Smells Like Rain (Chapters 5,6)

Smells Like Rain

By Robert Woods

Be sure to read the first four chapters before you read these.

Chapter 5

Dana

The sun had already set on New Harbor. Dark clouds rolled across the western sky and the sweet smell of rain saturated the evening air, but still, it was hot, no one in New Harbor could remember when there had been such strange weather. Sudden thunderstorms had been ripping through the clouds above for the last few weeks, with quick downpours that would be gone before the ground had a chance to absorb a drop the heat turned it to steam, and it would disappear.

Oz left Tasha's house around 8 p.m. He knew the freaks would be out early on Saturday night and he wanted to find one J.T. Weiderman, so he headed downtown.

The precision rumbling of the red Camaro streaked through the hot night air. He made a left off Main, then onto a narrow side street that wasn't much more than an ally. Weaving down the road, knowing exactly where he was going.

Oz parallel parked between two buildings, one on each side of the road. Both buildings were three stories high and made of old weathered red brick. The one next door to the bar consisted of two crumbling walls and a pile of rubble between these walls.

When Oz was a small child, this was the hottest spot in town, now it was a dying relic, replaced by strip malls and commercial bars uptown near the interstate. Oz could remember walking with his mom, window shopping. He would always get an ice cream sandwich but never much more. Still, it was one of the good memories of his mother. She wasn’t around much and died before he was ten.

The bar Oz was headed for was still frequented by the locals who wanted a crowd they could feel at home with.

Walking through the ruble was the quickest way to the front of the building. Good thing Oz had changed into his boots and a blue tee shirt he had left at Tasha’s house before the breakup. Brown bottled evidence and old condoms lay in the corner of the dilapidated relic, proving that at least some of the freaks still crossed that way. Rounding the corner he saw the glass front of a bar, lit up slightly, the name Sundown Tavern painted in red. The paint was chipped and faded but still legible. Music could be heard playing; it was obviously not live and barely audible, but Oz could still tell it was “Bad moon rising” by CCR. Standing at the doorway reminded him of years back, when you could hear live music coming from inside two blocks away. Those were good memories that barely still existing in his mind. Smelling the cigarette smoke boiling out from within, he wished for a smoke, but he quite five years ago and didn't plan on starting back. He tried to get his head together, he planned on asking J.T. a few questions, but he wasn't going to take any shit. Focused now on what he felt had to be done to ensure to himself that he wouldn't be blamed for the murder of the D.A, he pulled open the door to the Sundown. A staggering couple stumbled out, two loosely dressed women in a love embrace. He stepped aside to avoid a collision.

One of the girls looked at Oz, obviously drunk, "Hey cutie!" She giggled.

Her counterpart pulled her closer and dragged her out apparently not wanting to lose her catch to a handsome man.

"Some things never change." Oz said under his breath.

He stepped into the smoky bar, the front room was big with ten large round tables, it was decorated with old signs, local sport pictures and memorabilia from beer companies, many long since dead. A handful of people were in this room, some sitting some standing, socializing, he didn’t stop, Oz started for the back, he knew if J.T. was there, he would be in back nestled away amongst the drunks. Making his way past a few patrons, he was almost to the back entrance, where the main bar, pool tables and video games were located.

"Hey Oz!" A pleasant and familiar female voice cut through the crowd noise and into his ears. This was a voice that brought goose bumps and butterflies to Oz's body. He knew it and loved it. He turned and there, standing by the old jukebox was Dana McElroy or Morant now since her marriage to Clayton. She was leaning against the wall and held a cigarette between the thin fingers of her well-manicured hand. A short pink skirt with a slit revealed just enough, when she raised one leg slightly and stepped forward in her high heels. Well-toned she still she looked amazing.

"Gotta' light?" she asked biting her rosy, full bottom lip. Dark blonde hair dangled, hiding one of her large seductive hazel eyes. Somehow, even in the low lighting, that one visible eye sparkled like a child's eye.

Oz walked towards her, his knees were weak, but he managed to disguise it. She was tall, almost eye level to him, making her quite intimidating.

"Dana, hi." He uttered softly, smiling with a grin he couldn't hold back. "Sorry, I don't smoke."

"That's okay, I need to quit too, but it’s hard, sometimes it’s all I have." Dana returned the smile.

Underneath her warm smile he sensed she was troubled. They had dated for eight months his senior year at New Harbor High, until she dumped him for his former friend Clayton. She did not appear in her normal happy, easy-going mood.

"Are you still seeing Tasha Turner?" she asked cutting her eyes nervously looking around the room, Oz hoped it was him making her that way, but he knew better something was bothering her. His heart was already going out to her, not matter what was causing her unusual mood, maybe because she was his first love and his first lover. He has never gotten over her completely but held no ill feelings towards her. He didn't blame her, he was a nobody, Clayton was rich, handsome, popular, and powerful. It was an easy decision. At least that's what he always told himself.

After several seconds he answered, "No, we're just friends, I mean we don't see each other romantically anymore." Now he felt like a liar because of what he and Tasha had done just hours earlier, he figured he better leave that part out of the conversation.

"So, where's Clayton tonight?" He asked.

"Right here!" Another voice deep and flamboyant commanded out, along with the sound of breaking glass...Oz's heart.

Awkwardly he said, "Hello Clayton."

"Are you trying to steal my wife? You sly dog." Clayton asked, quickly smiling as if joking.

Oz wanted to smack him; he hated Clayton and was sure Clayton felt the same. Knowing full well Clayton was trying to open old wounds with his comment, but Oz held back his real feelings of resentment, he had important business to take care of he could not afford to lose his cool. He forced a smile and a fake laugh then answered, "Be careful, she’s worth fighting for.”

Clayton, gave an obviously forced, sneering laugh, then they made cheap, shallow small talk for five or six minutes while Dana just watched the two with nervous interest. She was smoking her cigarette, managing to bum a light from a passerby, all of which, did at least take a glance at her enamoring position.

Then, for a moment, time seemed to stand still. Silence. Oz, Clayton, and Dana all stood staring at one another. This was the kind of awkward situation Oz tried to avoid.

Clayton, tall, in a slick blue suit, probably very expensive, with shiny brown shoes. He looked good. His short brown hair was combed to arrogant perfection. Clayton called its color almond delight; Oz called it shit brown.

Oz felt the hatred again, coming in waves, this ass hole let Piero their old friend, die, maybe even killed him on purpose. At least in Oz’s mind that’s how he saw it, as a quick flash. It was from a mountain climbing accident from years ago, Piero’s dead body appeared in his head. Once again, he wanted to bust every tooth loose from his head with his fairly, powerful right cross.

"Oz, I'm glad I ran into you," Clayton said, searching for words, "Do you still umm...can you..."

"Do you want some dope, Clayton? Is that what you’re asking?"

"Well, you’re the only one I can trust, now that I'm established as a criminal lawyer and all."

Oz hated doing business with Clayton but occasionally did and if he could unload his whole stash he could be done with it, out of the business for good.

"If you buy me out, I'll do it, I've got one ounce left, I'll let you have it for five hundred." About one hundred more than he would charge a friend.

“Kind of pricey?”

“Well, it’s the best.” Oz said with a halfhearted grin.

"Okay but not here," Clayton said looking around to see if there were any lookie-loos, "Too many eyes if you get my drift. How about later tonight at my house?” He held out a business card, “and I’ve moved since last time we did business...what eight months ago?”

Oz grabbed it, "Yeah, okay. In a couple of hours."

"Sure, we will be home by eleven I’m sure, address is on back. Well, I'm going to get a drink, anybody else want one?" Clayton asked.

Both Dana and Oz gestured no with a headshake, then Clayton walked off towards the bar. Oz glaring at him and shook his head, he wore a lot of gold jewelry, watch, necklace, to match his expensive suit. He must be doing well he thought, that's a shame.

Taking one last look at Dana he said, "I've gotta' go, there's some things I've got to take care of."

"Wait!" Dana reached out and grabbed Oz's hand; her touch was gentle and warm.

The butterflies returned to his stomach, he turned and looked straight into her eyes, now both her eyes were exposed, wide open but scared.

"I need your help!" She looked desperate.

"What's wrong? Are you alright? That asshole is not hurting you is he?” he asked.

“No, not really.” She said with a worried look.

“Then what, what does not really mean?”

"Not now, after you leave tonight, I'll...here he comes, I'll let you know...if that’s ok...I mean I won't blame you if you are not interested in hearing about my problems."

Oz whispered, " Alright, I really do have to go, but I will see you later." Then he turned towards the back. He passed Clayton, who smiled with an eerie grin, but he had no time to worry with it, business was at hand. Still Dana's last few words stuck in his brain like a tumor, but it would have to wait for now.

Chapter 6

Leon the Cat

The darkness of the woods, just to the west of New Harbor, surrounded a 1975 Volkswagen Beetle parked on the highway. It was truly an eerie night. Powerful winds blew making ghastly music as it passed through the crooked branches. The sky was black, no stars, no moon. Creatures could be heard crawling on the woodland floor, over dries leaves and twigs. Only the burning red eyes of a hell hound could be seen, cast against the dark shade of night.

Shirley Jones was looking for her cat Leon. He had been missing for over half an hour. It seems Leon smelled the essence of a female Persian, and jumped out the window of Shirley's seventy-five beetle.

"Leon! Here! Kitty, kitty! Come to momma’!" Shirley cried out, desperately searching for her beloved cat. Walking back and forth just on the edge of the trees, Her blonde hair was turning wet with sweat and she didn't want to go deep into the woods.

Leon didn't come. After a pause, then a sigh, she decided to venture into the darkness after him. It was silly to be scared she decided and mustarded up the courage. She passed between two huge Oak trees, their limbs drooped down like claws, tugging at her white blouse that was becoming brown with dirt. Scared, she kept moving, remembering what her father had told her, that the dark can't hurt you, people hurt you, not the dark not monsters but people. Shirley didn't know if that was true, but she did wish she could see better right now.

"Here Kitty! Here Leon! She yelled, but it came out crackled and weak.

Then she heard the crunching sound of leaves, and the steady canter of an animal running. It sounded like it was getting closer, coming straight for her. Could it be Leon? She couldn't see more than a few feet ahead of her. It sounded big and fast, chill bumps rose up on her arms, she wanted to scream but didn't. Now, through the layer of thick black, she could see two glowing red dots bouncing in the night, dancing almost hypnotically. She was frozen, horrified at what it could be, her stomach felt like it turned inside out and back again. Now she could see it moving, low to the ground a shadowy figure. It slowed, about five feet from her and stopped. She could now make out it's silhouette, it appeared to be a massive dark colored dog. She felt some relief, she loved animals, especially cats and dogs. Maybe it's a friendly dog; she hoped so. Doing the only thing she could think of, Shirley began moving towards the beast, slowly and with her hand out to let the canine smell it. As she approached within two feet it was possible to make out its head, it was large, probably a Rottweiler. Her brow dropped in a posture of curiosity, she noticed something in its mouth, dangling lifeless from the dog’s huge mandibles. She stopped and squatted to eye level, as a friendly gesture. That's when she found Leon! Petrified by the sight of his limp body and bloody white fur held in the beast's giant mandibles.

"Noooo! No Leon!" She screamed, successfully this time, she fell back onto her slim backside, kicking at the ground, trying to get away, without any luck.

The black dog stepped towards her, its head slung low, it dropped Leon's carcass on the ground next to Shirley. Leon was ripped open with intestines pouring out. Looking into her crying eyes, the dog seemed to smile, but then it sat, as if by command.

"Don't worry my precious!" A bone warping voice called out from behind her.

She snapped her head around to look, mortal fear had returned, she could feel a flutter in her chest. A dark figure of a man stepped out, he appeared from the darkness like an extension of the night. His upper lip was drawn back revealing his pointy yellow teeth. Blazing red eyes peered down at her from under his wide brimmed hat. White hair poked out stained yellow. Shirley had never felt fear like this in her life, she began having trouble breathing. The man looked dead. She tried to get up and run but her legs were like Jell-O. The man put his hand on her shoulder and held her. She fought but soon gave in, he was not a big man, but she could feel overwhelming power coursing through his body.

"You must not worry my child, now you will sleep eternal!"

The crisp sound of the dark man’s vorpal blade was heard slicing through the air, followed by the thud of Shirley's head hitting the woodland floor.