CHAPTER NINE

  More than a week had passed since Leland’s arrival to Hershel. He had spent most of his days wandering around town handing out business cards that looked every bit legitimate. No one suspected for a moment that everything about this odd man from nowhere was nothing more than a fa?ade in the biggest way possible. Leland had made it his number one job to convince anyone around him that he was just a very wealthy old man looking to invest in any business that could produce revenue.

  Today Lealand was making his way to the only full-size grocery store in town. His driver had taken First and Main Street following all the way to the end where The Market Place of Hershel was located. After parking the Royals Royce in the parking space nearest the back of the store Leland sat quietly watching as several ladies of the town streamed in and out of the store.

  He noted that the store was nothing super fancy compared to bigger cities stores of this type, but it had an authentic flare to it. The well washed red brick building was the largest structure on the road with a rather large parking that was well lit for night shopping. He felt the cozy hometown feeling from the environment where he sat watching, taking notes of everything.

  Only a few minutes had past when he exited his car and strolled with ease into the store. In front he noticed a customer service desk with at least two employees waiting patiently to serve anyone in need. To his left the rows of checkout lane were noted with somewhat friendly cashiers ringing up those necessary food and house hold items that every home maker purchase repetitively . He turned to his right where the bouquets of ready picked flowers began making a beautiful spray of a colorful memory for those souls who were easily swayed.

  He decided to walk through the store knowing that he needed nothing more than time to take in the ebb and flow of those who gathered here.

  With every step Leland was gathering up more insight for what would come next. Each town had to be handled in a certain fashion. Whatever was to come had to perform a certain task in the order that was needed so as to ensure the complete demise of security and faith. Leland had practiced his skills for thousands of years or so it seemed and he knew better than any other warrior just how to crush each and every one within these walls and this town. Not one town from nowhere had ever prevented what would become the last of them.

  As per usual this store like so many others lined up in the same order for how merchandise was presented. Fruits and vegetables took up the entire back corner of the right side of the store, with sea food area sat at the very back of that corner. Meats of all varieties ran along the back wall and the isles were set with alike products all line up with their label visible for all to see.

  This store, The Market Place of Hershel was nothing more than a copycat of bigger chain stores from the larger cities. It was clean and the employees were very friendly giving it that small town hugging feeling. None of that matter to Leland for he was looking for the one thing that wasn’t for sale, he was seeking distention, jealousy and envy. No matter how well planned or well the work space was executed there was always the one among the many that carried some negative feelings and thoughts for their fellow co-workers.

  Standing in front of the refrigerated milk products, cheeses, butter and other assorted items was a young man about twentyish or so restocking the milk items. He was thin, tall with sandy blond hair. He was a nice-looking young man, but Leland could his tension from two rows over. Making his way over to stand beside the young man Leland focused is energy of what this young employee was feeling.

  Needing to break the ice Leland spoke out loud, “ Hum, let me see, where would the Organic milk be?” the words sliding out of his mouth with ease.

  The young man lifted his head to see Leland searching for his product saying with a polite tone,” Sir, if you are looking for Organic milk all of our Organic dairy items are right over there.” he said pointing to the very end of the refrigerated section. He stared at Leland for a second almost spell bound to his dark hollow eyes.

  Leland smile that well performed smile of his saying in a very calm tone, “ Why thank young man. I appreciate your kindness to an old gent such as I. I hope they are paying you what you are worth. It’s not often that all employees take a moment to really care for their shoppers. I do thank you.” Leland said tipping his broad black hat.

  “ Yeah, you’d think that these cheap bastards would pay someone like me a good pay. Heck, I should be managing this department.” The young man stated with more hostility than even Leland had expected.

  “ Oh, surely, they can see your value? I mean, look how well you’ve placed the cartons of milk for all to spot so quickly. Why the whole area looks divine.” Leland replied over complimenting the employee knowing this would only encourage his anger.

  Stopping his work the young man whose name was Tommy took a deep breath continuing,” Well, I can tell you this much. The higher ups certainly don’t pay attention to the real hard workers. Did you know that I’ve been working here since I was a senior in high school and I’m twenty now. I mean, damn, I’ve been here longer than that stupid idiots Elliot. He came from another store and good grief I practically had to train him. I hate this place now.” Tommy stood in front of Leland hold a quart size carton of whole milk feeling so depressed and angry.

  It was a moment like this that made Leland’s mission so much easier. With a very carefully structured thought Leland gently inserted the influence and seed of action he knew would create the perfect action,

  “Perhaps if Elliot wasn’t a part of the team, it would open the eyes of the upper management. You never know if a person like Elliot could pose real harm to the customers. I mean you never know when a child abuser or molester is playing the part of a good guy. I’d keep my eyes on him if I were you. Sounds like Elliot is setting himself up to be an aggressive employee. You understand. Keep your eyes on him and watch out for his involvement with children. Predators are slick.” He finished with a slight evil grin.

  Tommy took a deep breath sucking in so much air he almost choked,” You know, he does seem to be drawn to the children when they come in with their parents. I’ve seen him give them little candies as he tosses their hair and high fives them.”, Tommy shared as he looked around seeing if anyone else was nearby. “ You think I should keep my eyes on him. Check him out especially when he’s around the little ones?” Tommy asked.

  The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

  “ Wouldn’t hurt, would it? Just to be sure everyone is safe. Then if something is wrong and Elliot were to be removed, well, you might have a chance to get that promotion. Right?” Leland answered leaving Tommy to draw his own conclusion. After a second Leland continued,

  “Well, I thank you for your help. I wish you good luck with your future endeavors. Keep your eyes on the enemy. You never know what can come from staying vigilant.” With that Leland once again tipped his hat and with ease made his way to the organic products. He picked up one small organic yogurt and left the area. As soon as he got out of sight, he sat the yogurt down on a stack of sliced cheese making his way out of the store.

  The true satisfaction was always in the knowing of how easy it was the persuade most people into believing something that was in fact purely wrong. Leland had a gift for implying that a certain action was needed in order to achieve their true goals. This was his greatest gift in order to give his master what he wanted more than anything else.

  Once again, the black Royal Royce slowly moved toward the hotel. Leland was in need of a meal and rest. He longed for the dark quiet space of his room where he could think and plan in silence. At times he became weary of these simple people and their meaningless lives. He could care less what their future turned into, but his mission was not about the people’s happiness or not.

  The darkness had begun to collect its energy, the powers of the universe’s deep darkness before light came into existences was now reforming. For the changes of the world would tilt once more in favor of the one who had proclaimed his rightful place upon the throne of life.

  “ And the beast would rise, coming forth to consume and feast all that would not yield as the time of goodness had run its course and only death and destruction would remain.”

  CHAPTER TEN

  Time rolled by superfast or so it seemed as Leland spent the majority of his time getting to know the town’s people , but more importantly getting to understand the dark secrets of their hearts and minds. Over the thousands of years of being around humans the one element that Leland had come to understand was that no matter where he was or what decade or century, he founded himself in people always harbored the darkness layers of their true desires within the folds of the subconscious mind and soul.

  Leland had become an expert of how to pull those desires and well-hidden wishes from their deepest hiding place. He could read their true intentions even if the person believed they would never act on them. The very basis by which Leland conducted himself to carry out his master’s will was to know what and how to use each person fear, desire or hate to his benefit. His master had his own rules of engagement when it came to playing with the low lives of these humans.

  Today Leland had plans to get to know the sheriff and her staff. He had a need to know how each deputy interacted with all of the town’s people and their business affaire. So far, he was not finding a whole lot to work with other than the normal small-town gossip that was always readily available.

  If nothing else Leland knew he could use that gossip to build a foundation of jealousy, suspicion, and greed. With a small smirky grin Leland understood that sometimes those characteristics were the best aspects to build a fire which inevitably would turn into a raging blast that only left ash and cinders behind.

  A small bell clang as Leland opened the door to the sheriff’s office alerting the two deputies on duty of someone’s presences. A young very frail looking young man appeared from the back of the office pulling his uniform pants up and adjusting his utility belt in place.

  He was a brittle looking young adult male with dark wavey hair

  And dark brownish, green colored eyes. He shifted his eyes back and forth in a quick motion as if he expected to see someone else joining the tall, thin man dressed all in black, wear a tall wide brim black hat.

  Daniel Meyers was second in command behind sheriff Shurley Cole. He had joined the department straight out of high school and prided himself on the fact that he had two years of Social Interconnection course and three years of extending law enforcement management classes. Daniel considered himself the only choice if and when Shurley were to retire of leave her position.

  After adjusting his uniform Daniel took four steps up to the long wooden counter where Leland stood leaning slightly on his eerie cane. Clearing his throat as he felt immediately uncomfortable in Leland’s presence he asked with a polite voice, “ Morning, can I help you sir?” his words slid out of his like they were sliding on glass, his eyes staring straight into the cold black eyes of the man who had lived for thousands of years.

  Tipping his hat and nodding his head slightly Leland spoke with very clear words and tone,” Yes. I’m here to meet with Sheriff Cole. We are schedule for a ride along.” Leland replied feeling the uneasiness of Danile presence and loving it.

  “ Oh, yes sir. Mr. “ Daniel hesitated realizing that he did not know the last name of the man in front of him, “ I’m sorry sir. I don’t know your last name.” Daniel admitted with a sound of disappointment.

  Leland smile as he spoke again relaying his last name,” I’m Mr. Tenebrous. It’s nice to meet you.” He said with such smoothness he made it seemed as though he was just an ordinary man visiting the town.

  “ Oh, right. Mr. Tenebrous, yes. Let me tell her that you’ve arrived. Can I get you anything to drink? Coffee, soda, water?“, Daniel asked with all of his charm.

  “ Thank you, but no. I’m fine.” Leland responded looking around the dreary police office.

  In a matter of seconds Daniel slipped back into the back hallway of the sheriff’s office heading to the office of his Captain, Shurley Cole. Sticking his head inside the office he looked at his captain telling her that her ride a long had arrived.

  “ Capt., a Mr. Tenebrous is here. He says he was signed up for a ride a long today. He’s in the front office.” Daniel waited for a few seconds before heading back to the front of the office.

  “Okay, tell him I’ll be right there. Thanks Daniel.” Shurley replied never looking up at him.

  It took less than a couple of minutes for Shurley to make it to the front of the building where she held out her right hand immediately to greet Leland. “ Mr. Tenebrous, good morning, sir. I hope you’re doing well today. Welcome to Hershel’s sheriff’s department. So, we’re scheduled for a ride along today. Are you ready?” Shurley inquired with a very pleasant voice.

  Leland responded with a well- rehearsed answer, “ Thank you and yes, I am doing very well. I hope we are ready to go?”

  “ Right. I just need you to sign this wavier of liability just in case anything happens while we are out on patrol. We simply cannot be too careful. Right?” she asked with a broad smile on her round face.

  Within fifteen minutes Leland was sitting in the patrol car of Shurley Cole with his seatbelt snuggly tight around him for safety. He was curious about how this event would work out as he thought about exactly what he was looking for on this ride along. This was just another move in his plan for the take down of Hershel and its citizens.

  The next few hours would give Leland hopefully so much more to work with. As the patrol car pulled out of the sheriff’s parking lot Leland felt a great sense of happiness as everything, step by step was coming together.

  Soon he would deliver another town’s entire population of souls to his master and all that would be left behind would be the memories of a town that no one even had heard of from a town from nowhere.

  The dark ambers of the storm were collecting and the flames of the dark master would consume the land and there nothing would remain but the lost echoes of a town gone forever into the folds on the unknown darkness.