Renew My Vows
The fog thinned slightly as Kane Baker pulled the Chevy to a stop outside 112 Pine Street, Matilda Willock’s modest home on the edge of town. The clock on the dash read 12:15 AM, the night stretching long and heavy after their escape from the Carey house. With her pistol holstered, Vera Kingsley sat in the passenger seat, her thoughts still racing from the chaos of the evening. Jack Hayes groaned softly in the back, clutching his bruised ribs, while Matilda sat beside him, her hands trembling despite the coat pulled tight around her.
Vera turned to Kane, voice low. “Take her home. Stay with her. I’ll handle Jack.”
Kane nodded, glancing at Matilda. “Are you good with that?”
Matilda managed a weak nod, eyes distant. “Yeah. Thanks.”
Vera opened the door. “I’ll call from the hospital. Keep her safe.” She helped Jack out, supporting his weight as they shuffled toward her patrol car.
Kane watched them go, then turned to Matilda. “Let’s get you inside.” He guided her up the porch steps, the door creaking open to reveal a warm light spilling from within. Matilda’s mother, Ellen, appeared—gray-haired, worried lines etched deep.
“Matilda!” Ellen rushed forward, pulling her into a hug. “What happened? You’re late.”
Matilda leaned into her voice, shaky. “Rough night, Mom. Kane’s staying.”
Ellen eyed Kane, softening. “Good. Come in. I’ll make coffee.”
.
.
.
Inside, the small living room felt cozy—faded couch, family photos on the walls. Kane set his axe by the door, shedding his coat. “Smores sound good? Got a fire going?”
Matilda managed a small smile. “Yeah. Please.”
Ellen bustled to the kitchen, returning with marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers. Kane built a fire in the hearth, the crackle filling the silence. They skewered marshmallows, the sweet scent mixing with brewing coffee. Ellen handed out mugs, steam rising.
“So,” Ellen started, settling into an armchair, “what’s this about? You look shaken, dear.”
Matilda sipped her coffee, glancing at Kane. “Weird stuff at the Carey house—someone attacked us.”
Kane nodded, roasting a marshmallow. “Rough encounter. She’s safe now. Just need to keep watch.”
Ellen frowned. “Martin Carey? I thought that was an old legend.”
“Seems not,” Kane said, sandwiching a smore. “Folks are stirring it up. We’re figuring it out.”
They chatted late, the fire popping. Matilda shared snippets—her shift, the fog—while Ellen reminisced about simpler times. Kane listened, adding quiet humor, the night easing her tension.
Meanwhile, Vera drove Jack to the hospital, the patrol car’s heater humming against the chill. Jack winced with every bump, his breathing shallow. “Damn ribs,” he muttered, pressing a hand to his side.
Vera kept her eyes on the road. “Hang in there. We’ll get you checked.”
At the hospital, nurses whisked Jack away—X-rays, bandages. Vera stayed, pulling a chair to his bedside. The room smelled of antiseptic, monitors beeping softly. Jack, propped up, managed a grin. “Not my finest moment.”
Vera chuckled. “You took a wall like a champ. How are you feeling?”
“Sore. Doc says cracked rib, maybe two. Rest now.” He shifted, wincing. “Thanks for staying.”
“Wouldn’t leave you,” she said, settling in. “Long night ahead.”
They talked—cases, the town, old memories. Vera shared a rookie error, and Jack related a fishing trip gone wrong. Under fluorescent lights, the hours passed with a mixture of pain and laughter.
.
.
.
The air was heavy with damp and decay as Martin Carey sagged in the remains of his former home across town. His muddy flesh was scorched by medallion burns, and every movement was accompanied by pain. He gripped the dresser while Elena's faded photo stared back at him, her smile gone. His body weakened, joints creaking, strength fading.
“Moriah,” he rasped, voice breaking. “I need more. They’re winning. My body’s failing.”
He was calling out to the demoness, trying to bring about her arrival. He’d not had a need to do so for decades, but now, with this new threat that was looming around him in the likeness of Vera Kingsley, Jack Heyes and Kane Baker. It didn’t work the first time he tried, so he did so again.
“Mor—i—ah! Show yourself to me. You and I have a covenant. You must aid me in keeping my vengeance alive. Come to me, I command you!”
The room immediately darkened. A cool breeze blurred in. Cold hanging within the molecules of the air. A shadow coalesced—tall, ethereal, eyes glowing red. Her figure was slender. Her essence carried death and grimness. Her presence inspired shuddering and gnashing of teeth. Moriah’s voice slithered, cold and commanding.
“You dare summon me again, Martin? You think we’re equals, is that it?”
“Please,” he begged, sinking to his knees. “Give my body the strength it needs to finish this. To finish them. For Elena. Our child—the future they stole from us.”
She hovered, considering. “I remember what happened, you freaking crazy man. You don’t need to do a recap with me. Your devotion amuses me. You needn’t continue this but even after half a century, you’re still not fulfilled.”
She scoffed and smiled, “But who am I to complain? You’re like a free referral, doing all the work while I rake in the benefits. Of course I’ll help you.”
A pulse of energy surged, knitting his wounds, bolstering his frame. Power coursed through him, muddy skin hardening. His broken limbs merged back into place and there was a revitalized swelling about him–like his physical body just received a recharge. His tears got sown. His clothes repaired themselves. He was restored—as much as could be for a walking corpse.
Moriah vanished, leaving silence. Martin rose, staggering to the dresser. Looking at the framed picture of his beloved wife, he was overcome with great emotion. He traced Elena’s face, tears mixing with mud. “I can’t even see you in the afterlife because you’re not there. The river stole your soul. They’ll pay—Vera, Kane, all of them. Descendants or not. Every child of this cursed town will suffer for the sins of some. For you, my dear Elena. For our child.”
His vow hung heavy, the night deepening his resolve. He would have his revenge…and he had no intentions to ever stop!