Just Another Left handed Sagittarian with M.S.
The Lady in the Rug
KoJaba – “The Art of Black Magic Where Evil Sometimes Favors
Those of Pure Heart, Spirit and Soul”
The last time I saw Erin was in 1970 at the pit, which is where we gathered after dinner for a smoke. We attended a private high school in upper state New York. The pit was located adjacent to a large dorm/administration building and situated in the woods. It was a great gathering place for us to just to have a cigarette after dinner and talk without teachers bothering us.
In 1985 Erin left us, as all the others had – destination unknown but they all have definitely departed from the world, as we know it!
I think I should start at the beginning. Erin was born in 1950 in the town of Deerfield, Massachusetts where his family had lived since 1800’s after moving to America from Scotland. Donald and Francis Williston Campbell settled into a home at the base of Deerfield Mountain around 1930 where they had a spectacular view of the surrounding area. Donald was a comities broker for onions and was living a middle class life style. Erin was the only child and enjoyed the benefits that came along with it. Both Donald and Francis had a tendency to somewhat spoil the child. He was a good-looking boy taking after his father. Erin attended Deerfield Elementary School, so beginning the start of his academic undertakings.
The living room comprised of high back chairs, couches, tables, a large area rug dominated the room purchased by his mother at a tag sale shortly after moving into their home, fireplace, photo’s of the family which made it a very comfortable room to reside in. Erin’s favorite chair was a high back chair, which was situated off in a corner by the side entry door. Erin would come home from school and sit in his chair, reading, doing his home work and all those other things that elementary school kids do, gazing into the horizon and spacing out. There were not many children in the neighborhood for Erin to hang out with.
Erin’s first crush was on Priscilla who was a classmate of his and quite cute. Brown hair, blue eyes and a personality to die for, popular, smart and a real gem in his opinion. Erin wrote his first note to her and put it on her desk, but nothing ever evolved from it. Not sure if he forgot to sign it or not.
Erin’s relationship with his parents was average, closer to his mother than his father. Donald was a hardworking man trying to provide for his family and was doing a grand job at it. Erin would think of Priscilla once and a while but she and her family had moved, so Erin had thought and lost all contact with her.
Erin came home from school Thursday afternoon got a snack and proceeded to sit in his favorite chair. While working on his homework, Erin reflected on his day at school and why bullies were bothering him and a few of his other classmates. Erin was average size for his age, a gentle personality not bothering anyone. Just tending to his schoolwork along with his close-knit circle of friends. There was Bill who was the intellectual type tall with a slim build assuming that he was the key to all knowledge, good loyal friend. Carol was a great friend average looks and build, a terrific personality and a caring individual pretty much minding her own business. The friendship that developed between the three of them was unique as was the interest within one another. They would look out for each other and stand up as needed because of their friendship. Occasionally they would hang out after school and walk home with each other, but because of the distance, they would walk home separately most of the time. However, alas, the bullies would always find a way to try to torment them. John Jakes and Billy McCord were the bullies at school and after school. Both of them, I believe lacked self-confidence and intellect. They were not very big or good looking but defiant and had nasty personalities. Erin figured that it was these qualities that made them intimidating to be around. They were annoying, persistent, mean and verbally cruel and probably would be around for a long time following all of us from elementary to high school. Like a nat or mosquito that would be persistent and not go away!
Seventh grade was going to be ending in a couple of weeks and it would be summertime with a well-deserved break. This particular day Erin, Carol and Billy were walking home together when unexpected, who should appear but John Jakes and Billy McCord. Both started to bother Billy for no apparent reason except to show the world how stupid they were. Well a fight broke out and Billy was getting the brunt of it. For some reason Erin had enough and stepped in to help Billy. It was a good attempt until John Jakes landed an uppercut to Erin and sent him to the ground, Billy did not fair any better and landed on the ground. At that time, a teacher was passing by, noticed the disturbance, and broke it up. Mr. Spencer demanded that all students including Carol report to the principle’s office the next morning. The allowing day all parties reported to the principle’s office and got their detentions for the next three days. Well the school year ended and summertime had begun. We were waiting for the beginning of ninth grade!
High school would be a new frontier and the beginning of a new realm of their lives. “KoJaba” was a word that appeared in Erin’s dreams since early child hood and he had no idea of what it meant but it would always appear. Erin never mentioned it to his parents and or friends but felt that it had a hidden meaning of unknown origin. He kept it to himself but would often try to find the meaning behind it; looking it up in the library and other reference guides, but to no avail could not find any reference to it.
Erin always felt safe from an early age thru high school sitting in “that high back chair” whether it was because it surrounded his body and made him feel safe or that he has always sat in it and never was bothered by others “Erin’s safe haven”.
Erin and Carol developed a special relationship. They were suited for each other, the summer took on a new meaning for the both of them, and yes, Billy was still number three.
Detective Sam Driscoll knocked at the front door of Erin’s house and wanted to talk to his parents. Erin called upstairs for his mother to come down and talk to the detective. Detective Sam Driscoll asked his mother and Erin if they had any awareness or involvement of persons that were missing, in particular Pricilla who was a classmate of Erin’s and that of John Jakes and Billy McCord. It appears that nobody has heard from them for weeks and they are assumed missing. The detective mentioned the scuffold they had and wanted to know of any possible involvement in the matter and that of Priscilla and her family. It appears that they all have just vanished from the face of the earth. Erin and his mother assured the detective that if they knew of any information regarding the matter that they would inform the detective. Detective Sam Driscoll had interviewed all the students as well as the faculty, but came up with no leads in the case. Detective Sam Driscoll would interview Erin’s father at a latter time since he was not present. Donald Campbell was about the last person that the Detective had to interview.
Sam had been on the force for about 25 years. He was a good detective and through, but a suspicious man. Donald Campbell indirectly knew all of the missing persons thru Erin and the schools that he had attended. Sam needed to solve this mystery and for now pointed the suspicion toward Donald whether right or wrong. Sam had a tendency to have premature judgments in his crime fighting methods and had been written up a few times. Nonetheless, for now his suspicion was on Donald Campbell.
Donald Campbell met Sam Driscoll at the police station Friday evening to answer any questions that he might have. Well, after about two hours and Sam making a complete ass of himself, Donald left the station clear of everything. Foiled again Detective Sam Driscoll, but he will solve this case as he thought to himself and stared into his living room mirror!
Erin would sit in his high back chair as usual, but this particular Sunday after coming home from seeing Carol, he was starring intensely for whatever reason at the border of the rug when he saw her. Beautiful eyes, nose and a wide deep lips, mouth, long chin and dimples staring right at him. He had never noticed her before but how could he not. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen becoming totally mesmerized by her beauty. Gazing at her for a long period and not knowing what to make of it, Erin went to bed.
That night, Erin kept seeing the word KoJaba in his dreams and still not knowing what it meant, but had a hunch that it could be related to the Lady in the Rug. Donald Campbell vanished the next week for no apparent reason. The marriage between Donald and Francis was in good standing with no visible problems as far as Erin could see.Francsis was very devastated as she loved Donald very much. Erin had no idea why his father had left. He was saddened by the thought that his father, whom he loved very much decided to leave. Francis called Detective Sam Driscoll the next morning and explain to him that Donald was missing. This reconfirmed Sam’s suspicions that Donald was involved in the case of the missing people.
Donald vanished as all the others had. A smile came over the face of the Detective.
Erin spent the summer reflecting on his father’s disappearance, consoling his mother and spending a lot of time with Carol.
School was to start the following week. Starting ninth grade in high school was a new beginning. A new school, new friends and a girl friend that Erin was falling in heavy like with.
Erin met up with his friends and started the New Year at Frontier Regional High School a much larger school than the one he finished last year. Erin was able to walk to school since it was closer and no need to take the school bus. Ninth grade turned out very interesting for Erin. He excelled in his studies and had joined the soccer team. Erin’s relationship with Carol was going great and he could not be happier.
Erin figured that his father had good reasons for leaving and not just a spur of the moment thought. His mother was adjusting and still believed that Donald would be coming back at some time, but he did not.
Life was going on as usual. A field trip was coming up in October and Bean Town was the destination. Erin had never been to Boston nor had Carol. Their first trip together and looking forward to it. They arrived in Boston about ten am and set for a wonderful day. While they were walking down Commonwealth Avenue, Erin noticed a side street that looked quite intriguing. Small shops and scenic sights. Both he and Carol decided to depart from the crowd and venture down the street. Carol felt that she might get into to much trouble and decided to head back to join the school crowd. Erin continued down the street after seeing that Carol joined back up with the school gang safely.
As Erin ventured further down the street, he was amazed to see a flashing sign with the words written on it “Zeta the Fortune Teller” automatically the word KoJaba came to mind. Erin hesitatingly walked into the shop to see if he could find out the meaning of this word and what it truly meant, a phrase that he had been seeing his whole life. As Erin entered the shop, a mysterious looking woman greeted him. She was dressed in Gypsy clothing and looking the part as one would see in a TV script. Erin wanted to avoid small talk, so he looked directly at her and said in a loud firm voice KoJaba. The Fortune Teller did not say a word but the expression on her face showed signs of fear, fear only fear.
Erin said that he has been seeing this phrase since early child hood and needed to know the true meaning. You have been cursed and blessed! I have never heard that word from a living human other than that of folklore from ancient times.
Zeta looked at Erin and said in a trembling voice KoJaba – The Art of Black Magic Where Evil Sometimes Favors Those of Pure Heart, Spirit and Soul. Erin puzzled and surprised by her response decided to leave. At that point, confusion and intrigue came about Erin. As he was leaving the shop Zeta looked at Erin and told him to proceed with extreme caution for dire consequences could come about for him and the people he loved.
He turned his thoughts back, although difficult, to Carol and the school outing. They arrived back at Deerfield later that evening. Zeta and Erin would have one more encounter and that would be the last. Zeta was very concerned about the welfare of Erin so she contacted a close associate of hers and had him follow Erin back to where he resided. Knowing his address Zeta made a trip to Erin’s home and knocked at the door. Erin answered and was very surprised to see her. Zeta told him of the danger that he would most likely encounter in a very convincing manner. They both looked at the rug and agreed that the image was there but did not mean anything other than a likeness of a beautiful woman’s picture on a rug.
Zeta tried to explain what the meaning of KoJaba was in further detail but to no avail Erin was not buying it as though he had been given an altered personality and asked her to leave. Zeta looked perplexed and did not quite understand the sudden change in his attitude. She left Erin’s house more confused than when she arrived.
A few weeks had passed and Detective Driscoll was still working on the case. He did not share any information regarding the disappearances with any other officers. A solo investigation. Sam’s case and his case alone! He sent out questionnaires to a few other police stations to see if there were any other similar cases of people just disappearing without any trace for no apparent reason. He got a reply from Boston about a fortuneteller who has not shown up at her shop for quite some time and nobody has heard from nor seen her. Sam took a trip to Boston to further investigate the case.
Upon arriving at the fortune teller’s shop Sam was greeted by Zeta’s friend and told Sam all that had happened during their visit to Erin’s and aftermath. Sam was allowed to see the video of that day’s happenings and recognized Erin. Sam smiled and further realized that there truly was a connection linking Donald and Erin Campbell to the case of the missing people. Not that he had any proof since there were no bodies, evidence or anything that would hold up in a court of law and point guilt towards Donald or Erin.
Sam drove back to Deerfield where he eagerly wanted to talk to Erin and gather more information prior to pointing any quilt or accusations towards him. Sam was on the top of the world and ready to try to solve the cases of the missing people that had been plaguing him for some time. Pricilla was the first, John Jakes and Billy McCord the second and third, Donald Campbell the fourth, Zeta the fifth and hopefully that would be the end of it.
Sam was heading to Erin’s house when another car broadsided him. Sam’s car rolled over and crashed. Ambulances, fire department and police were at the scene. Detective Sam Driscoll was alive but unconscious. They rushed him to the hospital where he lapsed into a coma.
Erin came home from school and proceeded to sit in his favorite chair and look down upon the Lady in the Rug not knowing how real the situation was or about to become! Erin was tired and fell into a deep sleep. The Lady in the Rug spoke to Erin as he slept; “I have been with you since birth, looking over you protecting you caring for you and loving you as my child. I will protect you, watch you grow into a fine adult, all I ask in return is that you be loyal, and true to me for you have no other choice at this time or the sequences will be unearthly. I will defend you against those who would harm, mistreat you. I am your eternal protector and guardian, this is your destiny and you will have to believe that the blessings are given to you from me! My name is Loren as it has been thru the ages and will be for eternity as it has been written”.
Do not worry about of the missing people for they were all out to harm you. No evidence, bodies, nothing pointing to you. Erin awoke a few hours later puzzled by the dream or was it a dream? He looked down at the Rug and said to Loren in a frightened voice who are you?
Carol came by later that night and Erin greeted her with a big hug and kiss. He wanted to tell Carol of his dream and the Lady in the Rug but figured that she would just consider him a psychopathic individual in need of consulting, so Erin would keep all references of Loren to himself for now.
Francis greeted Carol and fixed the three of them some dinner. Since Donald’s disappearance, Francis would function fairly well, but she started drinking a bit of sherry regularly. It bothered Erin seeing his mother being lonely and eventually she started dating a gentleman from a neighboring town of Hatfield.
Donald left Erin and his mother in a good financial state and for the time money was not a problem. Erin walked Carol home for the evening and agreed that they as usual would meet at school the next day.
Erin started wondering if he could actually have been involved in the disappearances, but had no recall of any of the circumstances surrounding the events.
Ninth grade was ending and another school year behind him. Erin, Billy and Carol ended the year with a small party at Erin’s house. Another fun filled summer about to begin. Erin got a summer job at the local lumberyard and enjoyed the people he was working with. Carol started working at a local restaurant and Billy at the newspaper as a novas reporter. Life settled in for the three of them.
No more vanishings for the past two years, Zeta was the last and Detective Sam Driscoll was still in a coma. As far as the Lady in the Rug, Erin would still sit in his favorite high back chair and talk to Loren every day. She was just as beautiful as the first time that he saw her. Their bond had developed as did their karma grow and grow.
Erin’s mother developed a relationship with Thomas Hawthorne and he evidentially moved in. The relationship was a bit akward for Erin and his mother but a possible workable situation.
The start of tenth grade and a year closer to graduating from high school. Loren never was able to tell Erin where she had come from but that it was only in the best interest of and for Erin.
Tenth grade started and proved to be another exciting year. Erin and Carol grew closer and closer; one could say they were falling in love. Erin never discussed his feeling he had for Carol with Loren, I think he might have been too frightened too. He never mentioned the Lady in the Rug to Carol, kept that aspect of his life separate from her and the rest of the world. Only Zeta was aware of it, but chances were that Erin would never see Zeta again even though he was unaware that she had vanished as the other had.
Loren and Erin would gaze into each other’s eyes proving that the both of them had a deep trust/love for one another.
Francis and Thomas set up home and both started drinking to much, which bothered Erin greatly.
Erin never mentioned Loren to his mother although he often confided in her with his personal matters, as she was after all his mother. Erin felt that it would be best to keep Francis and Thomas out of the loop. Certain people should be kept out of the circle of who knows what for their best interest thought Erin and those included Carol, Francis, Thomas, Billy and Detective Sam Driscoll if he ever comes out of the coma and all others that might not understand the relationship that had developed between Erin and Loren. Erin often thought that he was developing a schizophrenic personality, becoming a serial killer or just another innocent victim regarding the events that have been surrounding his life lately. He had no conscience awareness of the vanishing people but maybe it was hidden within his subconscious and that he was somewhat responsible for the situation. Best to keep everything to himself for now!
Tenth grade was ending and life was wonderful. Co- captain of the soccer team, good grades, somewhat popular and falling in love with Carol and Loren. Erin noticed that Thomas was getting more and more aggressive with Francis due to his drinking. Francis put up with it but Erin was getting disgusted with the situation.
One evening Erin was sitting in his chair, thinking about Thomas Hawthorne, and wondering what he could do to resolve it. He must have directed his thoughts towards Loren. The next day Francis greeted her son and asked Erin if he had seen Thomas. Erin responded that he had not seen him since the morning. Francis looked distraught and puzzled. Not again, she thought to herself. Well Thomas vanished, as all the others had, no trace, no messages just vanished. Francis did not call the police since she thought that Erin could be somehow involved in the vanishing of Thomas.
Carol came by later that day to help Francis cope with the new situation. Thomas might have just gone on a drinking binge and would return shortly as she thought Donald would do. It did not happen. Now it was just Francis and Erin. That was ok with Erin. Francis continued taking care of her son and was sure that he would not leave. Carol became a major factor in the family. Erin and Francis both enjoyed her company.
Erin was sitting in his chair and looking down at Loren, why do I have the feeling that you are somewhat responsible for the disappearance of Thomas and maybe the others! As usual, there was no response from Loren other than what Erin was thinking or imagining and that aspect of their relationship was starting to bother him. Need to put things into perspective Erin; he thought to himself, could be entering into dangerous territory!
The surrounding view from their home was truly a magnificent sight and Erin would spend many hours gazing at the side of this huge mountain. He had made the mountain his focal point to bring him back to reality when he was getting to overwhelmed by school, Francis, Carol, life in general and of course the Lady in the Rug. It worked and he was thankful for such a tranquil distraction existed for him to gather his thoughts.
Billy was working his summer job at Yard Publications Inc. a local newspaper in Deerfield where he was assigned to the archive department. Billy enjoyed his job and the freedom that came along with it having total access to all records. Minimal supervision and the freedom to do what he wanted as long as he completed the daily tasks that were assigned to him.
Billy was familiar with the cases of the vanishing people and very concerned for Erin. Billy remembered the first one, Priscilla and her family who were suppose to move out west somewhere, but once she left school nobody ever heard from her or her family again. Billy searched for the file and retrieved it. No evidence linking them to any foul play, which meant no suspects, no crime or any other mention that criminal behavior, could be attributed to the case. Listed as missing persons. Billy knew that Erin had a crush on Prissila because he would talk to him about her and knew that he had left a romantic note and placed it on her desk or did he? That was the only link but all the students knew Priscilla.
He pondered for a moment and realized he was trying to find unknown parameters that could associate a possible suspect to the possible crime, which might not even have existed. The only fact was that Priscilla continued to ignore Erin and never responded to him which hurt Erin’s feelings and crushed his pride. Erin never talked of that situation again nor mentioned Priscilla’s name. We all gave him credit for trying and no one has heard from them since, strange circumstances thought Billy! Then he reflected on the “bullies” John Jakes and Billy McCord who went missing the same as Priscilla and her family. Strange events for a small town! File closed no evidence of foul play or any criminal intent that could be proven. Billy further thought about these two cases, both so similar in the circumstances it was frightening. No evidence to bring about any criminal charges, no suspects! Both could not have just vanished without a trace, no criminal could be that good as to leave no evidence behind. He made no connection to Erin and or any other friends/ residents of Deerfield that he knew of.
Erin would occasionally think of Detective Sam Driscoll and wondering how he was doing. Sam was in a hospital about an hour away from Deerfield. Erin had visited him three times feeling that the detective prior to his accident had a good idea as to the events surrounding the cases of the vanishing people and had an interest in Donald and Erin Campbell for whatever reasons that he had. When thinking about it, Erin would become anxious not knowing what the detective actually knew! Sam would lay lifeless in his hospital bed, motionless and being kept alive by support systems.
Erin would gaze into his face and only see occasional mouth movement as if he was trying to say something but it had to be from his subconscious because of the coma. Wanting to know what the words were Erin paid special attention on his last visit, leaning over his face Erin could not be sure but he was positive the word was “KoJaba”. Erin almost fainted at hearing this word for he has never heard it from another person other than Zeta and she has now vanished as the other’s had. Erin left the hospital and that was the last time for a while Erin saw Detective Sam Driscoll.
Billy was finishing his working day, putting away the loose files, and doing a grand job. His thoughts were still on Priscilla and the bullies, nether of them deserved what they got, but who am I to judge? As Billy was leaving the office, he ran into Mr. Stephen Connors who had been a long time reporter at the newspaper. Billy mentioned the cases off the vanishing people and wanted to know why no criminal investigation had taken place? The reporter explained there was no concrete evidence to date, no suspects and that the Detective who was involved in the cases got into an automobile accident and lapsed into a coma. No further investigations have since been conducted. Billy figured that he would further investigate on Monday when he returned to work.
Since it was still early Billy decided to go and visit Erin and bother him about the case of the vanishing people who included his father Donald Campbell and Thomas Hawthorne both who disappeared from his home. Billy was surprised as to the number of vanishing people that had piled up with no formal investigation and Erin having close ties with the majority of them! Strange thought Billy but that was about to change!
Billy knocked at Erin’s door and was greeted by Francis. After a little chit chat Francis brought Billy into the living room where Erin was seated in his favorite chair staring at the rug.
Francis had come a long ways since the disappearance of Donald and Thomas. Erin missed his father but figured that at some point he would return home. Erin had found some letters from Aunt Jenny whom Erin figured that his father might have run off with. Thomas Hawthorne was no big loss to Erin.
Francis had stopped drinking her sherry and got more involved in the community of Deerfield doing charity work and developing a new circle of friendships. Started going to church and living once again. Erin was proud of his mother.
Billy joined Erin in the living room and took a seat across the room in the other high back chain. So what is up Erin asked Billy? Had a great day at work said Billy? Got access to old files of missing/vanishing people. You should be familiar with them. Remember Priscilla the one that you had a crush on? Then there was John Jakes and Billy McCord. I miss seeing your father around and you must miss him greatly! Thomas Hawthorne just seemed to have passed by for you and your mother, no loss as I am sure that you would agree with me?
You could see Erin’s facial features tightening up as Billy was still tuned into his investigative mode. Not a proper way to greet your best friend with all of these assumptions, as if Billy was making accusations that were directed towards Erin. Erin glanced back at Loren and for the first time noticed that her eyes were both glowing deep amber as to indicate that she was extremely pissed off. Erin sensed that the Lady in the Rug had just reached her limit.
He had no comments for Billy and said that he would like to go outside seeing that the evening was still young. They went outside and gazed at the mountainside, Erin explaining to Billy that the mountain was a good focal point to get away from life’s complexities. Billy looked and was strangely concerned for Erin seeing that they were the best of friends.
Dust was approaching and Billy said goodnight to Erin and started on his way home. Billy’s mother called Erin Saturday morning and asked if he had spent the night. Erin replied that he had left his house around dust and had headed home. Billy’s mother said that he never arrived and was quite worried about him. She called the police and reported that her son had not come home, as he should have. The police said for her to call his friends and acquaintances to see if any of them had seen him.
By Sunday night, no one had heard from Billy and his mother was frantic with concern that he had vanished as so many others had in Deerfield. Erin, upon hearing this news was dumbfounded and not quite sure as how to respond. He sat in his high back chair, looked down at Loren and asked what she had done to Billy? After seeing those glowing amber eyes and knowing that Loren was quite angry. Erin did not know what to think! His best friend was with him the night before, left his house to go home and never arrived.
Erin called Carol and asked if she had seen Billy and explained the situation to her. Carol came by later that day. His best friend missing and that was not like Billy to just leave without telling or informing anyone. Something was truly wrong. Carol agreed with Erin. What did Loren have to do with his best friend’s disappearance?
Still not mentioning any reference to the Lady in the Rug to anyone and keeping it within himself. For the first time Erin was frightened and not quite sure as what to do! He recalled the words of Loren, no evidence, bodies or any other association of quilt that could be traced to Erin or the Lady in the Rug since no one was aware of her existence other than Erin for now!
Erin tried to relax started paying attention to Carol for the first since she arrived. Carol could see the wavering concern in his face and was frightened for him.
Billy never showed up to work that Monday. His mother contacted the newspaper and explained the vanishing of her son Billy, thus starting one of the largest criminal investigations in the history of Deerfield. Yard Publications went full steam ahead into the investigation. The newspaper assigned Mr. Stephen Connors to head the initial investigation. He was somewhat familiar with all the cases of the missing people that occurred over the years. Stephen was a good seasoned reporter and the newspaper respected his judgment.
He reviewed the existing police journals, newspaper articles and any other related information concerning the cases. However, the fact was as the Lady in the Rug relayed to Erin no bodies, no traces of individual vanishings, no evidence, no associations that pointed to quilt. There was not anything to investigate other than pure speculation and intuition that a good reported had developed over the years. Further investigating did not open any other new leads. Mr. Stephen Connors interviewed friends and acquaintances of Priscilla and her family, John Jakes and Billy McCord family and associates, Erin’s girlfriend Carol and hear family, Francis Campbell and Erin Campbell, acquaintances of Zeta the Fortune Teller, was not able to locate any friends or family of Thomas Hawthorne. No leads, nothing. If in fact it was a criminal case or cases the evidence was well covered better than any he had seen before.
The police ran into the same situation and so once again, the case of the missing/vanishing people was put on hold – no bodies, evidence no case as Mr. Stephen Connors found out. People were just missing without a trace!!
Daily paper Monday June 25, 1968: NOTE: DUE TO LACK OF EVIDENCE, NO SUSPECTS, NO WITNESSES, THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND YARD PUBLICATIONS ARE PUTTING ALL FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS ON HOLD!!WE WILL CONTINUE WITH DUE DILLIGANCE TO INFORMALLY CONTINUE THIS INVESTIGATION _ ALL PUBLIC ASSISTANCE WOULD BE APPRECIOATED. FOR THOSE WHO ARE MISSING, DISAPPEARED or VANISHED OUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH THEM.
Respectfully;
Deerfield Police Department
Yard Publications
Erin was relieved when he saw the publicized notice.
Tenth grade was ending and he was surely ready for that! Carol stopped by later that day. Both Carol and Erin reflected on what could have happened to Billy who was one of their closest friends. Vanishing into the blue was very hard to conceive the realty of. Billy had never hurt anyone but they could not accept the fact that he had vanished as all the others had.
Carol had a somewhat distant look in her eyes and that bothered Erin. He did not know if she felt that Erin, her boyfriend of many years whom she thought she knew, was somehow involved. He did know all the missing people starting back with Priscilla!
Their relationship for the first time seemed that it was developing into a new dimension. Erin had never mentioned Loren to her and was to keep it that way. She would not understand the special relationship that they had developed, no one would!
Erin walked Carol home for the evening to make sure that she did arrive where she was suppose too. Erin returned home and immediately sat in his favorite high back chair. He looked at Loren the Lady in the Rug and sensed that all this turmoil had started when he first noticed her, actually earlier from the disappearance of Priscilla.
What has happened, am I involved, they were my friends, family and now I am not sure what to do! What would I be guilty of, as Loren said there are no bodies, evidence and the police had called off their investigation? Well Erin, go on as usual and life will continue as you know it. Your destiny had been set at birth and I have been with you since. Watching you, guarding you, loving you, protecting you and watching out for your mother Francis and Carol. O yes, I know your feeling for her Erin. Has anyone accused you of ill doing? Detective Sam Driscoll has been out of the picture for some time and that was no doing of mine, but I must say it only has helped us out.
You are tired and you should get some rest for school tomorrow, the end of another year is at hand! Erin met Carol at school the next day and the talk was that of Billy and the others missing people.
June came about and tenth grade was done with. Another summer without having Billy around would be difficult. The only problem that Erin had with Billy was indirectly he was accusing Erin of ill doing regarding the vanishing people. Who was he to judge me?
Summer was boring and Erin continued his job at the same lumberyard. Carol continued working at the same restaurant. Their relationship was good. No mention of the vanishing people for everyone knew that it was a constant thought with most of people in Deerfield!
Eleventh grade started without a fanfare, just the start of a hopefully normal year for Erin, Carol and all the other students, they deserved it.
The dreams were starting to get to Erin; the Lady in the Rug would appear nightly, images of all the missing people would appear. Erin felt that he was losing it and needed some help. However, who could he trust and not have them look at him as being being guilty. The only confidant would be Loren, the Lady in the Rug whom he has probably trusted since birth or his mother but she would not understand. Should he just trust his own instincts as he has all along?
Francis and Erin were doing well together and looking after each other. Both of them had been through a lot with the vanishing of both Donald and Thomas. Erin felt that he needed a temporary change in his life and discussed this issue with his mother.
Francis had been regularly attending the local Episcol Church and was quite friendly the minister Reverend David Evans. She explained their situation to David Evans about Erin getting away for his senior year. The Reverend mentioned a private school in upper state of New York located in an area referred to the Valley of the Owls.
About half way through his junior year Erin and his mother visited the school and made all the arrangements for Erin to attend the school for his senior year.
Eleventh grade continued, Erin and Carol were still close as ever but no mentioned of The Lady in the Rug to Carol as of yet. Erin was excited to go away for his senior year, new surrounding, friends, away from the Lady in the Rug, not that he would miss her, but be able to put his life back into perspective, which he direly needed!
Erin would spend most of his time in his high back chair reflecting on the past years with Loren his true confidant, whether she was good or evil which Erin was not sure of either way. On thing Erin knew was that through the years his mind and sanity was held together due to his relationship with the Lady in the Rug. Could I be involved in the vanishings of all those people? Have I developed split personalities and not aware of it? Did I harm those people for whatever reasons and not be aware of it! Am I that good that I could cover up a number of murders and leave no evidence and or clues behind? I am no mastermind so I would say NO to that. Maybe they just left the area but that has a low probability factor! Does the Lady in the Rug, Loren have any involvement, after all her eyes glowed a bright amber color when Billy was making accusations towards me! No bodies, no evidence and or no connection towards Loren or me!
Carol came by later that night and Erin explained to her that he would be going away to a private boarding school in New York for his senior year. He needed to get away from Deerfield for a while. Carol understood and knew that the two of them had a solid relationship full of trust and commitment as it had been for many years!
Nothing much happened for the remainder of the year except for one more vanishing of a co-worker of Carol’s at the restaurant. Carol confided in me that he would come on to her irregardless of telling him that she was committed to Erin. She thought that it had stopped and it did, he vanished! End of problem…
Detective Sam Driscoll came out of his coma and regained consciences to a limited degree. His immediately wanted to be updated regarding the cases of the vanishing people. The police department said that the cases have been put on hold due to lack of any evidence or bodies. Sam looked distraught and puzzled. It’s was Sam’s case, his case alone and he would reopen it whether the department agreed with him or not!
He gathered all the evidence since his coma, analyzed it and went full steam ahead not knowing what the outcome would be.
Eleventh grade had ended, the summer ended and Erin started his senior year. It was hard for Erin to say goodbye to Carol and the Lady in the Rug but he knew it was for the best. He would be returning home for vacations, spring, fall breaks, it was only about 2hours away from home.
Francis was doing well and Erin kept in contact with her since she was getting up there in years. Even though Sam Driscoll kept a close tab on Erin, he was advised by the police department not to harass him or Sam would suffer the conquences of his actions as directed by the chief of police. Sam did not bother Erin but put all his memories on paper to document the case if there should be a breakthrough and police department reopened it in an official manner.
Erin was as usual a good student at his new school and enjoyed being there. He adapted well, made good friends studied hard and found that getting away from Deerfield for a while had been an excellent choice.
Erin reflected back to a conversation that he had with Loren concerning Carol and the restaurant that she was working at. The conversation centered on the guy that was bothering her. No other mention of it or detail was given to anyone else other than Loren and Erin. He vanished the following day. This situation caused great concern to me! Two possibilities; I am somewhat involved or Loren the Lady in the Rug is responsible, but how could that be possible? Erin then remembered the phrase that he had heard all his life and the true meaning of it KoJaba – “The Art of Black Magic Where Evil Sometimes Favors Those of Pure Heart, Spirit and Soul”. Loren had done nothing other than protect Erin from those who would harm him as Loren believed. Maybe she did, but at what cost? This new revelation sent Erin into depression. No bodies, no evidence and no connection to Erin or Loren.
Erin continued enjoying his new home at the boarding school. Tranquil setting and a great place to finish his senior year prior to starting college. Erin never went to college. Francis became ill and Erin moved back home after graduation to take care of her. After all, she was his mother! Francis passed on the following year. She was buried in the family cemetery in Deerfield.
Erin moved back to his home, which was left to him. Carol moved in and they both tried to rekindle the relationship that they once had.
Erin missed seeing Loren so they spent a lot of time together reflecting on everything from his early childhood thru high school graduation. Erin enjoyed that. Never a mention to Carol regarding the Lady in the Rug. Erin’s senior year was the most peaceful year he had had in his academic career.
Turmoil had begun so many years prior when Priscilla was the first to vanish and that was the start of it all. Nothing even remotely similar to events that had happened in elementary and high school had happened his senior year and that was a blessing as Erin saw it.
Those early years seemed like a continuance of a constant dream/nightmare that was not going to end until his death! Erin was still being haunted by nightmares from the first vanishings and all the following ones as though he was guilty of the crimes.
Carol and Erin talked of marriage, Erin did propose to her, and the wedding bells were set in place...
Detective Sam Driscoll has entered the picture once again. Sam knocked at the door and Carol welcomed him to her home. Sam had met Carol once before and greeted her in a friendly manner being the gentleman that he was. Erin met them in the living room and sat in his usual high back chain. They greeted one another but you could sense the tension between the two.
I have updated myself with the events of the past and present vanishings Sam said directing all his energy toward Erin. I do not know how, but you are most likely responsible for all the missing people directly or indirectly in my opinion. Sam stated in a very causational tone. Erin responded by asking what proof the Detective had if any because the Deerfield Police department had none! Erin never really liked Sam Driscoll and that was obvious while the two of them were interacting.
Carol sat across from Erin and Sam trying to sort out this encounter. Let me give you my capsule version of the events if I may asked Sam? Priscilla was the first and she rejected you. Hurt feelings that made you very angry, sad, feelings of rejection and being your first crush, a truly sad first encounter and not having the self esteem to live up to your rejection you decided to eliminate the problem! I do not know what capabilities you were armed with and how the crime unfolded, but you were lucky enough to cover up all your tracks. What I don’t understand is how you were able to eliminate Priscilla’s parents without leaving any evidence? However, I do know you are guilty one way or another.
Erin looked back at Sam in the eyes and smiled. The bullies were the next John Jakes and Billy McCord, from my research they verbally harassed and bullied you with great joy just because it was easy to do so! They were larger, stronger than you, so that has puzzled me and how you accomplished that one? My thoughts were that you enlisted your father Donald to assist you because of the implied verbal sexual harassment that had occurred and he did help you! My oh my oh my Erin your web has been spun and you are about to be caught in it.
Carol at this point was looking completely baffled and not quite sure what to think. Erin was looking rather pissed off which was a facial expression that Carol had never seen before. Erin would occasionally glance down at the floor and wait for a reaction from the Lady in the Rug where he sensed that the anger was beginning to escalate.
Then there was your father and could that had been because you knew he was having an affair with Aunt Jenny, an old acquaintance of his. Poor Francis what should she do now? Well I guess you solved that problem. Yes, Erin you are guilty, you know it and I know it you sick bastard for having done what you did!
Don’t you agree Carol? There was no response! I saw the video tape at Zeta the Fortune Teller’s shop and that was very enlightening which places you in direct contact with her. Then there was Thomas Hawthorne who was involved with your mother. I believe that you did not have a very good opinion of him, right Erin? He also vanished under the same circumstances as the others! Therefore, can you look at me now and tell me that you are not involved! Should I continue?
Erin looked at the detective in complete astonishment and stated that there are no bodies, evidence, no connection and nothing tying me to any of the vanishings! Well Sam Driscoll where do we go from here? If you want to arrest me, then go ahead or otherwise get the hell out of my house. At that point The Lady in the Rug eyes transformed into glowing bright amber. For the first time Carol and Detective Sam Driscoll both witnessed it. Carol left the room and Sam looked speechless!
Erin not sure as what to say or do went outside to regain his composure. Detective Sam Driscoll left Erin’s house, stopped in the side yard and told Erin that the matter is far from being resolved! Carol was livid over the accusations and those amber eyes if in fact she actually saw them! No mention of the eyes was ever brought again from either Carol and or Sam.
Erin called the police department to file a complaint against Detective Sam Driscoll for harassment regarding the cases of the vanishing people. Sam was immediately reprimanded for his actions and was suspended from his duties as a detective for an undisclosed amount of time. Sam turned in his badge and revolver, as was departamental procedure. It is not over Erin, Sam thought to himself. One way or another I will make sure you are held accountable for all those missing people!
After those events, Carol was not quite sure what to think! She thought it would be in the best interest of both parties that she moves back with her parents. She tried to talk to Erin and put things into perspective regarding the vanishing people and Erin’s involvement if any. Erin had no response at this time only to say it is what it is, formulate your own opinion Carol, you know me and do you honestly think that I would be capable of doing what Sam is accusing me of?
Erin looked totally perplexed and angry. Am I quilty? Am I a deranged psychopathic predator as Detective Sam Driscoll thinks and I don’t even know it? Erin sat in his chair and looked at the Lady in the Rug smiled and asked what did the missing people do to deserve this? At this point, Erin was not sure who he actually was! Erin and Carol separated for the time being hoping to save their relationship.
Years had passed without any more vanishings, which was a relief to Erin. After all, those who could have harmed him are no longer around. I believe that the Lady in the Rug made sure of that!
Erin became quite a recluse and there were no further incidences. He would continue to sit in his chair and focus on Loren hoping to get the answers he so desperately needed to maintain his sanity. Even though Carol had left Erin, she stilled loved him but it would be impossible for them to resume their relationship in light of the circumstances that had recently developed. Erin’s love for Carol prevented her from getting harmed, not quite sure how or why, but that is the way it remained. Both safe within Erin’s small confined world.
Sam Driscoll stayed out of the picture for a while but was always haunted by these unsolved cases and was intent upon solving them even if it was to be his last bit of detective work!
Erin had a hard time coping with all past, present and future events that had unfolded in his lifetime and it was weighing heavily upon him! His conversations with Loren had eased off since they had pretty much discussed it all before! No new enlightments, no new anything, no Carol and he missed her tremendously, no life other than staring at the Lady in the Rug which was about to end? The haunting of the vanishing people still disturbed him on a nightly basis in his dreams. The dreams would not go away, Detective Sam Driscoll would not go away, The Lady in the Rug would not go away but he had lost Carol the only person that had mattered!
Erin got together with Carol Sunday afternoon for what was to be their last encounter, they had a delightful visit, one full of joy and laughter. Erin departed and told Carol that he loved her and always would.
He arrived home and sent Detective Sam Driscoll a message “meet me at The Valley of the Owls on October 31, 1985 at DAWN” and I will give you a present you so well deserve Sam Driscoll. I do think that you will appreciate it. Sam received the message and was puzzled! Not sure, what to expect, Sam thought, but maybe it would resolve the matter that had been plaguing him for many years. What was Erin up to? Was Sam going to be the next victim on the list of the missing people, I do not think so!
October 31, 1985 Erin arrived at his destination in the wee hours of the morning. He had all that he needed in a backpack and the remnant of the rug showing the image of Loren.
The Lady in the Rug whom Erin fell in love with the first time he saw her so long ago. Sam stayed at a local hotel in Bennington, Vermont. Their encounter was to be at the private school behind the Administration Building at the “pit” which was were students gathered for a smoke. Sam made inquiries as to where the pit was prior to arriving so that he would not fall into possible trap set by Erin. He arrived at dawn.
Where is Erin? Sam further looked around and in the direction of an old large oak tree. The light was just beginning to appear and the limp body of Erin hanging from the tree.
Around his waist was the remnant showing the image of the Lady in the Rug. Bewildered, Sam was speechless never thinking that Erin could be capable of such an act. A note was attached to his body saying that he was sorry for all that had happened. Stating that he was innocent of any ill will that was directed towards the missing people.
Sam, look into the eyes of the Lady in the Rug and you will receive your present that I promised you. Sam walked closer to Erin where he could see the Lady in the Rug’s eyes and stared directly into them. Instantly Sam was put into a trance. The bright amber glowing eyes were focused directly at Sam Driscoll. There appeared to be lighting bolts shooting from Loren’s eyes and directed right at Sam’s forehead. Before the second lighting bolt hit The Lady in the Rug spoke: Erin was innocent of all evil, it was I who protected him from those who would do him harm! I was, I am the guilty one Detective Sam Driscoll! Erin was not strong enough to go on. I was with him since birth and now I shall be within your mind, spirit and soul until your death Detective Sam Driscoll. So LET’S HAVE SOME FUN!!! The second lightening bolt made direct contact to Sam’s forehead causing his knees to buckle where he collapsed to the ground in an unconscious state. The image of Loren, The Lady in Rug, which was hanging on around Erin’s waste, vanished. Erin was laid to rest several days later next to his mother in Deerfield.
The End
Just Another Left Handed Sagittarian With M.S
All Contributions / Donations can be sent to your local Multiple Sclerosis Chapter
**** All Rights Reserved. James W. Horne. August 6, 2009. ****
