THREE DAYS AFTER HE WAS MURDERED, RICHARD PRATT BEGAN TO FEEL MUCH BETTER...
A seemingly random act of violence propels Professor Richard Pratt into The Hereafter. It is a strange, muted, netherworld of the dead-a world in which he is forced to bear...
"So," Billy said with a sigh. "The Wanderer found you and contacted you. Is there anything about that you want to tell me? Anything you want to ask?"
"Not really, no," Richard lied.
"Is he tempting you?" Billy asked, sounding suddenly impatient.
Richard laughed. "Yes, I think you could say that."
Billy didn't ask, but Richard knew he was desperate to hear the details. And that it also terrified him.
"I'm... I guess I'm pleased you're still here," Billy said. "And that you're still talking to me. I know it must not be easy."
Richard turned to Billy and looked him in the eye. And to his surprise, he saw the boy shrink back. He couldn't tell if he was afraid, or just surprised at something he saw in Richard's eyes.
"I'm still here, Billy. For now. But... Let's just say you shouldn't count your chickens."
Keith was standing and staring into the dark hole where Richard's ashes lay. Richard watched as Pil went up to him and put a heavy hand on his shoulder. It was time for them all to leave, and he was checking in to see if Keith was ready. Richard could sense Billy looking at him and then back to Keith and Pil. And Richard was sure the boy knew exactly what he had been thinking. About Pil. About possession. About all of it.
When he finally spoke, Richard could detect no discernible emotion of any kind in the boy's voice.
"This is a temptation you'll have to face, Richard. And what you decide will probably decide the fate of us all. And that includes Keith."
Richard looked at the dark hole in the grass and clover between his parent's graves. Eventually, perhaps, Keith would erect another headstone here, and what remained of his ashes would go on a shelf to gather dust for the next half century of Keith's life. Should he live that long.
"Richard? What are you feeling?" Billy asked.
"Strangely," Richard said, "I'm feeling nothing."
Michelle hugged Keith and handed him the box of Richard's ashes. Pil had the rainbow flag that had been draped on the altar, and Michelle still carried the vases of roses.
After a pause, Richard said, "So you don't believe he is actually God. And I don't either. But if he's not, then who is he?"
"Richard, I truly don't know who or what the Wanderer is. I've gleaned hints, bits and pieces, but that is all. Maybe you can help me find out more."
Keith was walking slowly away now. Richard had to make a decision.
"Billy, I've seen a lot of horror movies. And I know there is a name for what I am doing to Keith right now. It's called 'haunting.'"
"Yes," Billy agreed. "And when in a horror movie has that turned out well for the person who was haunted?"
Richard was silent.
"Richard, come with me. There are things you need to know, and things you need to see. You've done all you can here. At least for now."
Richard stood and rubbed his temples as if his head was aching. "If I come with you, will you tell me what you know about the Wanderer?"
"I will. But there is much else you need to know as well."
They stood together in silence as they watched Keith, Pil and Michelle get into the yellow SUV they called Big Bird. They continued standing in silence as the vehicle drove away and disappeared behind a grove of trees at the edge of the cemetery. The silence in the air was profound. There weren't even any birds.
Richard knew that Billy was watching him intently, waiting for him to break and run after the vehicle. When it was finally out of sight, he heard the boy sigh.
Then, without a word, Billy walked away. And Richard followed.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
As they walked through the cemetery, they passed a half dozen ghosts. Some who had been at the service, and some who had not. The old woman ghost in the native American dress was sitting cross-legged under a tree, not far from where Richard's ashes had been interred. Richard glanced at her as they walked by, but he did not turn to look after they had passed. So he did not see her, watching them, as they left the cemetery. And when Billy glanced back, Richard thought it was just to make sure that he was following. He did not see that Billy caught the eye of the old woman, and that she smiled at him.
Richard and Billy also did not see Justin.
After the two had gone, the boy emerged from the woods, where he had been watching. He paid the old woman no heed and rushed by her without a glance. But she could clearly see the expression of hate and revulsion that the boy carried with him, like a weight upon his shoulders.
As Justin hurried after Richard and Billy, the old woman watched him with sad, knowing eyes.
