Birchwood Manor

BM24 Part 6

BM24 Part 6

“Here, put Jeff in front of the ottoman,” said Doug.

“Not on the ottoman? We put Tim on the couch,” said Jodi.

“We don’t want to risk moving that metal shard,” said Carl.

“I found some towels we can use for bandages,” said Angela.

“I think I saw some duct tape when I glanced downstairs looking for Tim.”

“Can I do anything?”

“Let’s light some more candles,” said Angela. “Then we can try and eat.”

Angela and Carl wrapped Jeff’s abdomen in the towels and duct tape trying to stabilize the metal shard. Angela wrapped Tim’s head even though the bleeding had stopped.

Tim moaned and opened his eyes.

“Tim it’s okay. You’re safe,” said Angela. “Bring me some water.”

Jodi took Angela a bottled water and Angela held Tim’s head and gave him a sip.

“I think we should all sleep here tonight,” said Doug. “We need to take turns monitoring Tim and Jeff.”

“When we were outside, it looked like a storm may be coming in. Without the generator, the rest of the house is going to get cold.”

“I guess that’s why they provided sleeping bags and pillows,” said Jodi.

“Let’s eat these sandwiches finally and bed down for the night.”

Doug moved to one of the couches and hopped out of his chair onto it. Jodi took him a pillow and sleeping bag.

The others took up spaces on the floor after grabbing a sandwich and soda. They all ate in silence; the body of Danny Szabo and what could have happened to Tim in the front of their minds.

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Angela woke with a start. She had been having a good dream about Danny, but it turned dark and she dreamed his body was coming after her with a knife. The rest of the crew seemed to be having peaceful sleeps.

Angela got up and carefully stepped over Carl and Jodi. She got a flashlight from the boxes and clicked it on to see if it worked. She walked softly to the Chapel. She needed to see Danny despite the state he was in. The door creaked slightly as she went inside.

An ornate statue of the Blessed Mother beside the small altar drew her toward it. She looked at the eyes, round and soulful. There was dark red liquid running down the cheeks. She touched it to be sure. It was fresh blood.

She turned away and went to Danny. She couldn’t stop the tears this time. She sobbed, taking his hand in hers. When the wave of sadness subsided, she noticed a platinum ring on his hand. It triggered a memory:

“This ring represents our family; your loyalty to it and our loyalty to you,” said Marcus Deville, the local drug lord. He slid the ring on Angela’s finger.

“I don’t understand,” said Angela. I thought you wanted to marry me.”

“This is as close to that as I can get in my position.”

“I thought you were someone else when we met. When I found out the truth, I thought I could handle it. I can’t.”

Angela took the ring off and let it drop to the floor....

“What did you get yourself into Danny?” said Angela. “I thought you were some kind of cop. Did they find you out? Is this my fault?”

Angela closed her eyes, as far as she could reach with him kneeling, checked his pockets. She found an ID with the name Danny Truso on it. It gave an address of somewhere in upstate New York. She found and pocketed a few scribbled notes and a small notebook, along with the ID. The last thing she found on him was an antique key.

“You okay?” asked Carl as he peeked into the Chapel with his flashlight.

“Yeah. I just needed a moment.”

“Tim is awake, and Jeff is stirring. It’s almost morning.”

“Okay, I’ll be there in a minute.”

Angela slipped off Danny’s ring and pocketed it with the rest of the things before leaving the Chapel.

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