Free The Lurking Man by Keith Rommel Page A

Mr. Hagen’s. They grew half as tall and never popped with color like his did. This had somehow created hardships for her family that she didn’t fully comprehend, but she had an idea on how she could fix it.
    â€œLast chance.”
    Maybe he was bluffing and would give up his search, thinking she was long gone.
    â€œThree.”
    Mr. Hagen dropped to his knees and grinned at her. “Get over here,” he said and reached for her. He grabbed her ankles.
    She screamed and kicked and tried to back away, but the brush was too thick and held her in place. Something touched her feet and she looked at the black box that teetered on the tips of her shoes. She was back beneath the circle of light with Sariel lurking somewhere close.
    â€œThose lilies,” she said. “And that man! I want to know what that was about!”
    â€œThe box at your feet. I want you to pick it up and place it on the table beneath the light,” he said.
    She looked at the box but ignored it. “I want to know what I was doing there and why he was after me!”
    â€œPick up the box and place it on the table.”
    She kicked the box away.
    â€œNo! I said I want to know what that was about. I’m tired of doing things your way all the time. I’m not your toy and I deserve some answers!”
    Flung high into the air, Cailean hit the canopy and it had no give. Plunging to the floor face first, an unseen force pressed down on her with tremendous pressure and rendered her immobile. The oxygen was slowly being forced from her lungs and her body sunk into the ground.
    The slush filled her open mouth and she tried to scream out in pain but could only manage a gurgle. Desperate for air, the thick liquid forced its way down her throat and she gasped. She flailed and clawed with every ounce of strength she had, but soon submitted to the might of her attacker.
    â€œDo as you are instructed,” he said. “This is your last chance to follow my direction or I will send you away to experience this for an eternity. Imagine what it will be like for you to always desire a breath and to never get it while constantly being tormented about the missing details of your miserable life.”
    She tried to respond but gurgled again. In an instant the pressure was relieved and the ground released her. She sat up and choked, belched, and vomited what filled her throat. Sucking in a painful lungful of oxygen she was dazed.
    â€œTake the box to the table,” he said.
    She struggled to stand, unsure if she was hurt. When she picked up the box she found that it was light and it slipped out of her wet hands. The tingling sensation had overtaken both arms now and had begun its slow climb into her feet and the back of her calves. When she bent to retrieve the box, she lifted her pant leg and saw the white that had moved up her arms had also begun to bleach the skin on her legs.
    â€œYour health is quickly deteriorating on the other side and your time is running short here.”
    She readjusted her clothes.
    â€œI suggest you move faster,” he said.
    She obeyed with a subtle nod and hurried to place the box on the table.
    â€œYou wouldn’t believe the things people have confessed to me,” he said. “Some beg for a moment of their life back to try and complete the things they feel have been left undone. Others are happy to see me and express their appreciation for relieving their pain. And most of the people are truly angry, lost souls with no chance at redemption. But you?”
    She held her chin up and kept her focus on the sound of his voice.
    â€œYou needed me so badly, and as badly as I wanted you, I just couldn’t take you. It was not yet your time. The sadness in your eyes has stayed with me for so long and I have thought about you often . . .”
    The rattle and the wheeze drew near and surrounded her completely.
    â€œCome closer,” he said. “Step to the edge so I can have a better