Swarmers: An Apocalyptic Thriller by Doon R.V

Author:Doon, R.V. [Doon, R.V.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: BRY Publishing
Published: 2013-04-25T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 23

Wilbur

“Dessert,” Veena sang out after she returned from greeting trick-or-treaters at the end of the driveway with Lee and Cookie. They had dressed as witches and made kids bob for apples from a black cauldron. The women returned in a good mood.

Wilbur got up from the desk where he studied, and Rose came downstairs to join them.

Cookie cut the orange cake, and Veena poured coffee. Everyone sat at a massive dining table under a huge chandelier and ate holiday cake. Wilbur avoided staining the tablecloth with his dainty mug of coffee. The cloth was jade green, with vivid red and pink roses in needlepoint. The house staff dined on fine china and good silver. According to Miss Cookie, it was a crime not to use it. Cookie made the ritzy mansion feel like their home.

Rose asked Wilbur, “You have class Friday?”

He yawned. “Uh-huh.”

“You study all the time,” Rose said.

“What else is he going to do?” Lee butted in. “No girlfriends, no partying, and no fun.”

“Let him get a degree and watch the ladies fall all over him,” Rose said.

Lee frowned at Rose and then sipped her coffee with her pinky cocked up.

Wilbur loved Lee’s little idiosyncrasies. Like the way she sucked in her cheeks while reading, or how she sang off key in falsetto, and the way she tapped the poison symbol ring on her left hand whenever she felt vulnerable.

“Hope you’re right, Rose,” he said. “Some nights I could use a lifeline.”

Lee coughed into her fist.

Miss Cookie smiled. She had stumbled across his x-rated poetry about Lee’s luscious mouth. Cookie thought he should give the poems to Lee, and Wilbur was glad he never did. His phone rang and he answered.

“Mr. Jenkins? J-Bone told me about your interview.”

“Sorry?”

“I’m Bev Cain. The estate hired my husband as a PI to look into what happened in Alabama. He’s missing too. If you’re looking for answers, maybe I can help.”

“Why didn’t you tell J-Bone?”

She laughed. “To believe, one would have to spend time with Miss Harwood. Am I wrong?”

“No.”

She gave directions. “It’s now or never. I’m leaving in the morning for a warmer climate.”

Wilbur didn’t hesitate. “Give me fifteen minutes.”

“Going somewhere?” Lee asked.

“Meeting a new friend.”

Wilbur left the table, collected his laptop, and went to the Saturn. How could so many people go missing? Grandmother Pearl had always said, Let Alabama be the very last place you visit. She was born there in a town called Mentone. He wondered how far Cloudland was from her birthplace. Grandmother Pearl also said, Can’t go wrong following your heart, Burr.

“Wait up,” Lee called out from the porch.

He walked back to her.

“Why so icy?” She came down the steps and met him halfway.

“I asked for a lifeline and you’re a ghost.”

Her eyes flashed and she pushed both hands into his chest. “You’re just jealous because I’m going to a party. I can’t spend every minute in Hell House like you. But I’ve got your back. Hunchback put the Bible on the dumbwaiter. House staff denied it.

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