All Hallows Eve

By Susan Brown

Once again my thanks go to Kristina LS for knocking this into shape

>Part 1

The gun was still smoking slightly and was warm to the touch.

As the small trickle of smoke rose from the barrel. I looked the body up and down, feeling sort of proud of myself. A clean shot through the forehead. Very little blood on his face. I couldn’t say the same about the back of his head as what was left of it was splattered on the wall behind.

Robin Smith is, I mean was, my partner. He was getting a bit too squeamish about his part in the very lucrative drug and prostitution business we ran, very successfully I might add, up to now.

I couldn’t afford to have someone with a ‘conscience’ working with me, so he had to go. Maybe I'd need to reconsider this partner thing.

It was a pity but that was the trouble with my business; people had to be taken care of occasionally. He was my sixth, no, seventh partner. They all did something wrong sooner or later. Perhaps too scared like Smith here, or perhaps Davies who was a gnats whisker from telling one of my suppliers who I really was. Then there was Chan, the not quite as inscrutable as he thought he was Chinese, who had ideas that he could take over.

No, they all had to go and I must admit that I got a degree of pleasure, looking at the fear on their faces as they died by my hand.

I know I’m not nice. I can’t help it. That’s just the way it is. I cannot let anyone stand in my way. That’s how I got rich, by stamping all over the opposition and killing or otherwise disposing of anyone who opposed me. Fear gives me power and I liked to be in control.

The problem now was that I had to disappear for a bit, until things died down and the heat was off. Killing people tended to get the police all excited and interested and I didn’t want anything coming my way.

Things would still work OK without me for a few weeks. My network mostly ran itself. I used the cell system where no one new much about anything or anyone other than a single contact and their immediate subordinates. I was the only one to know the true extent of my empire. My four senior managers only knew me by an assumed name and had never met me in person.

They are paid well to do my business and all have become rich working for me. The fact that they are shit scared of me and they know what would happen if they cross me, all helps to keep things running smoothly. Occasionally I had to make an example of someone. I didn’t like the way Stefan was asking too many questions, so I removed his head from his shoulders, filmed it as it was done and sent copies to all my other ‘assistants’. It’s wonderful how things like that concentrates the mind and helps focus people in a positive way.

I walked out of Robin’s house glancing over at the bodies of his wife and young son, huddled together in a corner, covered in their own blood. A pity that, still dead people can’t talk.

I Started up the BMW; one that couldn’t be traced to me, of course and drove into the night. It was clear with a full moon, I smiled as I remembered the date; it was the 31st of October — Halloween.

My cases were in the boot and I was heading towards one of my safe houses. I hadn’t seen this one; it had been bought on my behalf through one of my dummy companies and couldn’t be traced to me.

As I drove I keyed in the post code of my destination on the sat nav and let it do its thing while my mind was on other schemes that might earn me more money. Then I got reflective.

Why do I do it? I was rich, so rich that money meant nothing to me except as a tool that gave me power over others.

The fact that I caused the death of so many people, through drugs, prostitution and murders did not bother me. We all make our own beds and we must lie on them.

I had always been a loner, preferring my own company except when I was test driving the occasional hooker. The trouble was I was a bit rough and occasionally left them damaged or shall we say, slightly the worse for wear. Yes, I preferred my own company as I was the only one I could trust.

Even as a kid, my violent temper and unpredictability made even the hardest kids stay clear of me. I went through school without getting close to anyone. I was bright, did well in my classes, nearly always coming top in all subjects but, I could never get into a relationship with anyone.

My parents divorced when I was 7 and I never saw my father again; no loss there…

My mother had a series of relationships that never went far. She was never close to me. I don’t know if it was my fault or hers but we were never what you would call a ‘family’. She was always doing her thing and I did mine. I lost count of the amount of instant uncles I had accumulated and after five I didn't bother. One uncle thought that he could control me and his hospital stay was somewhat lengthy.

She’s in a home now, being looked after for dementia. I haven’t seen her for 2 years, what’s the point. She doesn’t know me and I haven’t got the time to see her. I do pay the bills though, so that’s all right.

I drove for three hours checking the sat nav every so often. Firstly on motorways then more minor roads and finally a long winding lane, miles from anywhere. After about a mile, I could see some big gates loom up in the headlights.

I picked up the gate control and pressed a button. The gates opened silently. I drove through and watched in my rear view mirror as they closed behind me.

A long gravel drive led up to an impressive mansion. It was evidentially about 300 hundred years old and looked it.

I couldn't see much though because it was dark but what I did see, I liked. The place seemed well maintained

Maybe I could make this into a health club, a yuppie spa with lots of New Age crap; it might even pay for itself. I did like to have at least a veneer of respectability and it helped keep the law from sniffing around too much.

I pulled up outside the double front door and switched the engine off, leaving the lights on so I could see to open the door.

I grabbed the keys to the house got out and walked over to the door.

After fumbling around for the correct key, I opened the door and was about to go in when I felt a small chill go down my spine and shuddered slightly.

‘A bit chilly in the country.’ I thought as I walked in, flipping the light switch and going over to a panel set in the wall.

I opened the lid, keyed in a series of numbers and a light on the panel turned green, neutralising the alarm system.

I went back outside, got my cases from the boot of the car, flicked off the lights, locked it and went back inside, shutting and locking the door behind me.

Once inside, I went back over to the alarm control and armed it for outside and perimeter protection.

A quick look around found the kitchen. The fridge was well stocked and I was pleased that my instructions had been followed.

I made myself a ham sandwich and coffee and sat down at the kitchen bar to eat, picking up the papers that had been left for me, outlining the details about the property.

Ten bedrooms, three reception rooms, a library, two large dining rooms. Spacious kitchen and utility room. All bedrooms had en suite.

There was also a swimming pool, some tennis courts, several out buildings, One thousand acres of land and plenty of privacy as the whole place had high walls and fences around it.

The lodge by the entrance was where my four tame security guards would live, together with a number of dogs. They would be arriving as per schedule in the morning. No inside staff, I would fend for myself and preferred it that way.

Skimming through the details I yawned slightly. It was late and I was tired.

I closed all the curtains, checked the doors, windows and alarm system and when satisfied, I made my way upstairs with my suitcase and found the master bedroom.

I put the case on the bed and then went around, checking the windows and shutting the curtains in the windows of all the rooms.

On returning to my bedroom, I stripped off and went into the bathroom for a shower.

Suddenly I felt a coldness against my neck that sent a shiver down my spine and I made a mental note to check for drafts in the morning.

I had a shower, keeping my hair dry, shaved and towelled myself dry. Then I went back into the bedroom. There was a definite draft, it was making the hairs on the back of my neck rise and I was getting goose bumps.

I opened the case and took the clothing out, hanging the items carefully in the wardrobe and putting my underwear in the drawer.

I yawned again. I was tired. After all I had just had a busy day.

I picked up the long nightgown from the bed where I had left it. It was cool white cotton and Victorian in style with long sleeves, high neck and plenty of lace.

As I put the nightgown on and then carefully placed my long blond wig on my head, the tension began to drain out of me. Now I could be Sharon and forget for a little while the problems that I had and could pretend that I was perhaps someone else.

I went back into the bathroom, feeling that slight breezy chill again and walked over to the basin and mirror, brushed my teeth and rinsed.

My hair needed a bit of a go over. I pinned it in place so that in the night it wouldn’t work loose then brushed 50 strokes, it had become a bit tangled from lying in the case .

I decided to put some lipstick on. I don’t normally like to do that before bed but on a whim I did it anyway.

After carefully tracing my lips with a liner, I filled in with my favourite Max Factor lipstick— Lipfinity Vivacious.

I spritzed a little perfume and then went down to the kitchen for a drink of water and on returning heard a muffled bang coming from the other side of the house, making me jump slightly.

Senses alert, I went back into the bedroom and put the glass on the bedside table, went over to my jacket and pulled out my gun.

I crisscrossed down the long corridor, looking into each room. I felt strange doing this dressed as Sharon. I normally kept my business away from this side of my life. Saying that, I had a large number of enemies and I didn’t take chances.

I searched every room and found nothing.

I put the noise down to this being an old house. It was bound to have knocks and creaks. Satisfied that all was well, I returned to my room.

Before going to bed, I went to the toilet, sitting down of course, washed my hands and glanced up at the mirror. It was funny; my face looked softer, more feminine that I remember. I shook my head at my stupidity and went to bed; shivering in my thin nightie as I noticed the breeze that seemed to whisper through the room.

As I fell asleep, I had the weird impression that somehow, despite the alarms and precautions, that I wasn’t alone.

To be continued…

Please leave comments, good, bad or indifferent. Ta.

All Hallows Eve ~ 2

By Susan Brown

Once again my thanks go to Kristina LS for knocking this into shape

>Part 2

I walked into the bedroom. It was strange the feeling I had, one of unreality.

Moving over to the wardrobe, I got out one of my favourite dresses. It was a black, long sleeve jersey in a polo neck style and with a black sash tie at the waist.

‘Perfect for this drafty old house.’ I thought.

I took off my jeans and t-shirt. The silk panties that I wore under my male clothing were now exposed to the cool air raising goose bumps.

The next move was over to the drawer for the matching bra and my breast forms.

After skilfully putting on the bra, I was good at that now after years of practice, I gasped softly as I put the breast forms in the cups, they were cold to the skin, but I knew that they would soon warm to my body heat.

Next I placed the suspender belt around my waist and sensually pulled up the sheer black stockings.

My hands trembled slightly, revelling in the sensuality of this simple action.

Finally it was time to put the dress on and I stepped into it and pulled it up over my waiting body.

With some difficulty, I managed to do up the four buttons at the back, put my wig on and combed it through when I heard a noise coming from somewhere in the house.

I stopped, barely breathing as I walked over to the door in my stockinged feet, opened the door and peeped my head through, holding my breath as I strained to hear any other noises.

I stood there for some time, but heard nothing else.

Remembering how noisy and creaky this house was, I just turned back into the room to finish getting ready.

I went into the bathroom and snorted at my appearance, I hadn’t done my makeup yet. Shaking my head regarding my forgetfulness I carefully took off the wig and proceeded to try to make myself look as beautiful as possible.

Years of practice made it easy for me to apply the foundation, blusher, eye shadow, mascara and lip-gloss. It took just ten minutes and I was done.

Satisfied with the way I looked, I placed the long flowing honey blond wig back on my head and brushed it into the style I loved; long and straight, with a parting just off centre and a fringe that just stopped above my carefully plucked and shaped eyebrows.

Looking at myself in the mirror, I smiled at the reflection of my lovely face. It looked about eighteen but with a hint of experience and sensuality. But it was strange, I looked slightly different than before, but I could not put my finger on what was different. It must be the makeup under this lighting. I shrugged and then smiled; yes I was back.

I went into the bedroom put on my three inch heeled, black sling backs and went out into the hall and then down the stairs.

There was another creak from somewhere, but I ignored it; just another background noise.

My nylon encased legs brushing against my inner thighs and the soft fabric of my dress felt delicious.

The long flowing hair kept touching my made up face delicately and sensually as I walked. I brushed the hair out of my eyes, being careful not to put it too much out of shape I felt all girl and I loved the sensations I was feeling.

I reached the bottom of the stairs and turned into the kitchen.

Making my way over to the wine rack, I pulled out a bottle of Rioja and poured myself a large glass of the red wine, made my way to the sitting room and sat by the fire.

As I sipped my drink, my eyes looked at the embers in the fireplace. I do love a log fire; the warmth and the welcoming glow made me feel relaxed and happy.

A small smile lit my face at noticing my lipstick imprinted on the glass rim and then down at my legs, so pretty in their dark nylon embrace.

My eyes began to feel a bit heavy and I put my glass down for a moment.

Before I knew it I was asleep.

There was a big bang as the door flew wide making me jump. My eyes snapped open and there was Robert; he had a large knife in his hands and he was coming towards me.

‘Robert, no, what are you doing. I can explain!’

‘Pretend that you are a girl, eh? Lead me along and make me fall for you? I found out about you. You are nothing but a queer in a dress, you bastard.’

‘I was going to tell you, I promise. I love you. I am going to have the operation to make me whole and to make me the girl I really am, Robert, don’t be silly. Put the knife down, please!’

‘Thought you could make a fool out of me? No one treats me like this and gets away with it. You are going to pay for doing this, if it’s the last thing I do.’

He came after me, madness in his eyes and I ran from the room.

Hindered by my heels, I wanted to stop and take them off, but just did not have enough time!

We ran through the house, he was like a maniac, he hated me and he wanted to punish me. I didn’t know what had gotten into him; my lovely gentle Robert, with a knife in his hand, coming after me.

‘Robert, please… No! Have mercy. I love you. Don’t hurt me!’

I screaming again for him to stop and show some forgiveness as I rushed up the stairs with him following close behind. About half way up, one of my heels broke. I couldn’t take the shoe off, there was no time.

Gasping for breath, I hobbled into the bedroom and slammed the door closed.

I frantically looked for the key, but it wasn’t in the lock.

I grabbed a chair and jammed it against the doorknob.

Suddenly, there was a loud thumping at the door.

‘Let me in.’ he shouted.

‘When you calm down. We need to talk.’

‘I don’t want to talk to you. You lied to me. I wanted to marry you; have kids, everything and now this!

He banged on the door again. He was screaming and ranting now. I closed my ears and huddled down in the corner, shaking with fear.

Suddenly the chair worked loose and he was in the room.

I looked at his face, it didn't seem quite human. He was breathing heavily, spittle oozed from the corner of his mouth. I could see that he was beyond reason. The knife in his hand looked huge. It was a kitchen knife. The blade glinted in the dull light from the bulb in the ceiling and the reflection of the flame coming from the fireplace.

Everything seemed to go slowly as he advanced across the room towards my crouching, terrified figure.

‘Please.’ I whispered, beseeching him not to hurt me.

He ignored my cries as he grabbed me by the hair.

My carefully brushed wig came off my head and he looked at it with a puzzled expression and then threw it in the fire.

He turned back to me and hit me across the face with his open hand.

I fell back and he came at me with the knife.

I covered my face and screamed as I felt the knife cut into my arms and then legs. It was strange, there was no pain.

He leant forward and I could see his face close up, the eyes bloodshot and the breath foul as he said, ‘time to die.’

My bloody arms were pulled away from my face, I closed my eyes tight and then I felt a sharp stabbing pain in my neck.

He ran out of the room, still clutching the knife and laughing.

I looked down to see my beautiful dress covered in blood, my blood.

As I looked, the red pool around me grew rapidly and I could feel myself fading, fading away until I could feel no more.

***

I woke up screaming.

I looked down at myself, expecting to see the blood on me, but nothing!

My long white nightdress was soaked not with blood, but sweat and the sheets were in a knotted mess all around me.

My heart was pounding wildly like I was going to have a heart attack and I was breathing so heavily that it was like I had been running.

‘It was a dream, only a dream.’ I sighed. ‘It must be this place. It’s getting to me.’

Getting up, I rather shakily went into the bathroom and sat down to have a wee. My heart gradually slowed down and I started to feel a bit chilly in my sweat-drenched nightie. My wig had loosened so I pulled it off and sat it beside me.

Back in the bedroom I felt that draft again on the back of my neck, making me shiver involuntarily. I could hear slight creaking noises from outside the room. I ignored them, knowing them for what they were, just the old house, creaking the way they do.

I wouldn’t admit to myself that I was scared or in any way frightened about this place, its noises, drafts and the fact that I had just experienced a horrific nightmare. I didn’t get where I was by being frightened of anything.

I changed into another white cotton nightie and put the damp one into the wash basket.

My mobile was going off as I walked back across the bedroom.

Only my four assistants knew this number and would only ring in an emergency.

‘Hello?’

‘Hi boss, it’s Jamie. Sorry to trouble you at this time of night.’

‘Get on with it. What do you want?’

‘Say boss, you OK your voice sounds funny, a bit high pitched.’

‘Never mind my voice, what the hell do you want?’

‘Sorry. I just got word that Mickey and Dave have been picked up by the police.’

They were two of my assistants.

‘Why? There’re clean.’

‘I know. Someone has been talking.’

I thought of my other assistant.

‘Where is Brian?’

‘I don’t know his phone is switched off.’

‘If he has said anything, he is dead.’

‘Do you want me to put some feelers out?’

‘Yes. If it’s him, Jamie, I want him gone. Understand?’

‘Yes boss. What about Mickey and Dave?’

‘They know what will happen if they talk.’

‘OK, boss. I’ll get on it.’

‘OK. There is a bonus in it for you. Don’t ring again on this number. I’ll ring you tomorrow. Have some answers by then.’

‘OK Boss.’

The phone went blank and I threw it across the room, breaking into several pieces as it hit the wall.

It looked as if my organisation needed pruning a bit and I would be the one to do it.

Luckily, no one knew where I was and that meant I was safe, for the moment.

I took a deep breath and went back into the bathroom, picked up my wig, placed it carefully on my head and went over to the mirror.

As I brushed it, I looked at myself in the mirror. It was strange but I seemed to look slightly different to what I was before, softer, even more feminine. Also, I had this strange red mark on my neck, on the left hand side. I felt the mark and could feel nothing. I also noted that I had a few long red marks on my arms.

I shrugged, it was probably nothing. Getting caught up in the bedclothes and thrashing about in my dreams, probably left some marks where the sheets had got caught up and they would no doubt be gone by the morning.

I touched up my lippy, switched the light off and went back to into the bedroom.

That damn breeze was getting worse and I shivered involuntarily as I straightened the sheets and got back into bed.

I switched the bedside light off, checked that my gun was under the pillow and tried to go back to sleep.

To be continued in the final part…

All Hallows Eve ~ Final Chapter

By Susan Brown

Once again my thanks go to Kristina LS for knocking this into shape

>Part 3

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
`'Tis some visitor,' I muttered, `tapping at my chamber door -
Only this, and nothing more.'*

I opened my eyes with a start. My sleep-befuddled mind gradually took in where I was.

I was sitting on a chair by the fire. Looking around, I noticed I was in the kitchen.

By my side on a small table was a glass of red wine with a pink lipstick smudge on the rim.

Looking down, I could see that I was wearing a dress. I recognized the dress; it was the one that I had been wearing in the dream.

My black nylon covered legs were stretched out in front of me; the sandals were the ones in my dream too!

What the fuck was going on here. Perhaps I was still dreaming.

I pinched myself and could feel the pain. Do you feel pain if you are dreaming?

I wanted to get up, but felt rooted to the chair. I couldn't move!

I wasn’t scared. People like me don’t scare easily. There must be a logical explanation.

Perhaps I’m not well; I remember getting chilly as I changed for bed. I also remember waking up with my nightdress soaked in sweat. Maybe I have a fever and I’m still in bed. This must be a hallucination.

There was a bang and the door flew open. A man was standing there, knife in his hands. It was the man in the dream, this was unreal. He was coming towards me.

‘Robert, no, what are you doing. I can explain!’

What the hell was going on? I had no control over what I was saying.

‘Pretend that you are a girl, eh? Lead me along and make me fall for you? I found out about you. You are nothing but a queer in a dress, you bastard.’

‘I was going to tell you, I promise. I love you. I am going to have the operation to make me whole and to make me the girl I really am, Robert, don’t be silly. Put the knife down, please!’

‘Thought you could make a fool out of me? No one treats me like this and gets away with it. You are going to pay for doing this, if it’s the last thing I do.’

He thought I was this girl. It’s a dream, it must be. I had no control over what I was saying or the actions of the body I was in. It was as if I was a spectator, yet the body felt real. I could sense my heart thumping, the sweat breaking out all over me. I was trembling uncontrollably. That was it. It was part of the hallucination. I was obviously ill. I needed help and hoped that I would wake up soon. This felt too real to me.

He came after her; I could see that he meant to kill her. I found myself getting up and running from the room. I was trying to stay calm but it all seemed so real. It must be a nightmare. It didn’t make sense. I had no control and I just went along for the ride, seeing things through the eyes of this person I was sharing a body with. A name popped into my head, Paula, this must be the woman’s’ name.

She tried to stop and take off her shoes, but Robert was too close she had to get away fast. I could feel her fear, the gasps of her breath, the panic that she felt as Robert chased her through the house with a knife; convinced that he was intent on killing her.

Paula/I ran through the house, he was like a maniac; he hated Paula and was insane with hatred.

‘Robert, please… No! Have mercy. I love you. Don’t hurt me!’

Paula screamed again for him to stop and show some forgiveness as we rushed up the stairs. I could feel her voice go hoarse with her screaming and shouting.

Robert was following close behind and he was shouting for Paula to stop.

About half way up, one of Paula’s heels broke. She couldn’t take the shoe off, there was no time.

Gasping for breath, Paula hobbled into the bedroom and slammed the door closed.

Paula frantically looked for the key, but it wasn’t in the lock so she grabbed a chair and with sweaty hands jammed it against the doorknob.

Suddenly, there was a loud thumping at the door.

‘Let me in.’ he shouted.

‘When you calm down. We need to talk.’

‘I don’t want to talk to you. You lied to me. I wanted to marry you; have kids, everything and now this!'

He banged on the door again. He was screaming and ranting now. This must be a nightmare. Things like this don’t happen. I don’t believe in ghosts or any sort of afterlife, that was for mugs. The only thing important is power.

Paula put her hands over her ears and eyes. If it was up to me, I would have stared him in the face. I'm no coward, but hey, this was not real.

Paula huddled down in the corner, shaking with fear. I had no fear. What was there to be afraid of? I was lying in my bed with some sort of bug and it was making me see things.

The chair fell on the floor. I could hear the door open. Paula looked up.

The look on Roberts face told it all. He was beyond reason; he had gone to that place that sane people never go. He had crossed the line. The dribble going down his chin, the look in his eyes; he wasn’t there, just some madman out for revenge. He was grinning and coming toward us with that huge knife.

‘Please!’ Paula whispered.

He pulled the wig off, looked at it with a puzzled expression then threw it in the fire.

Turning back, he hit Paula across the face and I could instantly feel the pain.

Paula fell back and in an instant he was coming at her, me, us…I don’t know, with the knife.

I was too wrapped up in this. I could feel everything, the pain, anguish, terror. It seemed like it was me he was going after. I could'nt sense Paula being there anymore, just me!

I tried hard to get back to reality and screamed in my head. ‘Wake up, wake up. It’s a dream, it’s only a dream.’

I shut my eyes and found that I suddenly had control over the body I was in!

I quickly covered my face with my arms. I was shit scared, alright, damn it, I admit it.

I couldn’t look. Perhaps when I opened them again, all this would have gone away and my fever, if that is what it was, would be gone.

I screamed as I felt the knife cutting into my arms. Robert slashed away without mercy.

He then violently pulled my bloodstained arms away from my face and I looked into the eyes of a madman.

‘Time to die.’

I shut my eyes and felt the knife plunge into my neck.

He was laughing as I heard him run out of the room.

******************************************************************************************************

I opened my eyes.

Looking down I could see the blood on my arms and legs. My nylons were torn and ruined, funny I should think of that at a time like this.

There was a bloody pool growing in front of me. I felt my neck and could feel the red gore pulse out of me, covering my hand. I was getting weak and there was a sort of fog in front of my eyes.

I looked up and saw some figures appearing out of the fog.

I recognised the figures; they were Robin Smith; with his wife and child standing in the background. I had killed them just a few hours ago. What were they doing here?

Robin came up to me and looked down. He had a neat hole in his forehead where I had shot him.

It was getting dark now and the fog was thicker, swirling around me. Robin leaned over and grabbed me by the arms, hauling me up.

I was pulled up as if I weighed nothing more than a feather and the fog suddenly lifted away slightly.

‘Robin you are dead. How can you be here in my dreams?’

Robin looked at me and smiled. It wasn’t a warm and friendly smile. It was cold, as cold as the house we were standing in.

‘What dream? Look Mark,’

He pointed behind me and I turned to see the body lying there, blood covering her pretty dress, arms outstretched and her eyes and mouth wide open in death.

‘I don’t understand. This is a dream.’

‘No, it’s your nightmare and mine also. We killed people to gain power, through drugs and prostitution, we made lives a misery. You killed me, then my wife and child. Why you killed them, I don’t know but I am tarred with the same brush and I am paying for my crimes now. You have killed countless more than I have and you will be paying for it too, forever. Look out of the window.’

I went over and looked out. It was foggy but I could see thousands of faces staring at me. I knew that these were the faces of the people that I had killed, personally or indirectly and I now dreaded the consequences.

This could not be happening, I looked down and saw that I was wearing the clothes that I had been stabbed and slashed in. I could still feel the pain of my wounds. It was real and with an awful truth of understanding, I knew that this was my fate, to walk the earth being pursued by those who I had murdered and feeling the pain where I had been slashed and stabbed. This was not a dream or nightmare; it was my reality, one that I would never wake up from.

I felt myself go through the closed window somehow and out to the grounds below. There were outstretched hands coming toward me and I fell to my knees as I was overwhelmed by the walking dead.

…images flickered across a mental screen… Mark, putting on a wig… raising a gun and firing, swinging a knife... Semi human figures slumped in alleys, doorways, bathrooms… the smell of blood… the feeling of fear and betrayal, resignation… decay and death… and always, a chill breeze whispering words that could almost be heard…

******************************************************************************************************

I woke up suddenly, breathing heavily. My heart fluttered and I shivered as I remembered the weird and terrifying dream.

I looked down and saw that the bedclothes were tangled around me and I was hot and sticky. My nightie was clinging to me and felt damp.

I lay there for a moment as the nightmare faded and I got my breath back.

There was a knock at the door.

‘Come in.’ I shouted.

I smiled as Robert came in.

‘Hi Rob, I keep telling you, you don’t have to knock. Just got back?’

‘Yes. I hate the night shift.’

‘Well you wanted to be a doctor.’

‘Yes but I didn’t want to work eighty hours a week. You OK Paula, you look a bit dishevelled if you don’t mind me saying.’

‘Bad dream. Must have been the cheese or wine I had last night. Come and give me a cuddle.

I sighed as I felt his strong arms around me. After a bit of a nice snog, Robin sat back down on the bed.

‘That’s funny; I had a strange dream too. I was on my break and because I was so tired, I dropped off for a few minutes. It was a horrible dream but won’t repeat it as it might upset you. Anyway, changing the subject, are you looking forward to tomorrow?’

‘How can I forget, I’m a bit scared, but it will be worth it.’

‘Don’t worry. SRS has come on leaps and bounds over the last few years. Once your plumbing is sorted out we can have carnal pleasure on a monthly basis.’

‘Monthly! You sod, you mean daily and twice on Saturday, don’t you?’

‘Oh, I don’t know about that. I might have headaches and things.’

With that I threw a pillow at him and he rushed out of the room.

I laughed as he poked his head around the door.

‘You had better have a shower and get ready, remember mum and dad are coming over later.’

‘OK, see you in a mo.’

I smiled, thinking how lucky I was to have a man like Robert. I remembered how tender he was when I told him about my being a transsexual. He said that he loved me for who I was, not what I had between my legs. Our relationship was based on love and trust and that was just the way it should be.

I yawned. I was still feeling tired. I picked up the remote from the bedside table and switched the TV on. It was the local news.

‘And finally, just in, we have a report on the fatal accident early this morning involving a lorry and a BMW on the bypass, just outside of Straddling, over to our man on the spot, Philip Rosen.’

The scene shifted to the roadside, behind the reporter was the unrecognisable mashed up remains of a car.

‘As you can see, the damage was extensive. The driver has been named as Mark Jefferson, a businessman from London. The driver of the lorry said that Mr Jefferson’s car slewed across the road and he could not avoid the accident. It appears possible that, as there were no evident skid marks from the BMW, Mr Jefferson either suffered a heart attack or possibly fell asleep at the wheel. An autopsy has been ordered for tomorrow.’

‘As an aside, Mr Jefferson was being investigated for possible drugs and trafficking offences. A police spokesman also said that there were further investigations ongoing regarding an associate of Mr Jefferson, a Mr Robin Smith, found murdered with his wife and son late last night. If anyone has any information regarding this, please contact your local police station.’

I switched the TV off, shivering at the thought of such a nasty accident. There seemed to an icy breeze tickling the back of my neck.

I stretched, looked at the alarm clock and realised that I needed to get a move on.
I got up and walked into the bathroom.

My nightie felt decidedly uncomfortable and damp so I pulled it off and opened the wash basket.

I was just about to throw it in when I saw another nightie laying in the bottom of the basket.

Puzzled, I pulled it out. It was damp to touch. It was almost identical to the one I had just been wearing. That wasn’t important as I had quite a few of this type. I liked long white flowing Victorian style nightdresses, especially in this drafty old house.

‘I don’t remember changing in the night’ I thought.

I then shrugged, ‘Perhaps I’m sleepwalking or something. I knew I shouldn’t have taken those sleeping pills last night. They do funny things to my head.’

I put both nightdresses in the wash basket and then jumped into the shower. I was smiling as I remembered that this would be the last day that I would have that useless thing between my legs, and how soon I would be having my darling Robert inside of me, where he belonged.

Somewhere she could hear a mobile ringing insistently. It rang and rang…

And the raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting
On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door;
And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon's that is dreaming,
And the lamp-light o'er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor;
And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor
Shall be lifted - nevermore!
* The Raven
Edgar Allan Poe 1845

Fin

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