The Strange Cases of Detective Warren Stevens
The Strange Cases of Detective Warren Stevens
Fourteen
What a reminiscent title! Fourteen! But this birthday is not the same and the Chaedric Order has been working on Zach for months.
How will it turn out for him? As he nears zero hour and the awakening of his gift.
The following podcast is a work of fiction. All characters are the creation of Peter Williams. Any resemblance to someone living or dead is purely coincidental. Thank you. Hi, this is Peter Williams, and I hope you're enjoying this last story in my podcast series. And while this is the last story in the podcast, it is not the last story. Late last year I wrote a film script based on some of the characters you've met over these last five years. However, as I wrote it, it kept screaming at me, I be better as a book! Well, that voice was right, and now I have my first full novel based off the podcast available for purchase on Amazon. It's called Acolyte. The narrative focuses on several interwoven stories. We begin with Jack Stevens, a human blessed with angelic powers, and follow his immediate need to restore the spirit of a young girl to its body after it was actually separated from her in the destruction of a Solomon Gate. Sound familiar? To do this, he places Sam into a holy sword called the Eos Delection until he can hopefully unite them. Simultaneously, a seminarian named Luciano Ricci, you might recall that name, is recruited by church leaders, including Bishop Brock and Professor White, to investigate some strange happenings in a town and parish called New Hope. Could a demon have really been summoned? Armed with his faith, his wits, and a deadly tool called an apostle, he finds himself neck deep in danger only to discover an unlikely ally who stowed away in his car. It is a Catholic, Christian, conservative book, and it does touch on some of the issues we're facing today. I hope you'll buy it, enjoy it, and now, back to my friend, my creepy friend, Lord Piotra. 14. The last time we heard that title, Jonah was becoming of age and fully becoming a demon eater. Now, decades later, another young man sits at the precipice of turning fourteen. How will Zack's birthday go? We'll be filled with balloons and dancing clowns. Hopefully not. Clowns are the ultimate in evil. But before we sing happy birthday, I do need to remind you that this podcast may contain images of graphic violence, child endangerment, poor Zack, adult situations, and naughty, salty language. Now, now let's bake up a pretty cake and hope for the best as we begin chapter 3. 14. For Zack's birthday, he sure didn't feel great. He was alone again with the chimney. Oh, sorry, his mom dot. Or should I say Dorothy Topez. Zack wasn't sure if it was a stripper's name or not. She was at his bedroom door knocking before the alarm went off, wearing a tacky nightshirt. He honestly couldn't understand why his father had fallen for her, her skin grayish and unhealthy. Her face was not awful, but but the sharp features highlighted her rat-like nose. Get up! she said harshly. Ugh, why, it's not even six yet. Because your dad wanted to make sure you made it to school on time. Is he home? He practically chirped, being hopeful that he had returned. It had almost been two weeks since he had last seen him. No, but he wanted to make sure you did your chores as well. Go take out the trash and start the laundry before you shower. It's my birthday. Can't I sleep in a little longer? No. Get moving and maybe I'll make breakfast. Zack listened, putting on his sneakers, no socks. He hated the feeling, but it didn't pay knowing he'd be in the shower in a few minutes. Then, gathering up all the clothes off the bathroom and bedroom floors, Zack dragged him into the laundry room. This always made his stomach turn. It was bad enough to have to wash his own clothes, but having her skanky things mixed in. He had to control his urge to vomit. Finally, in the shower, he heard Dot open the door and called to him. I made you pancakes. Be happy. Now I'm going back to bed. He didn't want to say thank you, but he did. He didn't want to risk her pulling him out of the shower to scold him, knowing her, she might. Drying, dressing, he finally plops down in his bed to put on sneakers. He stares across the room and spies the package Cassandra had given him at the tea shop. Should he open it? No, not yet. He'd wait until after school and and hopefully after a visit from Nikki, too. Grabbing his backpack, he went to the kitchen table to see what Dot called pancakes, and to his surprise, they looked edible. Ow, maybe I can eat these. So he poured out some syrup and cut into them with a fork. That was about as far as he got. A charcoal-looking cigarette butt sat straight in the middle. So much for these, he thought. Now, how to dispose of them without her catching on? He eyed his school bag. Hmm. It would make a mess of everything, but adjusting his books and homework, he slid the pancakes into the pack, clearing the plate, then washing the dish and leaving it next to the sink with a quick note. Thank you, they were delish, he lied, and then ran out, cutting his way through the woods. Here he could dump them safely. He liked the path through the woods, so it wasn't a bad idea to head this way. The trees were old, and being mid-October, how could he not love this walk? The colors, the smells, how the light made the canopy of leaves almost glow. He was lost in deep thought and almost didn't hear someone until they broke through the brush just off the path. Well, isn't it Zackie Zack? The bearded, half-naked weirdo with leaves in both his hair and beard called out to him. Zack froze, not sure what to do or think. What's wrong, Zachy Zack? I'm not someone who will attack, but I'm someone to say watch your back. Zack didn't like that this man knew his name, not to mention he was alone with him in the woods. Why? Why watch my back? He replied nervously. Zacky Zack's dad's not back. It continued the garble rhymes, but this one hit a nerve. Dad, do you know anything about my dad? Is he okay? Zacky Zack, no birthday back. Is dad, his dad, not in the sack? The rhyme slash limerick made no sense, but again, he touched on two things. His dad and now his birthday. He really didn't like this. Look, mister, I have to get to school and if I don't, the police will come looking for me. The wild man just stared at him, not understanding. Just get out of my way, or Zacky Zack don't want birthday snack. The pancakes. They were gross, but the crazed man might eat them. Cigarette butt and all, opening his backpack and dumping the contents onto the ground. No, help yourself. The wild man jumped in in delight and he went for the pancakes. Zack tore past him. His heart was racing. I really don't know what the fuck that was all about, but man, I am glad I had Dot's pancake. He barely made to school in time, although his books were now syrup-lined. And the homework he did yesterday? It wasn't in great shape. Damn it! He knew that meant detention again today. So much from meeting Nicole, between Dot and the wood weirdo, he was screwed. Joy. Happy fucking birthday, Zach. Even hoping that Alex would be in didn't work out. Apparently her family was still in the process of moving. Mr. Tyler! The teacher called out in his usual sarcastic monotone style. I wasn't expecting pancakes here, but your homework. Were you trying to get your dog to eat it? His classmates giggle and laugh. Zach just adjusts himself in his seat. No, sir. It's a long story. I see. Well, unfortunately, we will have time to discuss that after class today. Yes, sir. Oh, that reminds me. He gives Zack a half smile and adds, Happy birthday. It was well after 4 p.m. when he began his trek home. This time he avoided the woods, which worked out in his favor. Alex Stevens was waiting for him just outside the school property. Zach! She called to gain his attention. Alex? Sorry I missed school today, she replied. I thought we managed to avoid the second day of detention. Zack pulls out the dried maple syrup covered homework and textbooks. Alex laughed a little and shook her head. Oh bother. It looks like you've had a horrible day. Yeah, it's been awful, he replied. I know. She grabs his hand and starts pulling him with her as she starts to run. Dad will treat you to something sweet at the coffee shop. Zach had trouble keeping up. He wasn't sure if it was Alex's long legs or if she was in that good of shape. Out of breath by the time they reached the storefront that also had a two-small bedroom apartment on top. Zack read the name of the coffee shop with a slight bit of confusion. The Wayward Brew? Alex laughed. It was the second time, and Zack admitted he liked the sound of her laugh. It had pure, sincere quality to it. It's a place for lost souls, Alex said, opening the door, and Zack felt knocked back by the aroma. Ow, that smells. At first it was pleasant. A wonderful smell. And then he felt as if something was going to make him sick. What's wrong, Zack? Alex frowned as she helped him to the table. Warren nodded and grabbed two cups and a couple of birthday cupcakes. It's nothing. I'm okay, he lied. He would stomach the smell. Heck, he had stomached the walking chimney. This wasn't nearly as he was wrong. The cup on the table looked delightful, but filled him with a sense of dread, pain, and uncertainty. Sorry. Can I have some water? My stepmom's pancakes aren't sitting right. Warren took away the coffee. Sorry, Sonica. At least I hope you enjoy the cupcakes. Alex worked on those all morning. All morning? That was why she missed school? Oh man, now he's really embarrassed. Really? Alex blushed a little and nodded. Dad, you weren't supposed to tell him. Warren laughed. A woman should always get credit for her hard work. Zack stared at the cupcake. He was determined it would be good even if it tasted like dirt. And with determination, he and Alex clanked the two cupcakes together as if they were making a toast and said, Happy birthday. And for the first time that day, it was. The cupcake did taste good. He was thrilled, but something still was wrong. His stomach squirmed, making him feel uncomfortable as they talked. Finally, not being able to hide it anymore, he got the permission to use the bathroom, and well, being sick as a dog would be polite. Neither Alex nor Warren were offended by what happened. It was only confirmation what they suspected that the witch was here. And Zack had drank her tea. Zack appropriately apologized and went home soon after. He did make sure that any mess he had made in the bathroom got cleaned up. He didn't feel well, but he wasn't an asshole. Finally, arriving home to find the walking chimney on the porch drinking. Something. Who knows? She was drunk, and that meant he was in trouble. Nice of you to come home, Zack. Sorry, Dot I. Mom! Call me Mom! For fuck's sake! It's been six months since I replaced that bitch of a mother of yours, and you can at least show me some respect. Zack was pissed and slapped Dot across her face. How dare you! How dare you call my mom a bitch? The shadow of a man approached from behind her. Zack! He barked. What the fuck, kid? I didn't raise you to hit a woman! It was his dad. I mean, it looked like him, sounded like him, and yet. But Dad! She called Mom a bitch! So what if she did? Huh, Zack? Not to be cruel, but Mom is dead. She's not gonna take offense. Now apologize to Dot. No, he screamed in response. I said apologize! His dad walked forward, towering over him. Never! Zack screamed, and his dad's hand came straight down onto his head and pulled him up by his hair like a cat. Tossing him across the porch, he began to crack his knuckles. No? Really? I guess me being gone for two weeks has made you forget your manners. He hit Zack and hit him hard. And when the boy was semi-conscious, he dragged him into his bedroom and plopped him on his bed. I removed your PC and gaming system. Dot told me how much time you spend doing obscene things with girls in here. That's a lie! He cried, looking desperately at the man who looked like his dad. I'm a good boys don't sneak peeks at women in the middle of the night. Dot told me what you've been doing. You're sick, Zack. Sick! He closed the door. And Zack moaned and cried in a fetal position, never noticing the strange, purplish-colored light emanating from his body. Alex closed down the coffee shop as Warren wiped down the table and bar. He didn't look good, he said to Alex. No, I saw no marks indicating he was about to become a demon eater, she replied. Which means one of two things, Warren continued. The tea affected the process, or it hasn't been triggered yet. I agree, Alex said. The problem is because he's already drank that tea, she has a deep hold on him. I know. Is there anything we can do? She asked pleadingly. Besides that, nothing. I just wonder to what end they're playing here. You know, Jonah had a theory. He stopped himself. Was it something he should share? Do I want to know? Probably not. I think it's better I tell you anyway, Warren answered. Okay, Pops, playing on me. She sat at the table with another cup of coffee, and Warren joined her with his own. Jonah was designed to eat demons. And honestly, we don't know how large of a capacity it is. In the 30 plus years, he's ate some doozies and until his arm got chopped off. He never had an issue. Well, what if they decided to use that capacity against us? Possession? But isn't that what a demon eater reverses? Yes. But what if they overwhelm a demon eater with a negative energy before the transformation? What if instead of becoming a demon eater, he basically becomes a vessel for something so big that his capacity might hold it? No. That could mean yeah, the end of everything. If Ekma Lok uses Zack to escape the waste. They sat there quietly. It was an unsettling thought. Was this their game? They had tried to convert Jonah. They had tried to kill him. They had tried to hunt others to prevent another Jonah. Had they finally figured out an answer? Time would only tell. He ate the pancakes butt and all. While poor Zack finds himself with a belly ache and no Nicole. The irony is he is a good boy. Well, mostly. How will this turn out for him? Does he grow a third eye? An extra limb? Wait, I'm forgetting something as we turn to chapter four and the present.