Mortician's Assistant

         

29

         
         
         As Kieran Payton and Aubrie Altham walked toward the main office, Kieran asked Aubrie, "Why did you pick here for employment?" Kieran asked Aubrie on her first day at Wickman's Funeral and Crematorium."
         "Being relatively new to the area, I thought it would be challenging and allow me to learn about the community. I like working with people, and I feel it is rewarding to be able to assist people while they are going through a dark time in their lives."
         "Well, you picked a job that does just that. Kevin, the mortician, works with the family to get all the information they need to proceed with the funeral process. Our embalmer, Brynn, works with the deceased. You'll learn that attention to detail is paramount while working here."
         "I feel I am up to the job and all it requires."
         "Great to hear, Aubrie. I will be your trainer during your first two months here. After that, you will work closely with Brynn after the embalming occurs."
         As Keiran and Aubrie walked through the basement, Aubrie wrote down the information Keiran supplied. After going through each room, Aubrie would ask questions to clarify what occurred, when, and how much of her training would occur.
          Turning to face Aubrie, "Any questions regarding what we saw and discussed?"
         "No, you answered the questions I did have when I asked. I am sure, however, I will have more questions along the way."
         "I can honestly say you quickly picked up on all this information. Oh, before I forget, have you met the owners?"
         "No, I haven't. I saw a picture of a couple in the entryway. Was it a portrait of the Wickmans?"
         "It is. The picture is over ten years old. I see them around now and again. When they started, Mrs. Wickman oversaw the job as mortician and embalmer, and Mr. Wickman managed the business. They must live right because they don't look older than in the portrait."
         "How long have they been in business?"
         "Fifty years. From what I understand, they came to America from Sudan. I am not sure if they settled somewhere else or came directly here. At one time, they lived upstairs."
         "Upstairs? I thought the upstairs was part of the funeral home. I didn't know anyone lived there."
         "No one does anymore. I think the Wickmans moved across town sometime in the 1980's.
         "Are they renting out the upstairs now?"
         "Why? Do you want to live above a funeral home? Just kidding. The upstairs has been empty since they moved out."
         "No way would I want to live upstairs, not because it is above a funeral home. I like keeping work and home separate."
         "Couldn't agree more with you there. I live ten miles away. The drive is excellent. I can unwind on the way home and get prepared for the day on the way back in."
         Kieran double-checked through the application form to verify that Aubrie signed all the required forms.
         "Well, from my standpoint, today's orientation is complete. You start tomorrow at 6:00 in the morning with your two-month orientation."
         "OK, I will see you then."
         After two months lapsed, Aubrie walked into the primary office while Kevin, Brynn, and Keiran were deep in the middle of a discussion.
         "When will they be here?" Asked Keiran.
         "That is still up in the air. It sounded like they'll arrive late afternoon or early evening." Kevin responded."
         "Why are they moving back in? I have no idea what shape the old house is in."
         Noticing Aubrie in the doorway, Keiran calls to her. "Hello, Aubrie. We were discussing the Wickmans. It appears they are moving back into their old house upstairs."
         "Did something happen to their other home?"
         "We don't have that answer yet. Brynn and I will be here when they come. Hopefully, nothing is wrong with their other home. When I spoke to Ada this morning, she didn't give a reason; she just said they would be here later today."
         "Is Ada Mrs. Wickman?" Aubrie asks.
         "Yes. Mr. Wickman's first name is Eben." Answered Brynn. "Don't call them by their first name until they permit you. They are both old-fashioned and sticklers to proper protocol."
         "Not a problem. I am looking forward to meeting the Wickmans. I bet they have many stories about starting in the business. I especially look forward to speaking with Mrs. Wickman."
         "Why is that?" Keiran asked.
         "From my understanding, being a mortician was male-dominated, yet Mrs. Wickman took that responsibility and made it a success."          
         The office telephone rang and interrupted the conversation.          
          "Wickman Funeral and Crematorium, how may I assist you? Yes, this is. Oh, hello, Marcus, how have you been? I'm good, thanks for asking. Another one? The same condition as the others? I'll send someone to pick up the deceased as soon as possible. What is the name of the deceased? Paige Turner? What are the parents' names? Trisha and Warren Turner, thank you. Just fax the documents. I'll talk to you later. Bye."
          Turning to address Keiran, Brynn, and Aubrie, "St. Luke's Hospital called. There was another animal mauling victim. They performed an autopsy because no one found the remains for approximately three weeks. According to Marcus, this is the fifth victim discovered on the west side of town." Turning to face Brynn, "This is in the same condition as the last one we received."
         "That bad? We will need to advise the family that the only option is a closed casket visitation and service."
         "The family already advised the hospital they are coming here. The family will come this afternoon at 2:00. I will explain everything. Marcus stated that the family is taking this especially hard. She was to get married at the beginning of the year."
         Addressing Brynn, Aubrie asked, "Will I assist you with this?"
         "I believe you are ready for something like this. Our process is different from that of an open casket. We talked about this after the last closed service we had."
         "Yeah, I remember what you said and advised what must be completed."
         "I will come get you before I start."
         Brynn found Aubrie in the main office three hours later, "Aubrie, I am ready to start."
         "I will be right with you. The Wickmans just arrived, and Kevin wanted to introduce me."
         "Come down when you can."
         Walking to the primary office, Aubrie felt uneasy about meeting them. She didn't know if it was because she was meeting the owners or was hungry as she hadn't eaten in a while."
         As Aubrie entered the office, Kevin was in the middle of welcoming the Wickmans. Her first impression of Mr. Wickman was of recognition from the portrait hanging on the wall; he looked about the same except for less gray hair.
         Mrs. Wickman, on the other hand, looked younger than she was in the picture. Her hair no longer had gray streaks, fewer wrinkles around her mouth and eyes, and she no longer had glasses.
         "Eben, Ada, I would like to introduce you to our most recent new hire, Aubrie Altham. She started two months ago and has been doing an outstanding job. She has caught on to everything we have thrown at her and asks for more."
         "It is an honor to meet you, Mr. Wickman and Mrs. Wickman."
         "You have a lovely last name, Ms. Altham. Do you know its origin?" Asked Mrs. Wickman.
         "Only that it is of English origin," Aubrie answered.
         "It is an old name. It means water meadow where swans are found. What are your intentions for working here, Ms. Altham?"
         "I want to follow you and be a mortician. There are so few women in the business."
         "Follow in my footsteps? Do you? It is a hard road to follow. I had to sacrifice many things along the way. It is not an easy path."
         "Ada, if the girl wants to follow in your footsteps, let her be." Mr. Wickman advised his wife.
         "I want to make sure she understands our choices. She appears bright enough; however, it took more than intelligence to get me here."
         "I know that. Maybe you and Ms. Altham can discuss this later when she is not working." Eben offered to try to calm his wife.
         "Yes, that might be beneficial." Turning to Kevin, "We will take our leave. I want a tour tomorrow to see what improvements you completed. Please advise Brynn that I want to visit the basement facilities."
         "Of course, Ada. I will see you both tomorrow."
         After they leave, Kevin addresses Aubrie, "Sorry if she came on too strong. She is a determined individual. It is best to nod your head and move on. I know Eben is the only one who can sway her when she wants something done."
         Aubrie looked out the door to ensure the Wickmans had left, "Can I be honest with you about her? Something about her sets the hair on the back of my head stand up."
         "No one here would disagree with you. Brynn is waiting for you. Let her know the Wickmans have arrived."
         "I will be in the embalming room. Brynn is ready to start the embalming. Thanks for introducing me to the Wickmans."
         As Aubrie entered the embalming room, Brynn finished transferring the deceased to the worktable. Looking up from what she was doing, Brynn acknowledged Aubrie, "Good, you are just in time. I have all the paperwork from the hospital and the details of the family's wishes."
         "Will this be a closed casket, as you thought earlier?"
         "Yes, the family wants to remember their daughter as she was before the attack. They decided to cremate the remains."
         "Will they be burying the cremains?"
         "That I do not know. The family decided to have a Celebration of Life service upstairs. The Turners did not elaborate on what they would do with the cremains after the service."
         "I wonder if the police are any closer to finding the animal or animals doing this? I would think this would be a priority."
         "I am sure it is. I want you here because I will show you what preparing the deceased entails in this situation."
         "Before I forget, Mrs. Wickman stated she will be coming down here and discussing the improvements completed."
         "Is that tomorrow she'll be here?"
         "Yes. I believe the Wickmans have gone home for the day."
         "Very good. Now, let's prepare the deceased for placement in the casket."
         Wickman Funeral and Crematorium experienced an increase due to the wild animal killings. Aubrie began assisting Kevin with the families when not assisting Brynn.
         "What a busy three weeks. I can't believe the wild animal, whatever it is, hasn't been caught. Counting the Jodan's funeral, the death toll is seventeen. You would think, with all the publicity, people would not go out alone at night." Kevin stated after putting the newspaper down.
         "Did you read where they found the latest victim? He was in his backyard. It was a fenced-in yard. They think the door to the yard had been left open, and that is when the attack occurred." Keiran added to the conversation.
         "His family was in the house when this occurred. The victim must not have had a chance to call out."
         "The family shared the police report. There weren't animal tracks in the yard. I am sure I read somewhere where animal tracks are absent in all the scenes. Someone is not doing their job, or there is one smart predator out there."
         "I hate to think there is something intelligent enough not to leave a trace hunting their next meal."
         "Changing the subject, has Brynn said anything about Ada spending most of her days in the basement?' Asked Keiran.
         "Yeah, she said something about a week ago. Not much we can do. I advised Brynn to go on as if Ada wasn't there. She said she is trying."
         "That's not all. Aubrie even said something. She said it feels like Ada is always watching her every move. I tried telling her that was just what Ada did while here."
         "Now that you mention it, Ada asked about Aubrie, her background, and her family."
         "Maybe I should say something to Eben about her always being here and interfering with our standard workflow."
         "You can try. I am not sure it will have any effect, though."
         "Speaking of the devil, here she comes." Ada enters the office carrying folders. "Good afternoon, Ada. Will you be joining Brynn and Aubrie today?"
         "I will; however, that can wait. I took the liberty of reading all of Brynn's notes regarding the victims of the animal attack. Were they all closed casket services? She does not mention this in some of the files."
         "That doesn't sound like Brynn to leave something like that out of the file. I am sure they were misplaced."
         "Misplaced? We do not misplace any information that is to be within the files. I want to speak with Brynn and you in private." Glancing toward Keiran with one raised eyebrow, "I am certain there are things you need to do."
         "I was just leaving." As he turned to leave, "I will inform Brynn you wish to see her."
         Without waiting for a response, Keiran goes to Brynn's office. As he enters, he sees Aubrie reading an Anatomy and Physiology course book.
         "Catching up on some light reading?" Joked Keiran.
         "What? Oh, no. I am studying for an upcoming test. I decided to enroll in the Mortuary Science program at the university. I am currently taking Anatomy and Physiology. The course was one of the first classes they recommended. I am also taking Pathology."
         "That's quite a load, plus working here. Have you told Kevin this yet? If not, you should. He would be a reliable source of information. So would Brynn. That reminds me. Ada wants to speak to Brynn. Is she in the embalming room?"
         "No. Brynn is at lunch. She will be back in about five minutes. If I may ask, why does Mrs. Wickman need Brynn?"
         "Something about missing information within some files. Nothing for you to be concerned about."
         "I have been filing for Brynn lately. Did Mrs. Wickman say what was missing? She was down here for five hours yesterday going through the files. I saw her taking a bunch of files with her when she left. I didn't know if I should have said something or not."
         "State regulations mandate all files are to be kept for one year after burial or cremation. Our policy is that all files stay within Brynn's office for six months before being sent to the records room. No exceptions."
         "I didn't know that. Should I have said something to Mrs. Wickman?"
         Keiran thought for a moment before answering, "Ada knows these rules. If I didn't know her better, I would think she is up to something."
         "Who is up to something? Anyone I know?" Brynn asks as she enters the room.
         "Ada. She took some files yesterday and wants to see you about missing information within the individual files."          
         "Aubrie, please check which files are missing. I check the new files at the end of each week. I did so last Saturday. Everything was in order. Aubrie has been doing a thorough job keeping them updated." Brynn offered.
         "She is saying the information regarding an open or closed casket service was missing."
         "No, that's wrong. I know it was there as of Saturday. I reviewed the files and noticed that every file contained a checklist with a notation of a closed casket. I distinctly remember."
         Aubrie approached where Brynn and Keiran were talking, "I discovered three files are missing from last week. If any documentation is missing, there is no way I can tell what is gone as long as Mrs. Wickman keeps the files."
         "Thanks, Aubrie. I wonder if she went through the files in the record room?" Turning back to Aubrie, "I showed you how to access the digital records. Go to the record room and search the past six months for other files that may be missing. Use the spreadsheet to determine if the file is gone." Advised Brynn.
         "All right," Aubrie responded as she left the room.
         Addressing Keiran, "How should I address this with Ada? If she did take the files without asking, there could be real trouble if we get audited. She also isn't the most pleasant person to work with. Bringing up the missing files would result in a denial."
         "Let's wait to see what Aubrie discovers before we act. Also, don't approach her without having someone with you. Having a backup may take a little thunder out of her. Just a suggestion."
         "That's a clever idea. Would you be willing to be with me when I approach Ada?"
         "Sure. Ada needs to return the files with whatever information is missing."
         "Am I the only one here who thinks Ada is up to something?" Asked Brynn.
         "I wasn't going to be the first person to say anything about her. She is doing something highly questionable and turning the blame away from herself."
          "Who's turning the blame to someone else?" Kevin asks, startling Brynn and Keiran as he walks in.
         After filling Kevin in on what had occurred and what they believed, Brynn looked at Kevin and waited for his response.
         "So, Aubrie is researching the files right now? How long do you think her research will take?
         "Two hours at the most. Why? Did Ada say something to you about the files?"
         "Not since Keiran left. I have her going over the accounting with Eben. That should keep her busy for the rest of the day. After Aubrie is done researching the files, before speaking with Ada, let me know the results. I want to be ready with whatever she asks. Don't speak with her without Keiran or myself with you."
         "Keiran already stated he would be with me when I spoke to Ada."
         Brynn and Keiran met with Ada in the primary office a day later. Keiran made copies of the information Aubrie uncovered and provided a copy to Brynn.
         "I thought I would be meeting with just you, Brynn. Keiran isn't necessary for this meeting."
         "He helped gather information I thought would be pertinent to our discussion," Brynn advised Ada.
         "As you like." Ada reluctantly stated, "I wanted to discuss the absence of certain documents within these files. More specifically, information regarding the service or viewing of the deceased. I did not determine whether the casket was open or closed during the Wake and service."
         "I am unsure why you didn't find the proper documentation. As you know, we have a paper file and scan all documents to create a digital file. After a search, we discovered that twenty-seven files were physically missing. We found that by cross-referencing our digital backup files. Our cross-referenced digital files were all intact, including the information you stated was absent. As you know, removing files is against our strict guidelines and policy."
         "I am aware of the guidelines. Eben and I created those policies. I was, however, unaware that you made digital copies of all files. Regardless, there is still the question of where the missing information went."
         "That is a great question. I have a piece of interesting information. To create a digital file, we scan all documents. I am emphasizing all documents. Sometime after the scanning, the documents in question became lost. The funny thing is that all the scanned documents were present."
         "What are you implying? I am the person who removed the documents. That is absurd. Why would I remove the documents? There is no reason for me to do such a thing."
         "Now, Ada, I never said you did. I am saying it is strange that only the information regarding the viewing of the deceased is missing."
         "And why is that?"
         "The only answer is that someone removed the documentation unknowingly."
         "Have you questioned Ms. Altham? She is in the right place when taken."
         "As you may have forgotten, we have cameras in all the rooms. If someone removed any of the documents, we have it recorded."
         "This is getting us nowhere. If we have the documents digitally, copy the missing information and place it in the file."
         "We will need the files back from you to place the document back in the files."
         "You should be grateful I took the files," Ada stated, handing the files back to Kevin.
         "Thank you for checking the files. We would never would have discovered the missing documents."
         Instead of saying anything, Ada rises and leaves the office.
         After the conversation with Ada, Kevin and Brynn reviewed the video of the Records room. After being satisfied with what he saw, Kevin saves the footage for future concerns.
         Kevin entered Brynn's office as she prepared to leave for the day. "Brynn, St. Mary's Hospital called. There was another animal attack reported. This time, it was a couple. The descendants' are on the way here. From the information I received, Mr. Jacobs received the brunt of the attack while Mrs. Jacobs had her throat ripped. The hospital has already notified the families. Mr. Jacobs' parents will be here early this evening to arrange the preparations. Mrs. Jacobs' parents died years ago in a car accident, and she had a younger sister."
         "Something needs to be done regarding these attacks. They have been happening for five months without any headway regarding the animal responsible."
         "I know, I know. It is a tragedy. The best we can do is offer solace to the victims' families and make this process as comforting as possible."
         "I will advise Aubrie of the incoming descendants. Speaking of Aubrie, she has volunteered to stay later to help with the influx of information from the hospitals. She said that until it slows down, she didn't mind the extra hours."
         "How is her coursework going?"
         "Good. Aubrie stated that she is receiving excellent grades. We talked about work here, and she didn't need to work as many hours as she does now. We discussed job burnout and the need for a life outside of here. She stated she is very active outside of work and school."
          The following morning, Brynn is waiting for Kevin in his office. "Kevin, we have a problem. Ms. Jacobs is missing." Brynn advised as she was shutting the office door.
         "What did you say? She's Missing? How? You sure she isn't in the embalming room or already placed in a casket and moved somewhere?"
         "I have looked in the refrigerators, opened all the caskets within the preparation room, and checked the Viewing rooms. Nothing."
         "Where was the last time you saw the descendant? Have you spoken with Keiran and Aubrie? What did they say?"
         "I last saw her when she arrived yesterday. We prepared the descendant, like always. Nothing unusual or out of the ordinary occurred. When I spoke with Keiran, he stated he hadn't had time to work in the Preparation room since our workload increased. Aubrie is due at four. I tried calling her, but it went to voice mail."
         "We need to do a thorough search. We can't just lose a descendant."
         "I know, the descendant must be here, but where?"
         "Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs will arrive within an hour to finalize the funerals. While they will not want to see the descendants, they will want an update on what we have done to prepare for the dual services. What am I supposed to say, 'Funny, you should ask? We lost your daughter-in-law. Don't worry, though; she couldn't have gone far.'"
         "Do you think we should tell the Wickmans? This issue may escalate." Questioned Brynn.
         "We better. I will advise that we are in the process of searching the entire facility and questioning everyone present. Unless asked, I will not say anything about the family coming within the hour. Do you want to stay and listen? They may wish to speak with you and understand your story."
         "Yeah, I better. I think Eben will take this better than Ada. After the issue with the missing documents, she has been giving Aubrie and me the riot act on everything we are doing."
         Picking up the phone and dialing the number, "Good morning, Eben. Do you have a moment? Yes, there is an issue. A descendant's body is missing. We have checked the Preparation room, the cold storage units, the Showroom, and all of the viewing rooms. Exactly, we found no trace of the descendant. Really? Will you? If that's what you want to do, by all means proceed. I will advise Brynn and Keiran of your decision. Thank you for your time."
         After hanging up, Kevin was silent. Brynn asked, "What did he say? What is he going to do? Did he state how we are to proceed?"
         "Eben said he will take care of it. He doesn't want us to do anything further. He advised not to share this information with the family."
         "Did he say what he was going to do? Why doesn't he want us to proceed? Did he give you a reason not to do anything?"
         "That's just it: he didn't say anything except for us to stop the search, and he will manage this."
         "Why would he not want us to proceed? Something is happening that we are not aware of. Hey, can we check the video of the Embalming room? Starting at 10:00 last night, that's the time I left." Asked Brynn.
         "Good idea."
         With this, Kevin began the replay of the previous night. As he fast-forwarded the tape at 1:00 in the morning, the recording stopped, and there was a black screen. He fast-forwarded the video, and at 3:30 in the morning, the tape resumed with the recorded picture.
         Kevin abruptly asked, "What just happened? Who worked last night? Were any of the other video recordings cut off? Was there a power outage last night? Wait. Look at the casket. It moved. Go back to before 1:00, right there. Look at the casket in the middle of the room. Now, go ahead and see where the video restarts. Look, look. The casket was moved to the back of the room, closer to the elevator. Someone moved it."
         "Before I left, I completed all the preparations. I ensured the doors were secured by double-checking, like always. The elevator is the only way in or out of the room after everything is locked. Check to see if the main floor camera by the elevator has any time lapses."
         After playing the video of the main floor by the elevator, they discovered no lapse in the footage. The video of the main office showed Aubrie working on her schoolwork until she left at midnight. Neither camera experienced lapsed footage.
         "This isn't making any sense. There is no way out of the embalming room without going through the locked doors or the elevator." Explained Brynn.
         "Who else, besides you and I, would have a key to the embalming room?" Kevin asked.
         "No one. We should be the only ones with access to that room after it is locked. Unless .. "
         "Unless what?"
         "Would the Wickmans still have a copy of the keys?"
         "I don't know. Ada may have one; I need to ask Eben if she does. He'll know. I'll call him and ask." Picking the phone receiver and dialing. Immediately, Eben answered the phone."
         "Eben, I have a quick question to ask. Would you know if Ada still has a key to the embalming room? I understand you said you would take care of the situation. Brynn and I were discussing different possibilities... I understand. We only wanted to get to the bottom of this. Of course. I understand. Sorry to bother you." Turning toward Brynn, "Eben firmly advised we drop the subject and stop looking into the disappearance. He stated that it was none of our concerns. If anyone asks, forward the inquiries to him directly."
         "I heard him raise his voice. I have never heard him do that before. Should we question Keiran or Aubrie regarding this or drop it as Eben advised?"
         " Aubrie doesn't have a key to the embalming room, and Keiran is not assigned to work there, so he would not have one either."
         "I think we need to tell them what happened this morning. Even if they don't possess a key, they may remember something odd that occurred."
         "It couldn't hurt getting their input. Kieran will be here within two hours, and Aubrie is due at four; however, I could call and see if she can arrive earlier. Maybe Aubrie saw or heard something last night but ignored it as unimportant."
         "Good point. As you work closely together, you should be the one to bring it up. I'll question Kieran when he arrives."
         "Good. We better be careful so Eben doesn't know we are still working on it."
         Kevin questioned Keiran regarding the missing descendant. Keiran said he hadn't been in the embalming room since the Jacobs arrived except to deliver the mail. Kevin advised Keiran not to discuss this inquiry with either of the Wickmans.
         After Aubrie arrived, Brynn showed her the videotape of the embalming room, the two and a half hours of missing footage, and pointed out the casket's movement.
         "You're right; someone moved the casket last night after everyone had left. I have a quick question; it may be nothing, though."
         "In this situation, any information is important. Especially right now."
         "Well, does the elevator go to the Wickman's house? "
         "You know, I have no idea. Let's take a look at the buttons in the elevator." With this, Brynn and Aubrie walk to the elevator and hit the call button. Within seconds, the door slides open. Both enter the elevator and look at the buttons.
         Pointing to an unmarked button, Aubrie asks, "Where does this button go?"
         "I guess I thought it was an extra button going nowhere."
         Reaching forward, Brynn pushes the button. Immediately, a voice states, "Please insert your key to access the upper level."
         "The upper level must be the Wickmans' house. I wonder why they never brought up having access to the elevator?" Explained Brynn.
         "It could be they never wanted us to know," Aubrie stated, "which is strange because with the extra button, wouldn't they know we would figure it out?"
         "Maybe they didn't care. Or maybe they thought it was none of our business."
         "It doesn't answer what happened to the two-and-a-half hours during the taping of the Embalming Room. Someone knew what they were doing and could access the cameras to stop and restart the recording."
         "The only people I know would be you, Kevin, and Kerian." Aubrie offered.
         "I will talk with Kevin and Kerian tomorrow when they are both here. I must leave on time tonight and take Bella to the vet to get her Rabis shot."
         "Poor Bella. Give her a scratch behind the ears for me."
         At 11:17 p.m., Aubrie heard the motor in the elevator. She immediately went to the elevator door to listen. It sounded like the elevator was coming down from the Wickman's house. She quickly moved to stand behind the empty casket.
          After the elevator doors opened, a cloaked individual slowly exited the elevator, dragging its left foot across the floor. After leaving the elevator, the figure stopped walking.
         "I don't know who you are or why you are here. This is private property. If you want money, there is none on the premises. Whatever you want, you came to the wrong address. I have already called the police on my cellphone. They will be here within minutes. I'd advise you to get back in the elevator and wait." Declared Aubrie with a false bravado.
         A pale hand with claws instead of fingers rose and pointed toward Aubrie. It took two steps toward Aubrie. A harsh, raspy voice uttered, "Here for you."
         Backing up and looking at the only exit, Aubrie smelt an odor of rotting flesh from the figure. Its pupil-less eyes were the color of blood and followed every move Aubrie took; however, it made no indication of advancing.
         "Who were you? I mean, you have been killing innocent people. Why? Where do you hide? Where is your home?"
         "Hunngger. Must eat. Hiding in sight."
         "Hiding in sight? What do you mean by that? Do you have a disguise?"
         "Show you." With that said, the creature lowered to its knees and hunched itself into a ball. Within seconds, the sound of bones breaking and snapping, the rattle from the creature's throat, and the intense stench caused Aubrie to take an involuntary step backward.
         Watching the change had a sickening effect on Aubrie. She squeezed her nostrils with her thumb and finger but could not take her eyes off the changing form on the floor. As soon as the change started, it was over. Beginning to stand upright with its back to her, Aubrie could not tell what form it had taken.
         Upon turning around, Aubrie recognized the figure she had seen before.
         "You're Mrs. Jacobs. We received your body two days ago with a torn throat. You were dead."
         "Only sleeping, Aubrie. Resting to heal my wound."
         "I can see that your throat has healed. How?"
         "By eating the flesh of those who spawned me."
         "Spawned you? Who spawned you? Where have you been for the past two days?"
         "Home, with my makers. You knew them as the Wickmans."
         "They created you? How? Why? Wait. You said you ate your parents. Er, creators? They are dead?"
         "They were never alive."
         "What do you mean, 'never alive?'"
         "Mother was right about you. You aren't very bright. She wanted your brains. It looks like she won't be enjoying them. However, I think I will." Looking toward the cameras on the wall, what was pretending to be Mrs. Jacobs smiles and takes a few steps toward Aubrie. "Good, you feel like screaming. By all means, go right ahead. I like my meals to fight. It increases my appetite. Oh, I turned off the cameras before I came down. No one will see you struggle, hear your screams, and die."
         "The Wickmans must have access to the surveillance cameras. I think I know everything I need."
         "Little good that will do you."
         "Oh, it will help me immensely."
         "How? In moments, you will be screaming, and no one will know what happened to your body."
         "See, there is where you made your mistake. You are assuming you will live, and I am your snack."
         Growing uneasy with the conversation, the ghoul walks around the casket toward Aubrie.
         Seeing the ghoul approach, Aubrie glances around the room. Seeing this, the ghoul begins to transform back into its hideous form.
         "Hunnggry.. Must eat." Walking closer to Aubrie, the ghoul reaches out to grab its victim.
         Instead of turning away, Aubrie grabs the ghoul's wrists and snaps both of the ghoul's wrists with an easy twist of her own hands.
         "Before you try and eat me, I have a confession to make." Instantly, Aubrie's body begins to contort into a taller, huskier version of Mrs. Jacob's ghoul. With longer arms, Aubrie quickly grabs the other ghoul by its shoulders, draws it closer, and, by dislodging its jaws, rapidly consumes the head of the inferior ghoul. With the inferior ghoul dead, its body turns to ash within Aubrie's grasp.
         Satisfied with the results, Aubrie assumes her human guise. As she prepares to leave, she wonders aloud, "I wonder if Kerian would like to go out to eat tomorrow."
         
Twisted Tales
Word Count: 5,952