Merry Haven - Episode 2

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Annas body ached him, the cruel jail gave him the creeps. It had been a week and four days, still, he hoped to flee from the lonely life in the jail. He was the boisterous type. A beatific and ecstatic life was all he knew, he was dogged. Always a domineering fellow, but he somehow grew mute and frail behind the clutches of the iron bars. The jail was unkept, having beds the size of a sitting mat, the rough marble floor was tinged with stubs of cigarettes.
  Annas disliked his prison mates, the two burly men taunted Annas like he was some toddler . He somehow felt sorry for treating Tettes like a craven. His jokes were not this awful, but his cellmates curses ate deeper into his spine like a canker warm. The thought of it, made him hated his father the more.

"kid, come and smoke with us, you will like the comfort." the shorter goon said, stretching a cigarette to Annas. Annas ignored him, craning his neck here and there at the markings on the wall. 

 The markings amused Annas, the rugged writings on the wall were like an order of events; they were names, signs, and vile symbols written on the wall, some of the markings were wearing off, others were vaguely written. His gaze lingered at the triangular shaped markings

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. Underneath the markings was a name he knew, "Kashees". Beneath Kashees stood four matchstick- figures, the second of the figure had an "x" marking on its head, the third was circled. It was the latter that piqued his interest. "see me" was written beneath the circled matchstick-figure. It gave Annas a sharp cold all over his spine whenever he saw them.

 He wondered why he felt related to the markings in ways he couldn't comprehend, maybe it was because of the name on the wall, it was a name his older brother bore. It could be any Kashees, he felt worthless trying to deny himself such knowledge. Was he trying to pass a message, why would his brother write that on the wall, even if he did, Kashees was no soothsayer to know Annas would be coming to prison. Was Kashees really calling him?. Annas believed he was the circled figure. Maybe Kashees wanted something from him. 

  Annas pondering was heading no where, "It's just useless, I pray am not going insane, it is just a stupid writing and it might not be from Kashees." he muttered. Kashees visits to prisons was like a student going to school every weekdays and having a break during weekends. He might have a hand in this, Annas tried to think no more, but it was useless. 

  He closed his eyes, it was better not seeing the markings, in his minds eye he pictured series of his sex escapades, it was better than the useless markings. His love for women was like a drunkard cravings for liquor, always consuming without satisfaction.
 He craved for the warmth of a woman. "Fuck you dad" he muttered, louder than before.

"What's eating you up mate, are you freaking out or something?" the shorter goon asked 

"Maybe he wants to suck from his mama's n*pple." the taller one said. The two huge men guffawed. Annas was getting used to their banter already.

"Do you know the meaning of the writings on the wall?" Annas asked, not making eye contact with any of his cellmate. Their laughter halted, they stared at Annas, like it was a miracle. Of course he needed answers.

"That, mate, could be a writing of a weirdo, it's useless. That's what some folks do when they are bored" said the shorter goon.

" Clement is right, some write up dates to know their days in prison" the Taller one said.

" Some might be lyrics... Lately  prisoners are mostly musicians" the one called Clement added. "And they usually get inspired in here, Matt worked for the lots years ago" Clement added

"Yes, must tell you boy, the pay in music is great" said Matt.

"But this markings are different, they look foreign, it's not written in English" Annas said. Pointing at the markings.

" Well kiddo, it's just rubbish I tell you, you will not get anything from it" Clement advised, he peered at the markings. "Kiddo, it looks...." He said thinking of the right word, with his cigarette stucked between his left index and middle fingers.

"Esoteric!!" Annas helped.

"What ever that means" Clement muttered.

"I think the writer was trying to pass some message across, using their own distinct writing system." Annas said.

"What ever, but it's not for you, why bother?" Matt asked.

"It could be for anyone." Annas answered. Matt just rolled his eyes.

" And it could be a secret." Clement agreed.

" You are right." Annas said, nodding his head, still peering at the markings.

" Who ever did it must be in some kind of...... I don't know, maybe he was... - I think it is a no go area to me. Mate just let it be. It's creepy." Clement said. 

" If you say so... Am just curious that's all." Annas said. 

" Well don't be. It's no use." Clement added. 

Annas blocked  the thought of the markings out of his head, the thick smoke from his cellmates cigarette ricocheted all around, his sights were getting blurred by the smoke.

It was dusk, his cellmates had retired to their beds. No more curses for now, they were probably sleeping with their annoying insults. It was now the right time to be fed with peace. 
 The chirping of crickets made Annas recall days he, Sydney, and his dad listened to breathtaking tune in an orchestra concert, the way they played with passion, a group creating a melodious tune, their symphony was pure bliss. What marvelled Annas was the Conductor, he wondered how the orchestras understood the gestures of the Conductor. It was magical, music was magic to him. But the chirping of the crickets were different. They were not as magical as the orchestras, he loathed their woeful tune.

 The soft tapping on his lap jolted him out of his reverie, it was Clement. Matt was fast asleep. "Kiddo, are you willing to know the strange markings on the wall?" Clement asked.

"Yeah, is kind of strange, but am willing to learn." Annas said, sitting upright.

"Not learn, kiddo! I don't know them." Annas felt disappointed. "But the markings look familiar." Clement added

"Okay... Please go on" Annas said, trying to listen as best as he could.

"This markings are not mostly from around here, they are mostly in Wide-pass. Is a surprise that one is here. In Wide-pass the markings are mostly drawn on rocks, the places I always see them are places so evil. Like in the woods, deep in the silent caves. In Wide-pass where I see them, they are accompanied with blood." Clement said.

"Like blood of humans?"

"You are a wacko kid, how will I know."

"Sorry is just - whatever, go on."

"I think the markings are occultic, it's their secret alphabets, yeah something like that." Clement continued. " Kiddo, if I were you, I will stay off, you wouldn't want to dear pry into their doing, will you? Cuz getting killed will be a loss for the girls."

"you're funny." Annas said, managing a smile. "But how do you  come accross these markings so often, are you a farmer?" He asked.

" No am not, am just a fellow who love adventures, I know all the uncanny places in Wide-pass."

"Please help me, I will love to know more." Annas begged.

"That's all I know. But I know a historian who might tell you more, but as you see, you are a prisoner. No hope kiddo."

"Am not a prisoner." Annas said, Clement stared at him like a man looking at an insane being. "Well, I am, it's only temporary, I will be released on bail, but my dad insist that I stay a little bit more." 

"More like it."

"So where can I meet this Historian?"

"Just ask for Faruq Tapshat when you get to Wide-pass, that's all. He is well known." 

Annas had learnt a bit, there was trouble, he sensed it, he reassured himself that Kashees was not a cultist. He could be anything but not a cultist. 
 Matt folded his huge body in his little bed, trying to fit in well. They went mute, not planning on waking Matt, a minute later Matt went still. Annas sighed with relief.

"Bed is calling mate, you better do yourself good and sleep." Clement advised, he rested on his little bed, trying to get some sleep.

 Morning came with the beauty she had always possessed. Clement found Annas awake, Annas stunning eyes shone when he saw Clement.
"Morning Clement" Annas greeted.

"Did you sleep at all?" Clement asked, studying Annas.

"A little..."

"Hmm... found any other clue about the weird markings?"

"Nope, same old assumptions."

"Well I don't know why you are so obsessed with it, but I think you should take it slow man... You are no historian, not even an Archaeologist."

"Has the cigarettes arrive?, am starving." Matt bellowed, getting up from his bed.

"How do you procure those contrabands?" Annas asked, wondering how they had the liberty to smoke in jail.

"Kiddo you don't want to know." Clement said.

The sound permeated into the jail, the Jailer's deep and menacing voice made Annas shook with fright. "Annas, come with me!" the Jailer bellowed, unbolting the iron lock.

"Farewell mate, I pray our paths meets again." Clement said, watching as Annas strode out.

"Adieu, Au revoir - if I know what that means." Matt said, grinning.

Annas went with the Jailer. He met his dad at the counter, Hating him the more. freedom was a great thing to him now, he cared less about hating, but his father's presence made him feel like a prisoner once more. 

The ride home was slow and unending, he watched hopelessly as his dad drove, maintaining a decent speed limit. 

 Ernest Jacob would pass for a handsome man in his young age, he was an older version of Annas, having clean shaven beard that contradicted Annas's wild beard. The white of his eyes were crystal clear, with a brown iris. 
  It was only Annas's eyes that were different; Annas's iris was a dark blue, with seven thick gold spots on it. He wondered why his eyes were distinct. 

 The white of their (Jacobs) eyes were crystal clear; he envied his siblings for possessing such beauty, his stunning eyes were exotic, but he would trade anything to possess the glow of his siblings white eyes.

Ernest steered left, meeting the crescent road. The journey home was grave to Annas, they were mute all the way home. Minutes later they entered their Street, the street seemed too quiet, Annas discovered.
 The jocund Merryhaven was becoming too grave for his liking, the street was scanty. 

They were home at last. Annas breathed the breath of freedom, the soft swirling of the wind seemed foul. Almost two weeks now, his home seemed like a different world to him. He perceived something wrong, his feelings never failed him, he prayed they shouldn't be anything uncanny to behold.

 The grey Porsche moved slowly on the pavement, heading for the parking garage, Annas slid out of the Porsche immediately it halted, walking as fast as his heels could take him; out of his father's spiteful glare. He hated the drizzle; it's drizzling but the sun was up. He hoped he wasn't as confused as the weather; with all the conflicting thoughts in his head.

 The Jacobs two storey opulent home was built with bricks, the lilac flowers at the porch gave it an elegant look. The lawn was greener than before, being wet by a light drizzle that was still falling, it was well trimmed. An enormous Jackfruit tree stood beside the brick house; a rockers was left swaying under the shade of the tree. Annas thought about the comfort of the swimming pool behind the brick house. The  pool would relax his ached body, he couldn't wait to dive into its sweet and tranquil bosom, that would be later, he had many thoughts swirling in his head for now. 

Annas twisted the door knob, opening the door. He made his way in. The family stood waiting for him; his lovely mum, Sydney, Tettes and uncle Benjamin. Annas wondered why Uncle Benjamin was here, he only visited occasionally. Maybe there was an occasion, whatever it was, Annas would definitely know.

 The sitting room was luxurious, with exquisite furnitures. A leopard portrait was on the wall, always glaring at whoever stared. It was the Jacobs sigil. There was a bigger portrait beside the Leopard's, their grandad. His fiery eyes glared with pride befitting a leopard, his silvery white hair and his goatee beard were richly trimmed. He was too flamboyant for Annas's liking.

"You're sure having your beard cut this time son." Juliet said, hugging her son. She glared at his beard with disgust. His beard wasn't trimmed for the past two weeks, it looked rough and unkept.

"He is a man grown Juliet, I think the Muslims keep beard." Benjamin Jacob said, clapping Annas's shoulder. Benjamin had grown more stout, Annas discovered.
 Uncle Benjamin looked just like his older brother, Ernest. But Benjamin was a cheerful man, with plumpy cheeks and eyes as big as a tennis ball. The suit he wore was made out of a Leopard's skin; richly sewn.

"Good to see you, big bro." Tettes said embracing Annas.

"Welcome back." Sydney said, with a queer countenance, stretching his hands to Annas. Sydney managed a little smile. Annas shook hands with him, whatever was wrong had been amended, he would hold no grudges against his brother. They both had series of quarrels, it had never strained their relationship, it would not now.

"Okay boys, let's seat and hear what the stupid journalist will have to say, I pray it helps, I just pray it does." Benjamin chirped, resting his butt on a couch.

"Uncle what is happening, are you expecting to hear something from them?" Annas asked, feeling lost. He followed his mom to the loveseat, it had always been their favorite spot. Tettes and Sydney sat on a couch beside the loveseat.

"News these days are predictable." said Benjamin, as they were all seated.

"Uncle I don't get you." Annas said staring at his mom, hoping to know what Benjamin was saying from his mom. She only held his hands, comforting them.

"Things happened when you were in prison." Said Benjamin, pointing the remote control at the TV.

"Give me a clue uncle."

"Annas it's a long story."

"All stories can be summarized." Annas snapped, feeling impatient.

 "Well.. son, there was a murder five days ago. They  found a mutilated body two streets away from here." Benjamin said, after studying Annas's countenance. "Nice!! I think the idiots are set." he added, referring to the slim newscaster on the TV.

"But uncle--"

"Shuussshh... Say no more for now, let's watch." said Benjamin. Ernest made his way in, sharing the couch with his brother.

The smartly dressed newscaster started his broadcast, telling his viewers where the murder took place.
 It was beside Eatery delite restaurant, South road, Merryhaven. The body was severed in a vile manner; the head wasn't entwined with the neck again, it's scalp was torn open. Both severed hands were resting against the gorged chest. 
 There was a marking on the pavement, above the head; a triangle, two horizontal lines and a second triangular marking. They were all written with a red chalk, Annas noticed.

Annas felt the heavy throbbing of his heart. That was the mark he saw on the wall of the prison. He wished he could move out of the living room, away from the cruel news, but he knew better, he needed to know the origin of it all, he had to be a man. was Kashees responsible? He doesn't like the thought of it.

"The dead man, according to police report was an employee in Leoheart oil empire, owned by Benjamin Jacob, a multi billionaire......" the slim man on the TV was saying. 

"They didn't ask you that, what is wrong with journalists!!" Benjamin bellowed. the newscaster reported his story eloquently, oblivious of Benjamin's spiteful comments.

"They are getting more objective, if you ask me." Sydney jibed.

"You don't know what that will cost me, Syd." Benjamin spat back.

"Whatever, is still your trash, you better dispose it properly." Sydney said.

"Am grateful kid, it's helpful." Said Benjamin, with a tone of sarcasm.

"It's okay you two, we are trying to solve the problem, not throwing words at each other." Ernest said, glaring at his brother.

"Uncle, he was your employee...." Annas started." you could have told me so." 

"Hearing it on the TV is not that bad. son, that's why I am here." said Benjamin.

"To hide from the police?" Annas asked.

"No kid, there is much going on in Merryhaven, they could be another murder. I came here to address some issues with your dad concerning the murder case, and I assure you, am not a murderer, if that is what you are thinking." said Benjamin.

"I didn't say that. those markings are strange, maybe the killer left it as a message for someone, he is passing a threat, and I think you are not safe uncle." said Annas

"Son he will be, the killer must be brought to book." said Juliet.

"Yes we are working on that, the police is now on our side." Benjamin added. Sitting upright, his gaze was focused on the TV.

"Is the police now on your side, I thought you are a suspect, or are you not?" asked Tettes, He seemed lost.

"I can't be a suspect, he is my worker, I can't kill off a worker. But the police will always be police, they are trying to know more, they ask annoying questions some time." Said Benjamin.

The newscaster was no more, the scene changed, portraying journalists struggling to speak with some men that seemed to be Benjamin employees. A young female journalist asked if Benjamin hated any of his workers. 
"That's a silly question, Benjamin is like a friend to us all, he laughs with us all the time. Very jovial, he has no issue with any of us." snapped one of the men, he was taller than all his colleagues.

"Thanks man!" said Benjamin, feeling exonerated.

The news station added more about the life of Benjamin Jacobs, assumptions of the murder and more about his life. He had Past bachelorhood with no wife or child. They warned Merrians (particularly South road folks) to be security conscious.

"Pipsqueak!!, that's what they all are.." ranted Benjamin.

"They've got a knack for gossips." Annas contributed.

"Guess they aren't far from the truth, are they uncle?" Sydney teased. Benjamin sniggered.

"Haven't found one yet, can you help me with one of your ladies, Sydney?" Benjamin threw back.

"Uncle any lead?" Asked Annas, with seriousness. He wondered why his uncle took what should be serious for granted. There was a murder, and it could happen again.

"Yep, for now the police aren't suspecting me like before.. I just have to keep praying to my native gods."

"So bad you aren't a Christian, I guess I and Tettes will just have to put you in prayer." Said Juliet.

"Well the native gods are reliable." said Benjamin.

"Uncle you have political puppets, put them to good use." Sydney advised.

"The president is not one of 'em." said Benjamin. "You worship the native gods Syd, help me beg them." Benjamin teased.

Annas had learnt many things about the situation. The markings in the prison, Kashees summoning, the death of Benjamin's employee, and the markings on the pavement. He had to solve this puzzle. There was something missing, he must patch the holes.
 He had to, he sensed danger lurking, one of these days they would attack. His heart trembled at the thought of it.                         

His bed was comforting, the mat-like bed in the prison lacked this comfort. His cozy bed somehow massaged his ached body. Annas gazed at the ceiling, filled with thoughts. 
 The mutilated body on the TV was too inhuman for his liking, a human shouldn't do that to his fellow human. They were things so deadly in the world, humans could be more fiend than demons, he was discovering.
 The murderer was trying to pass a message across, he knew it wasn't directed to Benjamin alone, the markings made him think so.

Annas felt bad, being welcomed with a bad news on the TV. The whole family discussed at length about the situation.. Ernest warned his sons to be wary about their movement. Annas hated everything about it. He came to his room after the dreadful meeting, and this was where he had been. It was now dusk, he cared less about going out again. 

He somehow wondered how scared he had become. He resolved to letting it go. He would be better the next day, possessing his old self again. All this would be gone with the wind, he reassured himself. He shut his eyes, hoping to have a good night sleep.