"Deacon Ash"

Chapter 10: Hellhound

After I spoke with Amanda and Micalah, I had posted up along the kitchen counter, cherishing my family photo over Jim Beam and cokes, more liquor than soda. I was racking my brain, lost in thought how Deacon Ash had come to know of my wife and daughter. It was not uncommon that Blackwood residents knew your business, but I hadn't been here in years, yet the old man had the "4-1-1" on me.

Mind like a tape recorder I rewound the conversations with Deacon Ash. I had been unable to determine at which moment I may have made mention of them. I had had so much to drink that I second guessed myself. Not dwelling on it I gave up and accepted the fact that I must have made a reference of some sort.

I looked at the photo, relishing the unmoving memory behind the glass. The thought of how much longer Amanda would tolerate me had begun to haunt me again. She had made it crystal clear to me that she was fed up with my drinking. My pride had convinced me that as long as she didn't come between me and my princess, Micalah, I was fine with her kicking me to the curb. Buried in the depths of my heart I didn't want her to leave me but I vehemently refused to give in to her for the sole purpose of not showing any weakness.

I had had my fill for the night and left the kitchen for the couch to lie down. The floor evaded my footsteps along the way. I was succumbing to fatigue's beckon call. My eyelids had closed before my body made it to the prone position. As I breathed deeper and deeper my world had begun to tilt to that familiar spin that I knew so well. I had almost completely immersed myself into a Jim Beam and coke dream world until the disturbances started.

Seth.

I thought I had heard someone call my name. I assumed it was the Jim Beam talking to me.

Sssssseeeeth.

My eyelids fluttered open and I shoved the sleep away. I remained motionless. I listened hard, absolutely sure that I had not heard anyone call my name. Amazed at my state of intoxication, I closed my eyes, reaching out for fatigue's soft touch to come and caress me.

Seth!

I had leapt up from the couch with arms flailing as I fell backwards to regain my footing. I strained my ears and listened for my name again. It never came but I knew the voice; Deacon Ash. He had gotten inside the house. I must have left the door unlocked.

"So now you come in uninvited," I said, shaking my head in disbelief at the old man's foolishness.

I headed for the front door and found it closed and secured. I opened it and stepped outside, expecting to see Deacon Ash on the porch with that ridiculous playful smile on his face and his guardian by his side. Neither one of them were there.

I went back inside and walked the entire house with the exception of the padlocked basement. I passed through every room, every closet, and every dark corner. Deacon Ash was nowhere to be found.

"Ash!" I had yelled out.

When he did not answer I figured maybe he hadn't gotten inside the house after all. Contrary to the sentiment I had decided to have one more drink...since I was up.

Barely able to keep from passing out I was back to the kitchen to make my nightcap. My coordination was off and I ended up missing the glass and pouring liquid all over the kitchen counter. I readjusted until the glass began to fill.

"This is the last one," I said.

My slurred speech had become apparent to me as the words trailed off of my tongue.