Book I: Near Death Experience (18+) ✔️

2.

As I locked up the cottage door, leaving the sleeping woman inside I began my trek back to the tavern. The harsh winds blew violently against my skin, the salty air pushing its way into my lungs. The night was upon, the streetlamps already lit as the moon pressed higher into the cloudy sky. I wore my long black trench coat over my extended grey dress, my boots stomping against the cobbled roads as my eyes glanced at the houses on the side of the roads. It was already late; people had turned in for the night as no candles or lights illuminated their windows.

I knew what I had to do tonight, as I felt the plans forming in my head. Either way, I will find the beast that killed her; with or without help.

I stepped into the main street which housed little stores that fed and clothed this entire village. There was the bakery, the blacksmith, the grocer, the tailor and little bits and bobs that held this village together. And then the tavern, which was lit up and housed many men tonight. All drunken and wasted along the bar and cushions, laughing about past and present. The warm air covered me as I stepped inside, however, my presence seemed to simmer in the crowd. After my mother's murder, it was like I was a freak show. As I walked into the tavern, I received a few nods and welcomes as everyone knew who I was. I took a seat at the bar, the wood creaking under my weight as I settled in. The bar was made of dark wood and had a glossy finish, reflecting the light from the lanterns in the room. The bar top was slick and smooth, and the barstools were sturdy and comfortable. I felt a sense of familiarity as I looked around the room, and I could feel the eyes of the patrons on me as I sat down. Everyone was silent as I took my seat, and I could feel the anticipation in the air as I looked around the room.

"Alright lads, shows over", I heard Franky's voice echo through the building making me smile to myself as I watched him walk over behind the bar facing me. The laughter and voices of the men seemed to go back to normal as I nodded to Franky in thanks.

"A pint please, Franky", I ask him as he nods before going to the beer tap. Franky grabbed an icy cold pint glass from the shelf behind him, carefully filling it with the deep black stout from the beer tap. The foam bubbled up to the top of the glass, and Franky slowly slid the pint of Guinness in front of me with a smile. I thanked him and grabbed the glass, feeling the coldness of the glass in my hands. Taking a sip, I could taste the rich malt and bitter hops, a perfect combination of flavours that I had come to love.

"We need to talk Frank", I mumble to him while using his usual name, making him tense. I never called him Frank, only Franky but the seriousness of the situation seemed to spew out my words.

He tilted his head and flicked it to the staff entrance, urging me to follow him. I quickly picked up my pint and jumped off the seat heading to the hallway behind the bar. The staff area was a small, dimly lit room, with shelves full of beers and liquors. It had a musty smell, with the scent of aged beer and the sharp aroma of liquor. There were barrels full of beer, bottles of whiskey, and other spirits lined up on the shelves. The room was filled with the sound of bottles clinking against each other, as Franky moved them around to make room for new stock. The walls were lined with ancient posters, and the floor was covered in sawdust, a reminder of the days when the tavern was a popular local haunt. It was a cosy and comforting place, a reminder of the past, and a glimpse into a different era.

Franky sat on some boxes and carts, running his hand over his head in stress. I leaned against the wall watching him as I placed my pint on the shelf. I state lowly, "You're the only one I trust in this matter Franky."

"Some of the boys and I were talkin', if it's an animal that's lurking...we should take matters into our own hands", Frank mumbles as he looks at me with tired eyes. My brows crease at his words as I ask, "You think it's an animal that did this to her?"