Crimson Falls (The Depravity Chronicles) by Joshua Grove

agreement.
    “It’s not like
he hit anything,” Tommy offered. Knowing the insanity had dissipated a bit, the
twins walked back and sat down at the table.
    “That was
totally twisted,” Trevor mumbled. “Is this for real?”
    “It’s for real,”
Tommy said.
    “I’m glad Trish
didn’t see that,” he said. “That would have screwed her up even more than she
already is.”
    Tommy smiled.
“That makes three of us.”
    “True that.”
     
    * * * * * *
    3
     
    Jason Styles
called Dr. Bearson from his cell once he got on the road. A professor of
Anthropology, Jason had not yet had the pleasure of meeting him. All he knew
was that his father was close friends with him and respected him deeply. That
was all Jason needed to know.
    “Hello?” answered
a voice with a heavy accent.
    “Dr. Bearson?”
Jason said.
    “Speaking?”
    “This is Jason
Styles.”
    “Styles,”
Professor Bearson repeated.
    “Yes, sir. You
know my father, Dr. David Styles.”
    “Ah, young
Jason! Well I haven’t seen you since you were just a boy,” he said, laughing.
    “I don’t
recall,” Jason said nervously.
    “Never you mind,
young Jason,” Professor Bearson said. “You were only but a small child.”
    “Professor, I
have something that my father would like you to see.”
    “Jason, please,
call me Anish.”
    “Anish?” he
asked.
    “Yes, Jason. It
is short for my given name, Anishinabek. It means ‘persons on the right path.’
Tell me, what is it your father would like me to see?”
    “Well, it’s some
kind of animal tooth, or claw, or bone that has been made into a weapon. He
thought you might know what it is.”
    “Could you send
me a picture of it?” Anish asked.
    “Sure, let me
pull over and I will take one with my phone.”
    “Ah, the wonders
of modern technology,” Anish laughed. “Send me the picture. I will look at it
and phone you.”
    “Anish?”
    “Yes?”
    “I’m actually in
the car right now because I’m driving to see you.”
    “Oh, I see,” he
said softly. “Your father must be in great need of my assistance.”
    “Yes, sir. He
is.”
    “Forgive me, I
must ask. Why is he not phoning me himself?”
    “Well, there
have been some strange things happening here in Crimson Falls. He is
preoccupied trying to figure it out.”
    “Interesting.
Very interesting.”
    “Well, more a
tragedy than interesting.”
    Silence.
    “I don’t mean to
offend,” Jason offered, embarrassed. “Someone died a horrible death.”
    “And this weapon
your father would like me to see, this was what killed the victim?”
    “Yes, sir.”
    “Here is what
must happen. I trust your father a great deal. Take the picture and send it to
me. Are you familiar with the town of Myersville?”
    “Yes, it’s about
halfway between Crimson Falls and the university.”
    “Right. We can
meet at the McDonald’s off the highway.”
    “Oh, sir, you
don’t have to do that.”
    “Yes, I must.”
    “But why? I am
already on my way. Certainly you could just phone my father?” Jason was
confused.
    “I must meet you
as quickly as possible. There may not be time enough for you to come to the
university.”
    “Why? I am
already on my way to meet you.”
    “Your father
once told me that if he ever sent someone to see me, that I must move without
haste.”
    “Well that’s
awfully cryptic,” Jason complained.
    “It’s not
cryptic at all, my friend.”
    “Oh really?”
    “No, it is quite
simple really.”
    Jason tried not
to sound annoyed. “And the simplicity would be?”
    “I will meet
you, then follow you back to Crimson Falls.”
    “Then why send
the picture?” Jason asked.
    “Full of many
questions, young man,” Anish laughed.
    “Sorry,” Jason
said in earnest.
    Anish was silent
for a moment. When he spoke again, his voice seemed deeper and resonated
through the phone.
    “I need the
picture so I know what tools to bring with me.” Anish hung up the phone. Jason
continued his drive and began to look forward to