Devil's Harvest Part 2

Chapter four

Van's Apartment

"Okay let's hear it, what happened?" Van said as he handed Deaq a beer.

"Well, I'm not really sure myself anymore….Like I said you were kidnapped by a cult. Jason was involved. You and I were searching for the person responsible for the killings and we had separated to check out different alleys when he and some other cult members grabbed you. Guess the guy really hated you."

"Yeah, I guess so. Go on."

"Well, they took you into the basement to sacrifice you. They must have given you some kind of paralyzing drug because you couldn't move. He then….cut your neck and left your blood run into a bowl. They then dipped bread into it and ate it. They made me eat a piece too." Deaq hesitated as the horrible memories came back to him. "Then they…" Deaq swallowed hard before continuing. "Then he plunged a knife into you and …sliced you open."

Van looked at Deaq like he was nuts.

"But that's impossible; I don't have a mark on me."

"I know, but it gets even weirder…This strange white dog came into the chamber and healed you. Some kind of white mist came out of his mouth and went into you. He brought you back to life and then…somehow your wound…just closed on its own." Deaq knew how impossible that sounded.

"Real funny Deaq. You expect me to believe that?" Van gave a small laugh.

"No, I'm having a hard time believing it myself, but I saw it Van. It happened. Ask Billie she saw you lying dead on that table too.

"You're serious aren't you?" Van said as a cold chill went up his spine as he looked at Deaq's face.

"Yeah partner, that's why I wanted you to stay in the hospital…You were…dead Van."

"Well…" Van didn't know what to say. "I feel fine now."

"Well let's keep it that way. I really think you should stay with me or at the Candy Store till we round up this cult."

"Look Deaq, I'm fine. Now that I know what I'm up against, I'll watch my back. And you better watch yours too."

"Van I really…"

"Deaq, I don't need a babysitter." Van interrupted him.

"Billie is going to be pissed. You better call her and tell her you left the hospital and that I told you what had happened to you."

"I will…." Suddenly Van just wanted Deaq out of his apartment. "Well, thanks for the lift home. I'm going to take it easy the rest of the day so you might as well take off."

"Van I really think I should stay or you should come with me. I don't like leaving you here alone. You're not safe; they may come looking for you."

"If they do I'll be ready for them. Now go home and get some rest, you look beat."

"Van…"

Van walked over and opened the door.

"I appreciated the concern Deaq but I'm fine. Now go home, get a little rest,"

Deaq looked down shaking his head.

"I don't like this partner. We should stick together."

"Out." Van said stepping back. Deaq reluctantly walked over to the door. "See you tomorrow at the Candy Store partner." Van added patting Deaq on the back. "And thanks for staying with me last night."

"Watch your back." Deaq said as he left, he knew it would be useless to argue with him. "And don't go out."

"I'm not planning to."

"Or leave anyone in."

"Yes Dad." Van said smiling. "Will you quit worrying and get out of here."

Deaq gave Van a little smile and left. He knew Van would be expecting him to keep an eye on his apartment and also know his partner would be mad at him if he did, but he didn't care. He wouldn't be able to relax until all the members of the cult were either dead or behind bars. He got in his car and parked across the street. He knew there were other ways in and out of the building and he realized he couldn't watch all the exits but at least he could keep an eye on the front and side of the building.

Inside Van's apartment

Van sat on his sofa his elbows on his knees, his head in his hands. He squeezed his eyes shut trying to get the strange thoughts out of his head. What is happening to me? He wondered. He got up and walked over to a window and looked down to the sidewalk. He watched as a young girl walked slowly by with her dog. Van licked his lips then ran the back of his hand over his mouth. In his mind he saw himself following the girl then pulling her into a dark alley. He then slit her throat and began drinking her blood. He pushed himself away from the window in horror, his heart pounding.

"What the hell is going on with me?" He said out loud to himself.

He was scared, more scared then he had ever been. He slowly backed into the kitchen wishing he hadn't made Deaq leave. As he backed up his hand came in contact with a small knife which he picked up. He stood staring at it for a few minutes then brought it down to his wrist and made a small deep cut, it began to bleed immediately. He brought his wrist up to his mouth and began to suck on the bleed. A feeling of calmness came over him but it didn't last long. He knew what he needed but he also knew Deaq was probably outside guarding the building. He went out in the hallway and headed for the back stairwell. Once outside he looked up and down the street and when he didn't see Deaq, he headed off down a nearby alley.

TBC