow Series has encouraged my prayer life with the thought of my prayers being sent with a direct path to heaven, lighting up the supernatural world. I found myself falling in love with Lisa and Jason, infuriated with the demons and those controlled by them and then so desperately wanting to see that satisfyingly happy ending. Through reading this book, I have seen just how sweet his promises are:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding; in all ways, acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path. (Proverbs 3:5–6 NKJV)

If you love suspense, a sweet love story, the truth about our Lord and Savior, and some vindication, you will love The Shadow Series by Bob Leone. This is a book that will encourage you, entertain you, and build your faith.

—Melissa Goad

Actor, Writer, Director, and Producer

Known for They Don’t Cast Shadows promotional trailer (2020),

My Sister (2013), Eyes in the Dark (2010),

The Bicyclists (2009), and Shaniko (2008)

1

Eighteen years ago…

Rosa Maria walked purposely away from the brothel between whitewashed adobe buildings. She held her seven-year-old daughter’s hand as they briskly walked down the narrow alleyways of Valladolid, Mexico.

With worried little eyes, Juana looked up at her mother. ¿Adónde vamos, Mamá? (Where are we going, Mama?)

Her mother walked silently, looking straight ahead. A flush of shameful red spread over her cheeks as she felt her daughter’s trembling hand in hers. I’ve no choice. I can’t keep the child there any longer. Madam Isabella has been hinting that gringos would pay many dollars for time alone with little Juana.

Juana grasped her mother’s hand tightly. She looked nervously around at her strange surroundings. She had been born and raised in the brothel where her mother worked, being handed off to the other working girls whenever her mother was plying her trade.

Rosa Maria walked Juana toward the rat-infested building the street kids called Mi Santuario (My Sanctuary).

José Luis, one of her regulars and one of the gang leaders, stepped out of the building. The large scar running down the side of his face pulsated as he spoke. So Rosa Maria, this is your daughter?

"Sí, her name’s Juana, Rosa Maria said unable to look down at her daughter. You’ll take care of her as we agreed?"

"Sí, as long as I’m in charge, she’ll not make her living on her back. With those little hands and innocent face, she’ll make a good thief and con artist." José Luis grabbed Juana’s hand.

Juana tried to pull her hand away from José, but he held tight. His hand was rough, not like the soft hands of the women where her mother worked. Juana looked confused.

Rosa Maria pried her daughter’s hand from her own and walked away. Forgive me, my daughter, I have no choice. The thought of leaving Juana tore at her insides. The poor never have a choice.

Juana reached out for the hand that would not return. "Mamá! Mamá! Come back! I’ll be good!" Tears welled up in her eyes as confusion gave way to fear.

Rosa Maria wept as she walked away, not daring to look back.

Your mother won’t be returning! José Luis growled. You’re mine now. He dragged her into Mi Santuario, where hundreds of orphaned and disposable children lived and died.

Tears ran down Juana’s cheeks like a torrential downpour. "Mamá, Mamá! Whatever I did, I’m sorry!"

Two invisible demons laughed with glee.

Itzamn, the larger of the two, said, She’ll be perfect for our cause. Once her sadness turns to anger, and her anger turns to hatred, then we can use her. Itzamn gave a toothy grin, saliva running down the two tusks overhanging its mouth. She’ll make a perfect front for us. She’ll spread evil all around Mexico by the time we’re finished."

*****

Ten years ago…

Juana hid her face under her cowl. She had learned that a pretty face attracted too much attention, especially a street teen in rags. She was one of the hundreds of throwaways in this rural Mexican city. Her eyes darted around the alley, suspicious of all she passed. In her years in the streets, she had known the dangers of addicts, pimps, and men who could do her harm. Juana walked by the brothel and spit toward the door where her mother plied her trade. She was forever angered at the mother who abandoned her as a little child, forcing her to do unspeakable things to survive.

Two invisible demons walked alongside her, watching her every move. They had been waiting for years for this hate-filled youth to grow old enough to be of use to them.

Juana’s feet moved rapidly away from the rat-infested building the street kids called Mi Santuario. Now it was her time to leave, for she felt uneasy by the way some of the older boys looked at her expecting free favors. She had learned a long time ago that she did nothing for free. Fifteen years old now, on her own, she walked the familiar narrow alleyways of Valladolid, Mexico. She roamed between whitewashed adobe buildings looking for an easy mark; a lifted wallet from a rich tourist could keep her fed for a few weeks. A covered wagon passed her pulled by two black mules. A sign painted on the canvass covering displayed: Señora Luciana Mariario, La Adivina, Fortune-Teller. The two man-sized reptilian demons threw invisible fiery darts, putting suggestions into Juana’s mind, compelling her to follow the slow-moving wagon through the alleyways. The demons’ scaly tails swayed back and forth with expectancy.

Juana entered the busy open-air street market. She pulled back her hood, letting out her long black hair, displaying an innocent-looking face for rich tourists who would make good targets. The market was called the Barrio Feroz (fierce neighborhood). Happy vendors displayed their wares to the tourists under colorful tents, while undesirable elements hid in the shadows: drug dealers, pimps, and thieves—Juana knew them all by name. The local police avoided entering into the Barrio Feroz, for it was controlled by Los Mayas criminal organization.

The fortune-teller wagon rolled between two tents. The lone driver—a white-haired, wrinkled old woman—slowly slid down and hobbled to the back of the wagon. Juana watched as the hunchbacked woman struggled to take out tent poles and rolls of canvas from the back. Juana shook her head.

By the time the old woman gets one tent pole out, I could have unloaded the whole thing.

At the urging of the demons, Juana walked closer to the old woman. Fortunetelling looks like an easy way to make some money.

Juana offered to help the old woman set up her tent. ¿Necesitas ayuda con eso? (Do you need help with that?)

The old woman stared at Juana, and then, with a slight nod, welcomed her youthful energy. Without a word being said, the four walls and top covering of the black canvas tent were secured. The old woman hung a handmade sign on one side of the tent opening: Madam Luciana Mariario, Psíquico/Psychic. She then climbed into the back of the covered wagon.

The two man-sized demons leaned against the wagon with malicious grins.

Madam Luciana Mariario reappeared, clothed with a colorful veil over her head and layers of bright clothing from the top of her puffy-sleeved peasant blouse to her long skirt. The large chandelier earrings, strands of gold chains, bangle bracelets, and many big, chunky rings with sparkly gems on her finger rings glistened in the morning light. The tinkling of her gold jewelry sounded like delicate wind chimes as she moved. Juana’s eyes followed the gold with envy.

Madam Luciana sat behind a table, adjusted her shawl, and lit a small thin cigarillo. After arranging a crystal ball, a Ouija board, and a deck of Tarot cards on the tabletop, she silently waited. Juana stood as still as a mouse behind Madam Luciana leaning on a tent pole. Two invisible demons stood next to her.

It wasn’t long before a young couple, on vacation from the United States, entered the tent. An invisible demon that had been following them bowed to the demon Tariq within Madam Luciana. The young woman hid her nervous giggle with her hand, flashing a large diamond ring.

Madam Luciana put out her cigarillo and asked in Spanish-accented English, What do you seek from Madam Luciana?

The young couple sat in two folding chairs across from the fortune-teller. Juana hid in a dark corner observing. Juana understood English; all street urchins could, some more than others.

Wait, don’t tell me. Madam Luciana placed her fingers to her forehead. You want to know about your future life together.

The young woman’s eyes widened.

I perceive that you are recently married, on your honeymoon perhaps? Madam Luciana stated.

The young woman bounced in her seat, grabbing her husband’s arm, saying, Yes! Oh, Wilfred, please pay her so she can tell us our future.

That will be twenty US dollars, Madam Luciana said.

Wilfred eyed his wife, regretting that she insisted that they came into this charlatan’s tent. As you wish, my Amelia.

As Wilfred opened his wallet, one of the demons peeked over his shoulder studying the contents. Wilfred placed a crisp twenty-dollar bill on the table. The bill quickly disappeared into the fortune-teller’s blouse. Juana eyed the bill. It was more money than she could hope for in a good month.

Madam Luciana shuffled her tarot cards and spread them face down on the table. She then drew three cards seemingly at random.

As she was flipping the three cards over, she said in a low, mysterious voice, These three cards represent your past, present, and future. She then pointed to them in turn. This card says that you are highly educated and have recently graduated from college—no, university.

Oh, Wilfred, she’s right, Amelia exclaimed gleefully.

Madam Luciana pointed to the middle card and said, You will be blessed with a good—no, a very lucrative job, with… Amelia’s father.

The demon that had been following them snickered.

Right again, Amelia screamed. How does she know, Wilfred?

With a raised eyebrow, even Wilfred seemed impressed.

Madam Luciana pointed to the last card. And this card represents your future. She paused, watching Amelia gently touching her stomach. You will be blessed with…one healthy child.

Amelia clutched her stomach. Will it be a boy or a girl?

Madam Luciana closed her eyes straining; she then slid the crystal ball in front of her. She massaged the ball for a few seconds. That answer is clouded.

Amelia looked at her husband with pleading eyes.

Will another twenty dollars make it clearer? Wilfred snapped sarcastically while pulling out another twenty-dollar bill.

The spirits are fickle at times. Maybe this will give them an incentive to answer, Madam Luciana said, slipping the twenty into her blouse. She stared into the crystal ball for a few seconds and then proclaimed, A boy, you’ll have a healthy boy.

Amelia hugged her husband for joy. Thank you, Madam Luciana.

After they were gone, Juana said, I see what you have done.

Cómo? Madam Luciana challenged her with one raised eyebrow.

You saw her shiny new ring and guessed that they were newly married. You saw his class ring, so you knew he just graduated from Yale University. Juana paused and gave her a questioning look. I know you saw him glance at his wife when you predicted their future. Both of their eyebrows rose slightly in worry, and you saw her gently lay her hand on her stomach, but how could you possibly know about him working for her father?

Unseen by Juana, Madam Luciana’s eyes flashed bright yellow. Tariq, the demon within, was pleased. Bueno, you have good observation skills, señorita, the old fortune-teller said. Simple parlor tricks are nothing compared to the things that I can teach you. I’m getting old. I could use someone with your insightfulness to help me.

Tariq’s two demon underlings threw fiery darts into Juana’s mind.

I would be honored to learn from you, Juana said. How easily this fortune-teller obtained forty American dollars, and she didn’t have to steal it. They actually gave it to her, Americanos estúpidos.

*****

Seven years ago…

In the jungle surrounding Valladolid, Juana threw the last shovel of dirt over the grave. Juana bowed her head out of respect for the old woman who had taught her so much. She even surprised herself with how easily she received information about her marks as if out of nowhere the knowledge miraculously just popped into her head. She had learned so much of the fortune-telling game that Madam Luciana had nicknamed her Bruja Pequeña (Little Witch). Juana was proud of the name. But now I’m no longer pequeña. From now on people will call me La Bruja (The Witch).

Madam Luciana was more like a mother to me than my real mother, Juana thought while throwing the shovel into the back of the covered wagon. It was hers now by default. I curse my mother with nothing but evil for turning her back on me when I was a child. She climbed into the back of the wagon. Juana then knelt, anxiously prying up a plank, revealing the treasure that Madam Luciana thought she held secret. Estúpida, Juana thought. She saved every peso and dollar she earned, and now it’s all mine. Juana’s eyes danced with delight as she counted the wads of money, gold, and jewels. It’s a king’s fortune. Juana fitted the plank snuggly back into place.

An old black cat lay in the woods, dying. It was many years past its prime, worn down by years of scrounging in back alleys to get by. It had finally reached its end. The powerful demon, Tariq, entered the aged cat and smiled evilly. The old cat suddenly looked younger and healthier as the demon animated him, breathing new life into the dying cat.

Juana knelt in the wagon, painting over Madam Luciana’s sign with her new name, La Bruja. She was startled as a black cat leaped silently into the wagon.

Where did you come from?

The cat meowed and purred as it rubbed against Juana’s thigh. Juana looked curiously at the cat that appeared as if from nowhere. Could this be the old madam’s spirit? Juana laughed. I’ve been with the old lady for too long.

Juana stroked the black cat. It bowed its back, purring with delight. I think I’ll call you Estraño because of the strange way you appeared.

Tariq smiled at the quick adoption.

*****

Juana sat in her tent looking like a genuine gypsy fortune-teller in the clothes and jewelry that Madam Luciana had left behind. She smoked a thin cigarillo, a habit she picked up from the old fortune-teller. She waited for the next mark to come in while adjusting the tools of her trade on the table. Two tough-looking men entered.

"Time for your payment, muchacha," Raúl said, a muscle-bound thug with a colorful tattoo of Kukulkan, the Mayan feathered serpent, on his neck.

His cohort, Manuel, shorter, also bore the serpent tattoo indicating his allegiance to Los Mayas criminal organization. He held out a canvas bag.

Juana’s black cat, Estraño, jumped up onto the table, hissing at the two thugs.

"You better control tu gato (your cat), or I’ll make guitar strings out of him," Raúl growled, his dark pupils never leaving the fiery cat.

The demon within Estraño slid the planchette (plastic marker) across the Ouija board with his paw, and it stopped on the word, "No." Estraño stared directly into Juana’s eyes.

Juana glanced down bewildered. Smoke from her cigarillo curled up in front of her face. Did she actually see Estraño move the marker?

Estraño jerked the planchette back over the word, "No."

I’m losing patience, Juana, Raúl grumbled.

Estraño meowed, keeping his paw on the marker.

Taking it as a sign, and frustrated over years of Madam Luciana making payments to these Los Mayas extortionists, she said, No! I’ll not pay. Tell Jefe that La Bruja will not be paying him.

La Bruja? With brows furrowed and head raised in defiance, Raúl said, Jefe will not be pleased, Juana. It’s not wise to defy Los Mayas.

We’ll be back, Manuel said as he left with Raúl.

After they departed, Juana slumped back into her chair and took a long puff from her cigarillo. She blew out a cloud of smoke and sighed. Oh no, what have I done?

Estraño began to jerk and skitter the planchette across the Ouija board. Juana watched in amazement as it spelled out, "Buy your own protection."

Juana couldn’t believe her eyes. Can this really be happening, or am I imagining it? Estraño meowed softly. She stared at the black cat in fear. What is happening? A shiver went up her spine.

Madam Luciana? Is it you? she questioned the black cat.

Estraño again skittered the marker across the board spelling out, "Fear not, Juana, friend."

Friend, huh? She reached for Estraño and placed him on her lap, stroking his back gently. Maybe Madam Luciana does live in this cat? And if so, that means she approves of me using her wealth. And I do have money, lots of it. Why not make it work for me?

Juana ground out the cigarillo with her foot, zipped up the tent, and flipped over the front sign, with CLOSED written on the reverse in Spanish and English. She climbed into the back of the wagon and opened the secret compartment, removing one of the hundreds of wads of twenty-dollar bills. This should be enough. She grabbed a long knife and stuffed it in her waistband, covering the handle with her blouse.

A little leery of her miraculous cat, Juana said, You stay here, Estraño, and guard the wagon. I’m going to go to Mi Santuario and recruit some help.

Once behind the tent, Estraño went limp, unconscious, as Tariq came out of the cat. It seemed impossible for the huge black-winged dragon demon to fit inside of the little black cat, but the spirit world operated on different laws than the physical universe.

The huge dragon-looking demon walked on all four of its clawed feet, its glowing yellow eyes still higher than the two man-sized invisible demons that walked on either side. They followed Juana.

*****

Fernando, a handsome twenty-year-old, one of the older males in Mi Santuario, stepped in front of Juana.

So… Juana has returned, Fernando snarled, though his eyes sparkled with delight at the beautiful eighteen-year-old. I thought you were too good for us.

I’m still too good for you, Fernando, Juana growled bravely, tilting her head up, gazing into his familiar dark brown eyes, eyes that reminded her of a warm cuddly bear that she had so many times wrapped her arms around for comfort and warmth. But he also could be a fierce bear that could tear someone in half.

It looks like life’s treating you well, Fernando said with a slight smile. I’ve been following your apprenticeship.

Juana smiled. I’ve noticed you from time to time also.

Sorry to hear about old Madam Luciana.

Gracias. Her eyes glanced at the ground for a second.

So what brings you to Mi Santuario? Fernando winked. Couldn’t stay away from me?

Don’t flatter yourself. Juana shook her head playfully.

Fernando leaned down and whispered, I really do miss our long talks by the campfire.

Juana shook off the old fond feelings tugging at her heart. For years, Fernando was her friend and protector, starting from the time she arrived as a scared little seven-year-old. He was like her big brother then, but later, her feelings toward him had matured. Seeing the handsome young man stirred up those memories, but she had a task to fulfill, and nothing was going to stand in her way.

I’m here on business. Call the others out.

Amigos, vengan aqui! (Friends, come here!) Fernando shouted. Boys and girls, ranging in age from seven to midtwenties, streamed out of the building.

Juana shouted for all to hear, I’m no longer Juana! I’m now to be called La Bruja! I’m here with a business proposition for a few of the biggest, toughest, and bravest among you!

This drew the attention of several older teens. Slowly they came forward.

Juana shouted, I’m starting my own criminal organization in Vallado—

Fernando cut her short, Los Mayas controls all of Valladolid.

Juana raised her head with pride. Well, I want to change that…and I’ll pay well.

Fernando gave a slight shake of his head. Your pesos won’t do any good if we’re dead.

Juana placed her hands on her hips. I’m sure once word gets out, I can persuade even some from Los Mayas to join me. Everyone has their price.

A rough-looking teen asked, How much are we talking about?

Pulling out a large roll of twenty-dollar bills from her pocket, she said, Double what you can make in the street, in US dollars, not pesos.

Unseen by the others, two of the teens’ eyes glowed bright yellow, demon-possessed. Tariq told the demons within them to join La Bruja.

The two teens stepped forward. We’ll join you, La Bruja.

Five other teens moved out from the crowd to also join Juana.

I know that she’s going to get herself in trouble. She’ll probably need my protection once again. Fernando eyed the wad of bills in Juana’s hand. The money will be an added bonus.

You can count me in. He bowed low and with a warm smile said, If only to protect you from yourself, Juana.

Juana thought, Soon the name La Bruja will strike fear into all who hear it. She handed out twenty-dollar bills to the volunteers. Go to all the merchants in Valladolid. Tell them that La Bruja will offer protection from Los Mayas and other banditos for half the price they were paying to them.

Fernando leaned down and whispered a warning, Jefe’s not going to like that.

Juana gently pulled down his head close to hers. Let me deal with him, Juana whispered in his ear. Her lips brushing against his ear and the warmth of her breath sent an amorous shiver up his spine.

*****

Raúl and Manuel, Jefe’s enforcers, stormed into Juana’s tent, baseball bats in hand.

We’re here to teach you a lesson, Raúl shouted. He bowed mockingly. La Bruja.

Fernando, her self-appointed protector, stood in the shadows in the back of the tent. Juana, leaning back in her chair relaxed, petted Estraño and smiled.

Not used to anyone refusing to be intimidated, Raúl furrowed his eyebrows in anger. "Did you hear what I said, estúpida?"

With a wave of her hand, six teens came in with semiautomatic handguns.

Raúl and Manuel clutched their bats in unbelief. Raúl exclaimed, "Pistolas? Where did you get pistolas?"

Money can buy you anything, Juana said. She leaned forward in her chair, folding her hands on the table. Estraño jumped to the floor. Drop your bats and join me. I pay well.

Raúl and Manuel looked at each other in confusion. Raúl glanced at the pistols pointed at him and dropped his bat. He said respectfully, I’ve always liked you, Juana, or should I now say, La Bruja.

And you, Manuel? Juana asked.

There was fear in Manuel’s eyes. Fearing Jefe more than bullets, he turned to leave.

The demon within Estraño threw an invisible fiery dart, putting an evil thought into Juana’s mind. Sitting behind the table, Juana felt anger envelop her. She held out her arm toward Manuel. One of the invisible demons in the tent stepped next to Manuel. Juana’s face contorted in anger and with her hand shaped as if it was around his neck, she twisted her hand. The demon snapped Manuel’s neck. Manuel collapsed to the ground, dead. Everyone in the tent stared in fear at Manuel lying motionless on the ground.

In wide-eyed amazement, Raúl said, You truly are La Bruja.

Tell the others in Los Mayas what you have seen. Warn them to join me or die. Juana stood. La Bruja will reward those who unite with me and slay those that don’t.

Juana sat back down when they left. She leaned back in her chair and lit a cigarillo. What power is in my hands? I just thought it, and it happened. She blew out a cloud of smoke. I truly do have Madam Luciana’s spirit guiding me.

Tariq within Estraño smiled.

Fernando was awestruck. Madre de Dios, where did she get such power?

*****

Fernando stood in the shadows while Juana sat silently waiting for the next mark to enter her tent.

Estraño jumped onto the table and skittered the planchette with his paw. Juana threw down her cigarillo, rubbing it out on the ground with her foot. She stared intently as the cat spelled out, "Ask Jefe to work for you."

Fernando gawked with unbelieving eyes at the cat spelling out words on the Ouija board. That cat is of el diablo (the devil).

No sooner had Estraño finished with the last letter when Jefe came into the tent. His white tropical suit was tailored perfectly. Fernando placed his hand on his handgun tucked into his back waistband. Jefe waved for his men to wait outside and walked over to the table in front of Juana.

La Bruja. We finally meet face to face. Jefe bowed. His