A Scaled Tribulation: Redemption Series, #1

Prologue

Jerry Clarkson entered the parking garage as the daylight faded. Usually, the streets of Chicago were well lit around dusk, but the city had been experiencing rolling blackouts for the better part of a week. No one from the power company had been able to find the source of the problem. Jerry clicked on his flashlight as the last bit of light ebbed into darkness and began making his way towards the roof access.

As he ventured to the staircase, he caught the faint scent of cigarette smoke and sulfur. Jerry looked up to see the glowing embers of a cigarette end moving through the darkness. Lifting the flashlight, the beam revealed a man around his mid-40s. He was clean cut and well dressed. The only thing that looked out of place was a tattoo of a goat on the side of his neck. Jerry’s voice quivered as he asked, Who are you?

The stranger took another drag of his cigarette. A wide grin slowly stretched ear to ear as smoke escaped his mouth. The man responded with a smooth baritone voice. I believe, you’ll have plenty of time to figure that out.

Knowing the type of business associates he kept, away from the office, he was not one to trust other freely. Jerry pulled a .357 Magnum Revolver from under his suit coat and lowered it to his side. What do you want?

The man raised the hand holding the cigarette to his face. He scratched his cheek with his thumb. He extended his arm towards Jerry, his index and middle fingers pinching the smoking butt. And now we’ve arrived at the real reason I am here. He took a few steps closer to Jerry. He stood tall portraying total confidence. You’re going to wire all of the money that you’ve been laundering for the last 20 years to numerous accounts of my choosing.

Jerry laughed and raised the gun towards the man. The man lifted an eyebrow and sneered. Jerry fired a few rounds into the stranger. The man paused and, with a furrowed brow, looked down at his shirt. He reached into one of the oozing holes and pulled out a mushroomed bullet. The stranger held his hand in front of his face inspecting the fragment. It’s strange that even the heat of a freshly expended bullet still feels like ice. Crimson drops dripped from his fingers, splattering onto the floor. The man looked from his hand to Jerry, a frown marring his serious face. This was my favorite suit.

Everything in Jerry, froze. It felt as if his heart had stopped beating and he lost the ability to breathe. The stranger carelessly dropped the bullet fragment, then lowered his arm to his side. Jerry’s mouth hung agape in shock. He felt the control of his body slipping, almost like something else was taking over. Through no control if his own, Jerry’s hand raised and pressed the searing barrel to his temple. Let’s weigh your options, shall we?

A bead of sweat rolled down Jerry’s face and spattered onto his collar. You could wire the money from your phone and live a little longer, Jerry’s eyes shifted towards his raised hand, then back to the man.

Or, you could pull the trigger. He felt is index finger tighten on the trigger slightly at the stranger’s words.

Either way, I’ll still have your money before midnight.

Jerry’s voice quivered in fear as he struggled to move his finger against the force controlling him. Alright, alright I’ll transfer the money, just release me and let me lower the gun.

The man grinned. Fair enough. Jerry felt control return to his hand, once again, and placed his gun back into its holster. The Stranger took another drag off of his cigarette. Go ahead then. He pointed at Jerry. Transfer it.

What accounts do I need to transfer the money to?

The man took a slow drag off his cigarette. That information will fill itself in as it is needed.

After a few minutes of typing and working on his phone, Jerry lowered his hands. There, you have your money. Now, who are you?

The stranger grinned. The blood drained from Jerry’s face as he watched the man’s mouth start emitting smoke without taking a drag from the cigarette in his hand. You’ll have that answered soon enough. He said with a smirk. Thank you for doing business with us. We greatly appreciate it. He turned towards the corner and walked a few steps before stopping and turning to the shadows. Make it quick and quiet. He said before walking away with a confident stride and vanishing into thin air.

Jerry suddenly was aware of the strange clicks and raspy breathing coming from the dark void to which the stranger had just spoken.

. Out of the shadows Jerry saw a faint glow appear, which quickly formed into an umbrella like shape. As he watched, the glow grew more defined to the point, he could make out what appeared to him to be lava-colored veins. The creature’s mouth took shape as an orange throaty glow framed with sharp, silhouetted teeth. It’s magma-colored veins shook as a boney rattle petrified Jerry to his core. From the beast’s open maw, a glob of molten goo unexpectedly flew out onto Jerry’s face, covering his mouth and neck. He tried to scream, but nothing came from his melted flesh through the molten slime covering what was once his mouth. His death came within seconds as the skin and bones of his neck melted; separating his head and torso. The mass that was once Jerry’s head fell to the ground and rolled towards the monster. The creature folded the boney flaps back along its neck and stopped the rolling mass of melted flesh with its foot. The beast lowered its head and sniffed the ball of gore underfoot. With an eerie, almost laughing like sound, the creature raised its head and kicked the half liquified skull across the parking garage.

Chapter 1

As the cab pulled up in front of the apartment building, Jess looked over and smiled down at her two children, Justin and Charlie, sitting beside her Daddy and I want you two to behave yourselves while we’re visiting your Grandpa Christophe. Okay?

The boys looked up at her with sweet smiles in response and said in unison, "Okay mommy

She ruffled the hair on the twins’ heads and gave a pert smile. Thank you. Now, let’s head in and see grandpa.

Everyone shuffled out of the cab, Jess and the twins stood on the sidewalk while Adam helped the driver remove their luggage from the trunk. Adam handed the driver money for the fair plus a large tip. Thank you for your patience.

The driver’s face lit up. Thank you for your generosity! He said before quickly walking back around the cab, got in, and drove away.

Adam picked up the bags and walked towards his family. Jess took one of the bags from him to lighten his load. The family walked through the double glass doors into the lobby of the apartment building.

The Lobby attendant, an older man with a kind face, watched as the family entered. Miss Jessica! It’s been quite some time since I had the pleasure to see you. His smile stretched ear to ear with his upper lip covered by a thick, white mustache.

Jess dropped the bags and ran up to embrace the man in a tight, familiar hug. Marco! That it has—it’s been what—ten years? It’s great to see you again.

They released each other and Marco turned to Adam looking at him with a playful critical eye before approaching him. The two shook hands as Marco smiled warmly and said, Adam, you’re definitely looking well. He turned looking at the twins then back at Adam with a playful wink. And, multiplying! Lucky for them, they look like their mother.

Adam laughed. I couldn’t agree more. He motioned to the boy on his left. This is Justin. Then, he motioned to the twin on his right, And this is Charlie.

Two wonderful young men. How old are they?

Adam responded, They are six.

If they turn out to be anything like their parents, then they should grow up to be great men.

Jess blushed. Thank you. They are well behaved and bright for their age.

Bless my soul, they’re already well on their way by the sounds of it.

Jess smiled and placed her hand on Marco’s shoulder. It was good seeing you again, but I’m sure dad is anticipating our arrival.

Marco’s face furrowed before he looked down. Actually, he is not upstairs. He left a message to give you the key to his apartment. There are times he doesn’t return from work for days.

Jess nodded with a disappointed frown. I should have expected as much. He has always been devoted to his work.

Marco nodded knowingly. I’ll get you the key.

Charlie tugged on Adam’s hand. Adam looked down and asked, What is it, buddy?

Are we going to get to see Grandpa? Charlie asked with a worried look.

Soon enough, bud. He’s still at work right now. He looked up at Jess and saw the hurt in her eyes. Let’s head upstairs, so you boys can get to bed. It’s been a long day.

The boys rang out in unison, Okay, Daddy.

As they turned and started towards the elevator Charlie asked, What floor does Grandpa Christophe live on?

With a disappointed, flat voice, Jess said, Grandpa Christophe lives on the 70th floor.

Charlie looked to Justin, both wide eyed. Adam looked at Jess with a worried look. The furrow in her expression eased. You boys will be sleeping in my old room.

Justin looked up at Jess with an open mouth. You used to live with Grandpa?

Adam and Jess laughed. Yes. I wasn’t always this old. I was once your age many years ago.

Charlie asked, How many years ago was that, 50?

Adam pulled Charlie towards him playfully, mock whispering loudly enough for both his sons to hear Careful, Charlie. It’s never a smart idea to joke with a woman about their age. Remember that, it will save you a lot of arguments in the future. okay? Adam finished with a soft chuckle.

Okay, Daddy. I’m sorry, Mommy. Charlie said with a sweet innocent voice.

Jess leaned over and kissed Charlie on the forehead. That’s all right, sweetie. The elevator finally arrived on the 70th floor with a ding. The four stepped off the elevator and turned left. The walls were a sky blue, a hunter green carpet ran the length of the hall, and a huge bay window was at the opposite end. Jess took the lead, guiding the family down the short hallway to the door at the very end. Once arriving at the door, Jess put the key she had been given in the lock and opened the door.  As they stepped through the doorway and into the spacious Penthouse, the boys stood with mouths agape shocked at what they saw.

How big is this place? Charlie asked with a shocked squeak.

It takes up half of the floor. Justin exclaimed at nearly the same moment his brother spoke.

Wow. Can we get a place this big someday? Both boys asked in unison with hope and longing in their eyes.

Jess set the bag down on the floor laughing at their joy and awe. I hope so, sweetie. She escorted the boys to her old room down the short hallway. Here’s where you’ll be sleeping. The bathroom is right across the hall. Adam set the boys’ bag down on the floor. I want you to get changed into your jammies and I’ll put your toothbrushes in the bathroom. Both of you need to brush your teeth before bed.

Justin and Charlie replied in near perfect harmony, Yes, mommy.

Chapter 2

After the boys were in bed and sleeping, Adam and Jess sat down in the living room drinking wine, looking out over the cityscape through the large bay window, and talking. Due to acquiring his ability two years earlier, Adam could handle alcohol better without addiction being an issue. He thought this was mainly due to a heightened metabolism. Granted, he kept it to one drink on a rare occasion when he chose to indulge. He was still haunted by too many memories of what drinking in excess had almost cost him.

Looking over, he saw Jess mid-sip with glistening, wet streaks running down her cheeks. Adam reached over placing his hand on her knee in comfort. Are you okay?

Jess lowered her glass, sniffled, and nodded fighting the sorrow clearly showing on her face Yeah. I just thought that he would have changed by now.

Adam set his drink aside and leaned over putting his arm around her in a comforting gesture. I’m sorry, sweetie. Is there anything I can do to help?

Unknown to them, Christophe had arrived home and eased the key into the lock. He was moving as quietly as possible since he didn’t want to wake anyone, making an effort to make as little noise as possible. His hand gently turned the key and inched the door open. With every stealthy inch the door moved, Jessica’s voice grew louder. He stepped in and shut the door without as much as a whisper. Not wanting to interrupt the conversation he quickly moved into the living room and leaned against the wall to the hallway around the corner.

Jess reached up and placed her hand on Adams. Only this and listening. I wish all those years growing up, that I could have felt important to him. When he could detach himself from his work long enough, he was a great father.

She took another sip of wine, bracing herself to continue airing her feelings to Adam. Scenarios like tonight were all too common for us growing up. His work was always more important. She swirled the wine in her glass and watched the dark wave, temporarily numbing herself of the pain.

Christophe lowered his head listening quietly until Jess began speaking once again.

Granted, I never wanted for anything growing up, save one thing; the love and adoration of my father. She sniffled, wiped another tear from her eye, and then took another sip from her glass.

Christophe’s slight movement shifted him enough that his form stepped into the reflection on the window from the doorway. All I ever wanted was to give you a safe and wonderful life. I’m sorry for my shortcomings. It was never in my intension for you to feel unwanted.

Jess got up startled at the unexpected intrusion and went to her father hugging him tightly. I never felt unwanted; only less important. She pulled away from Christophe’s shoulder. The times you spent with me when you were able to detach from work, when I was the focus of your attention, were some of the best times of my life.

Christophe gently placed his palm on Jess’s cheek. Allow an old man to make amends. I’ll take a four-day weekend to spend every moment with all of you. We can take the boys to the Field Museum and maybe a Blackhawks game.

Jess