The Serpent and the Crow

Book 4: Chapter One

Wade stared at the rusted iron sign of Ravenswood Asylum that hung over the gate in the courtyard. His eyes were sullen, sunken, and his eyelids were drooping. Saliva dripped from the side of his mouth like a strand of melted cheese. He peered out towards Ravenwood Forest and yearned for freedom.

"Wade, it's me, Douglas."

Wade's eyes remained fixated on the sign outside his barred windows. It had been some time since he shaved. It would be a long time before he could tend to the stubble that sat on the verge of becoming a beard. The bandages on Wade's wrists suggested to Douglas that he would grow a beard for the rest of his stay.

"It's been a year since... the caverns at Redfern are still inaccessible."

Douglas wondered why they gave him such an odd look when he asked to be alone with Wade. He could tell from the bruised knuckles that Wade made the orderlies earn their paycheck. Coupled with his attempts, it was a natural decision to sedate him. Wade could no longer harm anyone, not himself, staff, or other patients.

"Detective... We'll, Sala Cortez has finished rehab. The doctors say she will never speak again. She must eat through a straw, but at least she is alive."

Douglas looked around his cell bars. It was clear his friend had lost his mind. He chalked symbols and snakes into the walls. Douglas wondered why on earth they would allow a man in Wade's condition to even have chalk? Doug considered it better in this chamber than in the padded one he endured the initial couple of months of his stay.

"No word of your brother. SSPD have given up looking. I hired some private detectives and even a bounty hunter. Nothing. We assumed he died in the blaze at the compound, but there was nobody. I have faith he is nevertheless alive. Forensics suggest he operated a flamethrower judging from the accelerant used."

Douglas examined the wall closer. He had written words on there. It read AM I MY BROTHERS KEEPER?. It was apparent to Douglas that he had not recovered from the guilt. Douglas recognized the quote. God had asked Cain where his brother was, and Cain asked if he was his brother's keeper. Douglas dwelt on the quote and although Wade felt like he let everyone down, it was Douglas who should appear guilty. His wife, Catalina, said that he made the right choice. If Wade went to Locklear Penitentiary, he would be toe-tagged down at the morgue.

"My girls are good. Rosa recovered. She is going to Northern Arizona University to study criminology. Perhaps, join SSPD. I discouraged her, but... I don't want her to become a police officer, especially in Solemn."

Wade's eyes concentrated on a Crow. It perched on the Ravenswood sign. Squawking. Loud.

"Halonie... She has not bounced back. She has been in a coma since. No one can explain to me what is happening to her. We hoped that the doctor from New York might have some luck..."

Wade's eyes narrowed on another Crow. It had a serpent in its beak. They tore it apart and swallowed its share of the Serpent.

"They erected a memorial for Chief, and Martinez, and Jador. In honour of their sacrifice at the precinct. Hank's wife and kids were there, Martinez's spouse. I insisted they should be remembered."

Wade's heart leapt at the ravenous crows. But he could do nothing about it. He remembered Hank being crushed in the Serpent's death grip. He remembered Jador's expression of fear.

"I got the new Chief to cut you some slack. He has agreed to write a letter to the government. William Harding and Heather Harding have also put their names to it."

"Why are you here?"

"Wade, so glad..."

"Why are you here?"

"I wanted to convey..."

"Forget it. I do not want to... Leave."

"C'mon brother..."

"You're no brother of mine."

"I'm sorry... We can get you help on the outside, once..."

"I needed your help at the caves. The Great Snake... Do you trust me?"

Douglas worried about it for a while. He did not want to call him a liar. But he could not trust him. A tear rolled down Wade's face. He felt betrayed and alone.

"How can you call me your brother when you don't even believe what I say?"

Douglas knew he was right and it hurt.

"You should be on that memorial, Doug. Not them."