Chasing shadows, p.21
Chasing Shadows, page 21
This was Jarek’s genesis.
Epilogue
Martin and Rose stood there watching Jarek rush down the path. He nearly stepped on the stray cat that Rose would leave food out for. They stood for a few moments in total silence. Martin took a few steps toward the door, staring out and allowing the cold light breeze to come into the home, chilling his cheeks and causing them to blush. Rose stood a pace behind Martin with her hands held behind her back. She remained motionless as a figure quietly walked up behind her and placed an object in the palm of her hand.
“How interesting,” Martin said out loud while shaking his head in bewilderment. “I wonder what that was about. So very odd. And you know, I never did ask him how he knew to come here to begin with,” Martin said as he turned and looked at Rose. “Why do you suppose—”
Martin was stopped midsentence from the sharp stinging sensation in his neck. Rose made one swift slash with a knife straight across his throat. Martin grabbed his throat in vain as the blood poured from the wound. He dropped to his knees before completely collapsing on the foyer floor.
“I sent for him. I needed him,” Rose said as she stepped over Martin’s nearly dead body. She walked toward the door, the figure close in tow. “Ugh, you have no idea how long I have been waiting to do that. You overly joyous naive boy.”
Martin took his last few breaths of this life before his eyes closed in eternal rest.
Rose walked down the front steps onto the snow-dusted walkway. She still carried the bloodied knife in one hand as she crouched down and picked up the stray cat that ran over to her in the other. “There, there, Felix,” she said as she pulled the cat in tight. “Viktor, your plan is all coming to fruition. That man has many gifts. He is the one we need . . . No matter the cost.” Rose looked down at the snowy ground.
“I know that price is high for you, Rose. The cost of losing Samuel is high, but it will be worth it. You understand it?” Viktor said.
“I do see it, Viktor. And besides, you assured me this is only temporary. I will see my boy again. However, I still do not know how you were able to hide all this from Samuel’s spirit. He seemed to have known so much and helped Jarek along the way.”
“Astorath’s power helped to conceal what we did not want Samuel to see. If he had discovered what was truly transpiring, his love for you and your love for him would have been broken. We needed that love to help send Astorath back. The demise of the demon awoke Jarek fully. Also . . . I know it wasn’t just Samuel helping Jarek. I am not sure how, but Leona has been helping him too,” Viktor said.
“And Annie still has no clue about any of this. It is almost comical that she doesn’t realize the pawn that she is. After teaching her so many things, she is still so stupid. Do you suppose she went where she was instructed to go?”
“She would be foolish not to. But Annie is not a priority now; we need to focus on finding it. Come, we must get ready for our travels.” Viktor turned and walked back into the house.
Rose continued to pet the cat as it began to purr. She smiled. Rose stood and began walking back toward the house. “Time to clean up this mess, Felix. Then we have much to prepare before going on our trip. There, there. Don’t worry, Felix. You’ll be coming with.”
Rose crossed the threshold into the home, closing the door behind her.
A passerby looked up at the magnificent house, admiring the grandness of the home as they continued on with their Christmas morning walk. They were totally unaware they just stared at a house filled with tragedy . . . darkness . . . sadness. But also, a house where an ember of hope ignited into a flame, a flame burning bright and ready to consume all in its path.
About the Author
Zachariah Jones grew up in small town in Central Minnesota. He became fascinated with books at a young age. In fact, his fist job at the age of 14 was working in the local library. He was responsible for shelving books and repairing books. Zachariah felt called to serve in the armed forces where he has been serving since age 17. He is also a graduate of Saint John's University, and holds a degree in Political Science. He has toyed with writing for many years; however, he finally has taken the time to start turning the short stories he had into novels. His debut novel is the first book in a trilogy, Chasing Shadows.
Zachariah currently lives in eastern Minnesota in a small river town with his husband and dog. When Zachariah is not working, he enjoys anything outdoors, gardening, cooking, and spending time relaxing in his home.
Zachariah Jones, Chasing Shadows
