Witching Hour: Mr. Boots (A Short Story): Witching Hour

By Wilson E. Clark

Finding your place in the world is challenging enough, but how about the entire universe? John would rather enjoy a cold beer and watch a sports game than answer such difficult questions. However, an outburst of melancholy from his best friend and the appearance of a headless cowboy may call for a sudden change in plans.

 

From alien encounters to otherworldly excursions, Witching Hour is a series of stories about the weirdness lurking just beneath the surface of everyday life.

This story is also available in the novella Witching Hour: Volume 2.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Griffington House
• Release date: Oct 19, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223184102

Wilson E. Clark

Wilson E. Clark lives in the Pacific Northwest and enjoys writing fiction and collecting vintage movie posters. If you finish one of his stories with a smile on your face, then he has done his job.

Book preview

This story is for H.P.

1

Sam!  Sam is that you?  Can you hear me? John shouted into his cell phone over the din of customers in the packed bar.  Sam!  Can you hear...good...good, thought I’d dropped the call for a moment.  Where the heck are you?  We were supposed to meet here an hour ago to watch the championship game.  It’s been thirty years since they won the title.  Who would want to miss out on that?  Quit messing around and get your butt over here, pronto!  I’m already on my third beer and you’ve got to catch up!

John pressed the free hand tighter against his ear, trying to block out the sudden burst of noise as somebody from across the restaurant shouted followed by a chorus of others in response.

I can barely hear you now, Sam!  Hold on, I’ll head outside for a minute.  Keeping the cell phone up against his ear, John pushed and shoved his way towards the exit, finally ending up outside in the parking lot.  That’s better, John said more quietly.  What’s the problem, Sam?  Why aren’t you here yet?  We agreed last night to hang out and watch the game, but you didn’t return my call this morning.  You sound really strange.  Are you feeling okay?

The other end of the line was quiet for a few seconds before a raspy voice responded.

No...John...I’m not feeling okay.  Everything...is not well.  I’m not sure if it ever will be...again.

You sound kind of out of it, Sam.  Did you have a few drinks before noon again?  You know what I told you about that.  If you want to drink, don’t drink alone.  Call me if you need company for that sort of thing.

"No...John...no...nothing like that.