Hazy View: Souls of the Vanished Read Online Free PDF Page A

dream again. He tried to stand up
but tiredness had robbed him of energy, he stumbled back. Music
came from the kitchen. Between songs a message filled the
airwaves.
    The radio announcer’s voice carried
through the small trailer. “Last night local police undertook a
search for a lost child around the lake and forest. Despite efforts
from police and volunteers, the child remains missing. There’s a
few injuries suffered but it's not too serious. Deputy Foster
called off the search after heavy rain posed a threat to searchers.
We will keep you updated during the day as we receive more
details.”
    Martin got off the bed on shaky legs.
He studied himself in the mirror for a brief moment. He turned away
hating the man he had become fearing what might become of him if
anyone discovered his darkest secret. He dressed into the uniform
he once respected and lived to uphold. The cool air blew through
the window. He looked out the window.
    Clouds were forming slowly. He placed
his sunglasses to ease the burning in his eyes and stumbled into
the kitchen.
    He sunk into the small cubicle in
front of a plate set with bacon, eggs and toast. Vanessa McPherson
poured a glass of gin on the rocks and placed it next to Martin’s
plate. He lifted the glass while she joined him.
    Vanessa was twenty four and she knew
she was attractive. The lounge portion of the trailer held all her
feather scarfs and revealing outfits to cater for most fantasies
that men couldn’t get at home. Polystyrene heads held wigs and an
open box stored custom jewelry among make-up and bottles. She would
cater for no more than four men at a time. They could visit on
regular bases as long as they kept the cupboards full, money in her
pocket and the bills paid.
    “ Did you have another
nightmare?” Vanessa asked to break the awkward silence.
    “ Don’t worry about me,
I’ll be fine.” Martin assured, but his voice betrayed his
lie.
    Vanessa knew different and changed the
subject. “Last night was exciting.”
    “ Yes it sure was.” Martin
took a last big swallow of gin.
    Vanessa ate her food quietly and got
up. She collected a bottle of painkillers from an overstocked
cabinet. She filled Martin’s glass and dropped a few ice blocks
into it.
    Martin swallowed the painkillers hard
with the gin. “Thanks I needed that.” He started after a moment of
silence. “I’m leaving town this afternoon, but I need you to do me
a favor. I need you to call me as usual today.” Martin added in a
soft voice.
    “ Would you like me to call
around the same time?”
    “ Yes.”
    “ Where will you go?”
Vanessa asked trying to keep the conversation alive.
    After a moment of silence Martin
finely looked up at Vanessa. “North to where I don’t have
memories.”
    “ Are you going to come
back?” She asked hoping against meeting with him again.
    “ No, I’ve already sold the
house and Deputy Foster’s taking over my job. There’s nothing
keeping me here.” Martin said coldly and stood up.
    Martin placed the empty glass on the
table. Took his jacket from the backrest and headed for the
door.
    “ Well then I wish you the
best. Is it okay if you call me so I don’t worry too
much?”
    “ Sure.” Martin lied and
walked out of the trailer.
    The wind was a gentle breeze. The
bright sun burned down from a clear sky. Water puddles appeared
smaller. The clouds were further than they appeared from the
window. Martin got into his vehicle and left.
    *~*~*
    *II*
     
    Yvonne Hooper sat behind her desk
outside Martin’s office door. She was a thirty-two year old
good-looking woman. Her platted hair hung neatly against her back
and her blouse allowed for just the right amount of skin. A small
dolphin pendant was visible. She wore very little make-up, her
cheeks were naturally rosy.
    Andrew was at his desk opposite
Yvonne’s, making notes and occasionally engaged in conversation
when Martin walked in. Yvonne got up quickly with files, the
morning paper and night reports.
    “