Heckel Casey

Heckel Casey Read Free

Book: Heckel Casey Read Free
Author: James Hoch
Ads: Link
in from the front door. "How long you been traveling?"
    I stared out the broken window, thinking about when I started walking. I noticed that the last hint of light was fading rapidly. "Hmm, let's see…um...I guess it's been about a year ago or so. I've really sort of lost track of time."
    Leonard grunted an understanding. He rummaged around inside his pack and slowly moved it closer to the candle. "Me too. I can't seem to keep track of what month it is. I think it's been about a year since I started walking as well. I stayed down south during that first winter. Most of the time, I'm looking for food."
    I brought out the can of refried beans. "Jerky just found this over in one of those cabinets. I'd be happy to share it with you. Unfortunately, I don't have any tortillas or other fixin's."
    "Yeah, well I found this a few days ago," Leonard said, holding up a bag of saltine crackers. "I bet those beans might taste pretty good on them and I have a jar of artichokes to give us a side dish of vegetables. We need a good balanced diet," he said laughing.
    I dipped into my backpack farther, bringing out a dented can of Vienna sausage. "These might complement our little feast. What do you think?"
    "I love Vienna sausage. Wow, what a find," Leonard answered enthusiastically. "Can you believe it…we're getting excited over Vienna sausage as though it were an expensive filet or something?"
    We both sat in silence for a long time munching on our combined food sources and staring at the candle. Occasionally, a burp or soft moan could be heard as we enjoyed the food.
    Jerky finished off her dinner, following it with an extensive grooming session. When she was done, she curled up on my backpack and went to sleep.
    After dinner was over, I stretched out on the floor. Leonard leaned back against the wall. He moved some of the boxes and other debris to create a cushion for himself.
    "I can't remember the last time I actually slept in a bed," he said, still trying to arrange the cardboard.
    "I know what you mean. My back wouldn't know what to do if it had a nice comfortable mattress to stretch out on. I'd probably sleep for days."
    We each recounted the various horrible places that we had to sleep in or on. After about an hour, Leonard looked intently at the candle and muttered, "It's all that bitch's fault."
    "Huh?" I asked, raising myself up on my elbows. Jerky lifted her head slightly to express her indignation for being disturbed.
    "What?" Leonard replied.
    "You said it was all that bitch's fault. Who is the bitch?"
    It took Leonard a long time to respond. I waited patiently. His facial features formed a nasty look as if he just tasted rotten, maggot-filled meat.
    He hesitated, almost reluctant to say the name. I wondered if he were afraid to say the name, thinking that if he said the name, the vile bitch would appear. For some reason, I thought of the old movie, Candyman. In that story, if a person stood in front of a mirror and said the name Candyman three times, he would appear and kill you. Finally, Leonard found the strength to spit out the bitch's name.
    "Madeline Blackwell."

Chapter 2
     
    Yup, I knew it and yes, it was the same bitch that unilaterally and unequivocally was responsible for the collapse of our society. She was the same unadulterated evil that I ran into several times, the first being in ISS way back in junior high. Madeline and her little sycophants over the years brought about the numerous destructive events that caused the collapse of everything.
    "I know this Madeline Blackwell," I said with disgust dripping on each word. I found my usual upbeat smile turn into a nauseated curl of the lip.
    Leonard looked at me with an increased seriousness. He reached into his pack to bring out another candle. He waited until the first candle was nearly extinguished before lighting the new one.
    "How do you know her?" he asked with a slight tremble to his voice.
    "I first met her…sort of…when I was in junior high. She messed

Similar Books

Star Rising: Heartless

Cesar Gonzalez

A Lady Undone

Máire Claremont

Web and the Rock

Thomas Wolfe

The Desperate Journey

Kathleen Fidler

Tied Together

Z. B. Heller