The Banshee by Henry P. Gravelle Page A

rope around the neck, you’re telling me that means Isabel Shea is back ripping people apart?”
    â€œIsabel’s spirit is gathering souls, the souls of families and bloodlines reaching into the past, reaching back to her execution.”
    â€œThat young girl and the cop were related to someone that executed the witch?” he said.
    â€œWe all are–the entire town plus some who have moved away, such as you, young man. We are all in great danger. The slayings will be completed by one of Satan’s familiars, a demon at Isabel’s command.”
    Mrs. Toomey’s expression was one of serious danger. Her eyes burned with anxiety, she literally shook. “You must believe me.”
    â€œOkay. I guess I asked for it, so tell me where this grave is and how do I destroy Isabel and this…demon?” He felt obligated for some reason.
    â€œAcross the river from the Oak tree on the field, you must find it and cover the open grave, setting the sacrificed body in it on fire. Isabel’s spirit will leave along with the beast.”
    David stared at her for a moment, contemplating her sanity. “How the hell do you know all this?”
    She pointed to the Deacon’s journal. “It’s all here.”
    David began to think Nancy was correct about Mrs. Toomey’s mind, but somehow her insanity or knowledge of the legend had sparked his imagination and curiosity. He knew he had to find the grave.
    â€œGod be with you,” Mrs. Toomey said, closing the door behind him.
    He went to the car and sat behind the steering wheel, gazing at the house and thinking of what Mrs. Toomey had just told him. He looked to Nancy, still staring angrily straight ahead.
    â€œWould you mind if I took you home? I want to talk to the Chief about this,” he said.
    â€œAre you serious? He’ll laugh in your face, especially when you tell him where you got your hot information.” Nancy shook her head in disbelief.
    David started the car. “Maybe you’re right but I should tell him anyway. I don’t think he has any other leads.”
    â€œHe’s going to lock you up as an insane hysteric,” she said, facing him. “It’s only a story, a legend, a stupid horror tale. Why don’t you drop it?”
    â€œWhy are you so upset?”
    She returned to peering straight ahead. “I’m sorry. I just think you’ll make a fool of yourself and get in trouble digging up graves because an old senile woman tells you it’s the thing to do.”
    â€œLet’s leave it up to the Chief,” David offered. “If he thinks I’m crazy I’ll drop it, okay? I just feel this is a real danger, not some neurotic threat from a senile woman’s imagination.”
    She placed her hand into his hair and shook his head, smiling. “Okay, crazy man, take me home. Will I see you tonight at Kelly’s or will you need bail money?”
    â€œHa, ha, very funny,” he said.

Chapter Fifteen
Discovery

    When David entered the office, Keith was at his desk reading the doctor’s official death reports. He held them up. “Your Uncle’s preliminary reports…ugly business.”
    David nodded in agreement. “Is the Chief around? I’d like a word with him.”
    â€œHe’s at the cemetery attending Cathy Collins’s funeral.” Keith exhaled deeply. “Andy’s is tomorrow.”
    â€œYou and Andy were close?” David asked.
    â€œHe was a good pal, there when you needed him. Wish I could have been there for him.”
    There was an uneasy silence for a moment as Keith reflected over his friendship with Andy. He sighed heavily again. “You can wait for the Chief here if you like?”
    David knew he was pretending to search for a file to hide the tear rolling across his cheek.
    â€œI’ll drive out to the cemetery and see if I can catch him there,” David replied, knowing what he had to say was