Episode 20.0 The Eyes Have It, 20.1: Mr. and Mrs. BlackSmith

MannDROID: Edward Mann

New Orleans!

Darkness finally came! With it came activity!

A mid-day skeleton crew of cemetery hired grave builders brought in a small backhoe and dug up a grave plot in preparation of a new resident. Upon setup the workers were calling it a day. Tools gathered a lonely shovel was stolen from their truck via long distance telekinetics by android inhabitant Edward Mann. From the grave plot of Peter Cowles, it stood up standing in wait to be used. An escape imminent, his plan to cover his tracks was ready to commence. T-minus ten minutes and counting.

“Not a soul in sight, Ed!” Came the voice of Peter Cowles himself as adopted by the android’s computer. “Well, at least any seen by the naked eye. Plenty of ghosts curious as to why a shovel went floating across the yard by itself and stands looking for a dance partner. They know it’s not one of their own doing it.”

“So, there are ghosts out and about. Can we actually see them, Pete? Android eyes, I mean.”

“Yes, Sir! Allow me to give you a wide-range scan and show you are flat mates. Flat as in the ground.” X-ray vision piercing the soil in multiple directions Edward was privy to a cascade of floating old souls. A few young souls as well.

“That is ... tragic. I often wondered if ghosts were real. I’ve never had any experiences to believe in them until now. There are hundreds out there. I can only imagine billions across the world.”

“Correct! While this unit has no knowledge of where they go beyond this plain of existence it is a curious question.”

“Absolutely! What I don’t get is, if there is truly a God why is he letting these folks linger here instead of moving them on to bigger and better things.”

“What this unit does know is that when a newborn baby arrives, a ghost fades away.”

“Resurrection, maybe? I know of a couple instances where I read of a woman by the name of Dorothy Eady who told people she was originally born and lived as the priestess Om Sety in ancient Egypt. A keeper in Abydos. She knew far too much to be bullshitting the world. So, I can believe in that act of God. If she can be reborn then it’s a safe bet, she’s not the only one. Kind of like when a sparrow dies a baby is born.”

“Pretty nifty if it’s true Ed. We had better get a move on or we won’t make it to Victoria’s mansion before Caitlin Cowles. That seance is scheduled for 8:00 PM. It is 6:10 now and we have a lot of work to do.”

“Show me how it’s done Pete. I know we have the strength to just push our way up out of this box but that is a whole lot of dirt on top of us.”

“Fortunately for you this unit has slightly more tech than some. Watch and learn Roomie!”

“Do it to it, Pete!” Eyes refocusing on the dirt atop his casket a glow emitted from the entire bed and pierced the outer shell. Like solid sheets of pure light, a square box was formed in a 10 X 8 section that solidified like a vice grip over and through the dense soil. “This is incredible. Is that like a force field?”

“It is a force field. Keep watching.”

With the sand compacted tightly the light cubed beneath along the lid of his casket until connecting into a fully solid chamber. Rising up off of the casket in massive mound of perfectly square soil the cube hovered left over the grass producing a perfectly chiseled hole in the ground. Atop the soil lie his headstone.

Casket door gently lifted up, Edward assumed control over the android body itself and levitated out of the pit into a pleasant night breeze. “Ahhh! A beautiful night! You know Pete we might not need to pin those graverobbers for Peter Cowles body theft after all. I didn’t know we had this kind of power until now. I say we toss the shovel into the casket and close up shop. Put the dirt back where it was and leave it looking slightly disturbed but not dug up. We can always return home if we and when we need to.”

“Your call Boss!” The shovel on the ground rose then lowered like a swaying feather down into the coffin, the lid slipping closed. Replanting the ground precisely how it was things were back to normal. The grass itself looked slightly disturbed and off balance but no one would really believe it was moved. “You can brush your hands off now. The dirty work is done.”

“Good job, Pete! I can’t wait to see what else this warehouse of a body is hiding.” A glow emitting from his belly Ed looked down. “What’s this about?”

“The urn glows! I think Peter Cowles is properly thanking you for keeping his sister safe.”

“Hi!” Aware suddenly of a youthful feminine voice Edward Mann turned in step and noticed the ghost of a young girl with lengthy black hair. “I’m Sarah. Your sister met my grampa today. I liked the flowers.”

“Mind officially blown.” Ed told Pete. Crouching down Edward smiled warmly. “Hello Sarah. I’m glad you liked the daisies. I hear you were a very brave young lady.”

“I am. Where are you going? Can I come?”

“I’ll be back before you know it. I’m just going to help some other friends.”

“You should be careful. The brothers are watching.”

“Brothers? The vampires?”

“Uh huh! They’re behind that crypt Mister and Mrs. Kripke live in. They are not so nice. They hurt people and bring them here.” Mann immediately thought Kripke Keeper as in Crypt Keeper. A jest he kept to himself.

“Meaning they die and get buried here.”

“Uh huh!” She nodded! “They can’t hurt me now that I’m dead. They can’t see me like you can, so I sneak up on them and listen. We all do.”

“That’s good to know. Maybe you can keep me posted on any odd plans they might have. Can you do that Sarah?”

“Sure! I can do what Peter did for the police.”

“Inform?”

“Yes!” Bright eyed she smiled vividly. “Peter is only a voice now. Since you burnt his body.”

“Ouch! I hope he can forgive me.”

“You wear his body, but I know you aren’t really, Peter. Peter is in here.” She touched his abdomen. “He likes his new crypt. You keep him warm and close.” Maybe Ed himself was the Crypt Keeper. Ironic!

“That is the least I can do for him.”

“Peter wants me to tell you that he is trying to communicate with you like I can. There is some innerfurance keeping him from it.” Interference! A innocent child’s mistake!

“I’ll look into that. Thank you, Sarah. Can I count on you to help me talk to Peter in the meantime?”

“You know where I live.” She pointed at her headstone in the distance. Turning back, she noticed his belly glowing again. “Peter worries for Caitlin and his aunt. He also asks if you will take him to see his mother at Havenloft. She needs assurance.”

Patting his stomach Ed spoke to himself. “As soon as I can Peter. I’ll do my very best to help all of your family and friends. I’ll need you to have patience, I’m as new to this lifestyle as you are your afterlifestyle. As you know I’m actually dead too. I’m just one of the lucky ones I suppose.”

“Very lucky! You are an angel.”

“Angel? I don’t know about that. Definitely no devil.”

“I think you’re an angel. You glow like one. My angel at least.”

“That’s very sweet of you, Sarah. I’ll try to live up to your insight. I need to hurry I have to meet Caitlin.”

“Can you have Caitlin give grampa a message from me?”

“Absolutely!”

“Tell him to look inside my Easy Bake Oven. I left him a pie.”

“I can do that. Goodbye for now!”

“Bye, Mister Mann.”

“What? How do you know my name?”

“Peter told me. That Peter.” She pointed at his head. “You must know a lot of Peter’s.” If an android could blush, he would. “Peter was a saint.”

“Yes, he was. Night, Sarah.” In a blur he was gone. “That was sure something. Was that you talking to her the whole time Pete?”

“Only at the end. It’s not like she can tell anyone who you really are.”

“Fair enough! One more stop, then we can hurry to Vic’s.” Control assumed Edward breezed around the crypts and stepped up behind the skulking Brothers Rumm. Startled by hands on their shoulders the vampires hissed. Unable to escape Ed’s grip they struggled. “Stop being fussy. I’m not here to harm you boys. You guys took that ultraviolet comment I made all wrong. I told you we could be friends as long as you don’t harm anyone I care about. Caitlin Cowles, all of the Cowles family is off the menu. Is that understood? No going after Detective’s Luther Poe, or Marisol Lyte. No Albert Elder either, or a Shiloh Young.”

“The city is vast.” Darvus Rumm glared! “We will consent to your wishes. You know of Shiloh Young? Then you must know his birthright.”

“Uhhh? Fill me in Darvus.”

“He is Lupine.”

“Lupine?”

“Wolf cub! With the full moon he rises.”

“Hold on! You’re saying Shiloh is a werewolf?”

“Aye!” Largo spoke! “A full moon is three days away. Best advice is to keep the girl away from him. He struggles to cope but the full moon will distill reason. The beast cannot be controlled at that juncture.”

“Thanks for the info. Any knowledge of a guy named Sean Boudreaux?”

“His blood is tainted.”

“Drugs I hear.”

“More than drugs. He...”

“Enough brother!”

“Just be honest with me boys. I’m not here to create problems unless you do.”

“He is one of ours. A Thrall! Our servant during the daylight hours.”

“Well now! That is interesting! That must mean you both know that Sean attacked Caitlin Cowles yesterday.”

“We were unaware.” Mind readers both, that was quite unsettling.

“Of this we swear.” Largo added! “You have our word that we will not go near the girl.”

“No henchmen either! Tell Sean to stay away from her.”

“Our Thrall grieves for Peter Cowles. Perhaps the sister is mistaken of his intentions.”

“You boys didn’t smell Shiloh Young on Sean? They had a scuffle over Caitlin. Guard dog, evidently!”

Darvus once again looked puzzled how they could have missed the scent. “Sean Boudreaux will be disciplined for his actions.”

“Keep him alive. I might need answers on Peter Cowles murder.” Releasing them he patted both vampires on the biceps. “Full truce unless you betray me. Matter of fact if you guys learn anything at all concerning Peter Cowles murder, I’d appreciate the heads up. It involves snakebites.”

“Our ears are open.”

“Good! I might even hold his murderer steady for you boys and buy you a Bloody Mary.” A wicked grin shared the vampires shot away as if an afterthought. They had much to discuss alone. Something was dampening their senses and that could not continue. “Need for speed! A novel idea! Up for a run Pete?”

“Ready when you are. We can reach Vicki’s pad in ten minutes between dodging buses and horse carriages.”

“How far away is Mysterion Cross Road?”

“Twelve miles. Hop, skip, and a jump to light speed.”

“No where near light speed, nice try Pete. Not even the sound barrier.”

“Attempting humor! Our top running speed is 150 miles per hour.”

“Then let’s get Furious!”

“Toretto style!”

“Now you’re talking, Petey.”

Gone in 60 seconds!

An hour prior!

The tiny apartment residence of Caitlin Cowles, at least until her eviction notice ran out of time. A part-time job as Albert Elder’s caregiver would help but she was so backed up with three-months’ rent she just knew she would need to move. Giddy and uncaring of her dilemma in the moment she desperately searched for clean clothing to wear to meet her brother’s ghost at the residence of Victoria Charmais.

Pausing in her towel she dropped to her knees in a prayer pose. “Dear God? I don’t understand how or why but thank you for bringing my brother back to me at my lowest. I owe you so very much for saving me, and for bringing Albert into my life. It is a start, and I won’t let you down for your gifts.” Who knows! In the end it might have truly been God who brought Edward Mann into her life. At any rate her luck was just beginning. “Amen!”

Rising she heard a knock at her front door. Fearing Sean Boudreaux had returned she trembled but none the less tiptoed to the door. A peek through her peep hole she instead saw her handsome savior. Keeping the deadbolt chain locked she creaked her door enough to allow the young man in corn roll dreads a chance to look up at her. The towel loosely held had him unable to blink. “Hello neighbor! I thought I should check on you after what happened. I spotted that eviction notice on your door yesterday but with all the action that went down I didn’t bring it up.”

“Hi, Shiloh! I’m better now. Thank you for being my guardian angel.”

“At least you didn’t say guard dog.” He grinned!

“Why would I refer to you as a dog? You’re the furthest thing from one.” Her turn to admire his physique before isolating her lust. There was no time for such things.

“Nothing! Inside joke!” Considering he was a werewolf he often laughed over the irony. ‘Looks like I caught you at a bad time.” Her towel held to her chest she clenched her teeth; he could still see a sliver of hip and leg behind the veil.

“Give me five minutes to get dressed. I’ll leave the door unlocked. Come on in and we can chat. I might ask a favor of you. And no, it does not involve rent money.”

“I went for tacos if you want one.” He posed a bag in front of her. “You look hungry.”

“I am! A taco sounds wonderful. Five minutes!” She closed her door, disconnecting the deadbolt then scurried for her bedroom. A snap decision on grey leggings and a black camisole she got dressed and slipped on some ankle high shoes. A crucifix about her neck lay between her 34B breasts directly over her heart. Applying perfume and deodorant she heard a single knock then her door open. Taking a deep breath, she left her bedroom and found Shiloh standing just inside her door holding out his food bag.

“Dig in!” He let her claim it and reach inside for a soft taco.

“Come on in and have a seat. No scratching records tonight?” She knew he was a DJ.

“Naaaw! Fridays and weekends unless I’m out of town.” During a full moon! It was safer that way. Taking a seat on a dilapidated sofa he kicked back and dug into his bag for another taco. Sharing napkins, they ate glancing at one another. “Has that guy been back?”

“No! I just don’t get why Sean tried what he did. He’s always been respectful toward me, but again, I haven’t seen him since my brother passed away.” As much as she wanted to mention Peter’s ghost, she kept it to herself. “With my not pressing charges he probably feels lucky. If he does show back up, I’ll be more prepared defensively.”

“Right across the hall if you need me.”

“Unless you’re out of town.” She giggled!

“Right! Can’t help you then. You mentioned a favor.”

“Yes! I know you might think this is silly, but I’ve been invited to a seance tonight at 8:00. Can I batt my lashes and maybe get a ride there? The address is like ten or so miles according to Google Maps.”

“Ever been on a motorcycle before?”

“Never! Can I hold onto you?”

“I thought you would never ask.” He batted his own lashes flirtatiously. “Don’t read into that. I’m not this Sean guy. Total respect!”

“Thanks! I’m in no shape emotionally to be any real company other than friends. Just so you know though, you are my type.”

“Well, that helps my ego.”

“Time has a place for all good things.”

“I agree.” He looked at his wristwatch. “Good thing I filled my tank up before heading home.”

“Listen! I don’t have any cash, but I swear I’ll make it up to you.”

“Naaaw! It’s on me. You just pay your rent. I don’t want to lose a cute neighbor.”

“Aww! Thank you, Shiloh. This has been a good day for me. I landed a part-time job as a caregiver. I start Friday.”

“Fabulous! Good for you.”

“Sadly, unless another miracle happens, I won’t get paid for a week or two. Albert doesn’t live far though, so I can walk. He dresses really nice so maybe he has money and could possibly pay me in advance to keep the landlord off my ass a while longer. I know Frank likes me as a tenant, but he can’t just let me stay for free. It wouldn’t be right.”

“A thought ... if you are open to it.” He sat up straight and clasped his hands. “No expectations! I was going to run an ad for a roommate. You must like Reggae music.”

“Are you asking me to apply?” She playfully poked him in the ribs. “You must like Rock and Roll. I’m a KISS fan!” Which made them both blush. “KISS Army membership even.”

“R & R never forgets! KISS played a benefit show for Haiti. In attendance I was.” He wagged his tongue like Gene Simmons then slapped himself in the face over it. Laughing together he straightened up to finish his thoughts. “It would cut your expenses in half. Don’t answer now, just think about what is best for you.”

“That is very kind of you, Shiloh. Brownie points!” She smiled and patted his knee. “Let me grab a jacket and if you’re ready so am I.”

“Little chilly out tonight. On a moving bike even chillier.”

“Right! Denim jacket!” Leaving him he did watch her cute little ass wiggle away. His thoughts were simple, she needed more meat on her bones. More than just a tasty soft taco was going to achieve that. Impure thoughts tensing his lap he sighed and stood up. Searching for a garbage can he ditched his empty food bag. “Do you think I’m crazy to go to a seance?” She reappeared putting her jacket on. Pointy nipples lured him in for all of three seconds. Respect!

“Trying to contact your brother?”

“Maybe! I don’t honestly know what to expect. I’ve never been a believer in such things, but something is attracting me to it. I’ve been told Victoria Charmais can help me.”

“I’ve heard of her.” He looked pale briefly. “If anyone can reach your brother, she can.”

“Where did you hear of her from?”

“My parents! My papa... “ He lifted both palms up in front of her as she slipped her arms into her sleeves. She was so close that she almost stepped directly into those big ole’ hands. Chest level with her, he might have gotten a handful. “Sorry! Do not get freaked out. Papa is a voodoo priest. If it does not work out with this Victoria, maybe he can offer you some assistance.”

“I will keep that in mind.” She smiled warmly.

“Ready to ride?”

“Biker bitch!” She whooped it up.

“Sexy biker bitch!” He grinned right back. A chance hug of his arm she laid her head on his shoulder. A nod on his part he patted her cheek then led her to the door. The bike ride was terrifying, but both enjoyed the body contact. Her jacket wide open he could feel her nipples digging into his back. If a wolf could howl without transforming, he just might have. She needed Shiloh now more than ever. Caitlin felt very safe with him. Intrigue most definitely!

3327 Mysterion Cross Road!

“Such an interesting abode to which Ms. Charmais resides within.”

A chauffeur driven limo arrived, its passengers exploring the dark Victorian home well centered between an actual crossroads. A circle road around the home between the four roads became confusing, almost hypnotic in a way. They nor the driver were certain where the front door actually was. All four sides to the mansion mimicked one another outside of a few balconies in different locations. “She certainly knows how to promote herself.”

“Ah! A light.” Carrington LeRue, a motley older gentleman rapped on the glass separating the driver from the carriage so to speak. Glass rolling down Carrington pointed at the home. “I believe we have been signaled Kruthers.” Pulling up in front of a gate, again one of four gates Herman Kruthers shut off his car and moved to the back of the limo to open the door for his employers. A long trip from Mobile, Alabama, Carrington and his wife Millicent required a bit of effort in leaving their seats. Neither willing to fly to New Orleans they simply drove. At 70 flying scared them. Rich, yet wanting to live long enough to spend their wealth.

Millicent out first stretched and awaited her feeble husband to join her. Once out Kruthers produced a portable wheelchair from the trunk and set it up for Carrington. While preparing to wheel him in a man in his early 30’s by the look of him approached wearing all black in the form of slacks and a turtleneck style shirt. He resembled actor Taylor Lautner.

Agile he ran a short distance up the walkway then leaped into the air like a gymnast. Landing on the concrete pylons to each side of the gate he then somersaulted and landed on the concrete below with perfect poise. “Welcome Mister and Mrs. Larue. My name is Catapult. Nickname mind you. I work with, Ms. Charmais. In case you are wondering I am an acrobat. This way please.” He then physically opened the gate and held it for them.

“Quit showing off Kristos.” A feminine voice on an intercom by the front door filtered through the darkness. “Forgive my cousin. He has far too much energy. Greetings! Our other guests will be arriving shortly.”

“I’ve fashioned a ramp to help with the wheelchair.” Kristos chimed in, closing the gate behind them. “We rarely get visitors here at Mysterion, Victoria normally works from her downtown parlor. When she does perform seances she prefers the quiet out here. Not only that but the property holds as she puts it dimensional measures. Safety precautions!”

“From what?” Carrington looked at the man.

“I’ll let Victoria explain it better.” Sprinting past them he jumped up on the porch and opened the front door. “Straight in and go until you reach a large activity room. Sofas, billiards, wet bar, etc. It’s the get to know center. I’m going to wait outside on our other visitors.” Kruthers letting Millicent lead the way followed closely behind with Carrington. “Oh! I’m also the valet. Keys please.”

“In the ignition.” Kruthers grew uneasy! “Not a scratch.” To which Kristos made a hiss and clawing motion then grinned. Door closed the man bounded back up and over the gate. At the stretch limo he lifted an index finger, and his nail sharply extended.

“While the mice are away, the cat will play.”

“And who might you be?” The hackles on Kristos neck rose, and he looked about for the voice.

“Who’s there?”

“A friend. Vic said you were a cousin. Old country, I presume?”

“Romania! Where are you?”

“Just a ghost. I’ll let myself in.”

“Good luck with that.” Cocky, Kristos hopped behind the wheel and drove off to a parking area shrouded by willow trees. While he locked up and took the keys with him, he whistled without care. In approaching the gate Kristos spotted the hologram of Peter Cowles wearing the suit his body was buried in.

Glowing at the gate the hologram walked right through the metal bars. “You really are a ghost. You shouldn’t be able to pierce the safeguards Victoria has in place unless she allows you in.” Opening the gate this time he started through when he felt a presence brush against him. Eyes becoming catlike Kristos sniffed the air then slammed the gate behind him.

“You’re not crazy, Garfield. I just followed my ghost inside with you. Pete and Victoria are friends.”

“Hold up, Peter Cowles? That ghost did look familiar.”

“Takes a familiar to know a familiar. I presume you’re a feline. I thought only witches had familiars.”

“Vic crosses borders. She won me back from my old mistress. I never leave the property unless it’s with Victoria. So, I’m not following here, the ghost of Peter is at the door, what does that make you?”

“Not an enemy. I’m detecting mystical pressures on my body but I’m not leaving.”

“Sigils in the grounds to ward off the vamps and wolves in this town. Magical bug zapper.”

“I’m neither!”

A motorcycle arriving out front following a taxi Kristos narrowed his eyes. “Our other guest. No idea who... “ He sniffed the air. “Werewolf!”

“The guy on the motorcycle. He doesn’t pose a threat. The girl behind him is Caitlin Cowles, Peter’s sister. She needs to consult with Victoria.”

“About her choice in friends. A wolf is risky.”

“Cats and dogs! Same ole’ song and dance.”

“Yeah? Well, why isn’t there a Broadway show called Dogs?”

“Good point!” Hologram on the porch fading so as not to freak anyone out Kristos went back to the gate. Up and over, he took the chance of leaving whatever Edward was to fate. He knew his cousin could handle anything. At the taxi Kristos opened the door for the passenger.

“Good evening, Madame Sight.”

“Salutations Kristos. It is good to see you again.”

“Good one!” Coming from a blind woman wearing obsidian glasses. “Watch your step.” The woman looked to be in her 30’s with blonde hair an exquisite body. She certainly kept in shape. A tight-fitting white button-down top with bulging cleavage highlighted a hefty chest. Sucked into snug denim jeans she appeared relaxed. No walking cane she simply took Kristos offered arm with a smile and let him lead her through the gate.

“Wait!” Caitlin hopped off Shiloh’s bike and hurried to their sides. “I was told to show up here for the seance.”

“Of course, Miss Cowles. Join me child.” Her free hand reached out for Caitlin who took it but glanced back at Shiloh.

“I’ll come back in an hour and wait for you.” He called out. Even he sensed the sigils preventing him from getting any closer.

“Thank you!” Through the gate, she helped Kristos close it up. “Hi! I’m Caitlin.”

“Another cat! CAT in CAiTlin! I’m Catapult.”

“It’s really Kristos. Welcome dear! I’m Calliope.”

“Hi! Thank you for letting me in on such short notice.”

“Anything for Peter.”

“You know my brother?”

“I know of ... I’ve had visions of him.”

“You’re a seer also?”

“Oh, yes! I’m an old friend of the Charmais family.” They made it up to the porch. “Kristos? Introduce Caitlin here to Victoria. I’ll be in shortly.”

“Uh? Ok!” He looked about for their other guest, whatever he was. “Need backup?”

“I do not! Go on!” She waved them in and she closed the door. Turning in step she looked up and lowered her glasses. “Let us see who you are.”

“You knew I was here.”

“Sensed! Now I am certain.”

“Glass eyes! You really are blind.”

“Thank you for noticing, Edward Mann!”

“How could you possibly know my identity?”

“Why consult one crystal ball when you can two.” She tapped her temple. “I was born blind, but I see just fine through my baubles. Inherited mind you! You are here but I see that you are elsewhere as well. Deceased! Intriguing! A body thief with innocent intent. Ahhh! You fancy Victoria. Her fault I’m certain.” She lifted her chest with her palms just for reference.

“She visited Peter Cowles grave last month. We chatted!”

“I see! I also see that you have formed a new bond with the Rumm Brothers. Nothing good can come from that.”

“I can take them.”

“Perhaps! May I?” She lifted a hand and searched for a solid form. “Ethereal?”

“Short periods. Invisibility too. I’m an android. My human brain patterns were transplanted into this body. I’d appreciate you keep that to yourself.”

“Of course! I wouldn’t want you to tamper with my mind. For the record? If you did, I would receive visions and defeat that purpose. You have my word of silence. There is more to your visit than just to ask Victoria on a date.”

“Caitlin is here because I sent her to Vic for safety.”

“The werewolf will guard her. He is fond of Miss Cowles.”

“I hope you’re right. I’d hate to have to laser off his manhood. When I adopted Peter’s body to hide out, I dug into his murder. My computer can do all the leg work. Once I knew his case was still open, I felt obligated to solve it so he could rest in peace.”