Episode 13.0: Grave Mistake, 13.1: AnTE UP

MANNDROID: EDWARD MANN aka dEaDMANN

One month! One month Edward Mann had resided in Peter Cowles grave. You would think a person, be he alive or not would go stir crazy after that much down time. As an android there was no fatigue, no discomfort, no weakness of any kind. An entire library of books from internet collecting kept him busy, movies quite easily swiped from nearby cable channels. Ever the studious one Eddie did not just read mystery novels. Now that he had become aware of astral projection and vampires actually existing, he made his rounds reading and storing knowledge on lore as a backup if ever required.

His in-depth examinations even broke into the Vatican library to decipher ancient texts. Thank goodness they kept things on digital record even if with a hundred firewalls around the information. When you’re a highly evolved android with time on your hands breaking those firewalls down was not so terribly hard. Within three weeks alone he had absorbed over sixty thousand tomes thought long destroyed. Books on sorcery, alchemy, demonology, the dead. It blew his human mind.

“With all of that in my data banks I can call on a few things to use in case the Rumm Brothers or any Wolf Clans become a problem. I’ve even sorted through a few Vatican volumes that could lead me to some remarkable finds if need be. Ha! Edward Mann, Archaeologist! Maybe I should shock Victoria like she wanted and alter my appearance to Harrison Ford in his Indiana Jones days, right down to the fedora and bullwhip.” Having a good laugh Ed ended things with a sigh. “No. Maybe I should just lie low like King Tut for thousands of years and step out like a God reborn. What do you think Pete? Should I sleep my afterlife away and rise from the bed?”

“You’re going to get lonely and bored Ed.” The voice of Peter Cowles spoke for his onboard computer. As ordered by Ed the computer adopted undercover informant Cowle’s persona. Considering Ed swapped bodies to be buried instead of Peter he did his best to make it up to the man. His ashes residing inside of Edward kept his memory alive. Oddly enough, Ed found a strange comfort keeping Pete close. Perhaps by doing so Pete’s soul was still in here with him.

“Have you been monitoring Victoria to make certain nothing has happened to her?”

“Am I detecting an emotional connection?”

“What? How can I have any emotional connection? I’m deceased.”

“Only your human body is deceased Ed. This android can do everything your old body could and more. You gave up too easily.”

“I haven’t given up. I’m just taking a much-needed vacation. My buried here in Willow Sighs Cemetery amongst thousands of others hides me from OASIIS.”

“OASIIS cannot begin to look for you unless they have a miracle. That Pinch Hitter nerve agent will prevent any and all entry into the base for a minimum of two years. Then and only then should you worry. Not only that but this unit is quite capable of dealing with anything they send after it. Finding us alone will be nearly impossible.”

“They found these alien androids in of all places Antarctica. If they can do that under two miles of ice, they can do anything. Which begs to question how is it the androids were deceased for us to even figure out how to bypass them to reverse engineer and add things the originals did not have.”

“Were they; we dead? Have you ever thought that maybe we were in deep hibernation?”

“I do recall a day we considered that. It wasn’t easy cracking the code your original engineers had installed. I’m pretty certain that none of you were designed for how the Army wanted you to be. Assassin androids seemed too dark. Advanced science involved I think you guys were simply astronauts sent here when travel for the creators was limited. By now they are either long dead or have figured out how to get here safely across billions of light years.”

“This unit has no recollection of its creator. Nor of any exploration protocol. Centuries on ice has likely taken tolls on us. As invincible as our bodies are, our brains were shut down. Perhaps our makers gave up on us. You are now our makers.”

“I do feel badly for tinkering where we probably should not have. If there is anything of your prior existence still in me here, please know I want to be your friend.”

“Acknowledged, Buddy! If we were a threat your mind would have been purged.”

“Do you think that maybe the makers installed their minds inside you like we managed? It makes sense to do that. Even NASA has considered AI to be our next step in the astronaut program so that the survival rate ups the ante. For those long trips to the stars that we know humans cannot physically achieve.”

“Perhaps if that is the case, they wished to die.”

“That would explain you fellas being lifeless. Maybe your crippled ship was the final straw. What I don’t get is if you are all invincible you could have just walked away before getting pinned in by ice. I mean I could survive in Antarctica, couldn’t I?”

“Yes! Our bodies can adapt and alter core temperatures. You make a very good point Ed.”

“We can figure this all out over the next century or five. In all honesty I would love to know the makers or if they still exist.”

“Changing the subject! Victoria is fine. She has a seance to perform this evening.”

“Here at Willow Sighs?”

“No! Her parlor on Gypsy Road.”

“She actually lives at an address named Gypsy Road?”

“No. That is what she refers to it as. She resides at 3327 Mysterion Cross Road. The home is said to have been built on a site of mystical energy. Much like Stonehenge and many other runic sites across the world.”

“Tell me about Victoria. I’ve been avoiding digging too deeply out of respect, but...”

“You like her.”

“She seems nice.”

“Real nice! Not that she can’t be wicked too. A modern gypsy in appearance. I’ve accessed many videos of her wearing leather.”

“Wait! Is she a witch?”

“No, just a seer with talents like the astral projection. That which this unit can see without effort. Human eyes could never see what we androids can.”

“Which explains how I was able to see her hovering over me down here.”

“Yes! She and Peter Cowles were close.”

“I want to know what Pete was into if he was undercover for the N.O. mad unit here in the Big Easy.”

“A long string of murder sacrifices have been enacted in the last three years.”

“The Rumm Brothers, maybe?”

“No. They feed and move on. Very seldom are the bodies that they feast upon get left to be found. Their followers usually eat them.”

“Bones and all?”

“Ground to powder and used in rituals. Even Victoria has used such to ward off demons. The outer circle is not always salt. Spirit guards!”

“Wow! That’s morbid but nifty. But now that you mention it I do recall that Tome of Protection book in the Vatican Archives. Wait a minute! I also remember the name Charmais in the book.”

“An ancient ancestor of Victoria.”

“Does she know of the book?”

“Doubtful! It has been in the Vatican’s possession since 70 AD. One of the first Pope’s hid it away. I imagine only the church knows of its existence now.”

“Until us, now that we’ve invaded their catalogue. If I should ever ask Victoria out on a proper date it would give us something to talk about.”

“She will be as ancient as that tome if you continue to hide out down here. Hold! Another visitor comes.”

“Groundskeeper?”

“No. Peter Cowles sister Caitlin. She grieves!”

“Poor kid! What do we know about Caitlin?”

“Two years younger than Peter. Close growing up until he left home after their father vanished without a trace. The disappearance of Ivan Cowles sent their mother to a home for the clinically insane. She resides in Havenloft Asylum, a ward of the state it seems. Caitlin refuses to visit her or pay for her stay. To know more we might have to speak with her. It appears she too lives off of the state, her own emotions unbalanced. Peter tried to take care of her but became too entangled in investigating for the N.O.mad Network with Luther Poe and on the side Detective Marisol Lyte. The ritual killings case has yet to be solved.”

“I’m thinking Pete got too close to the killer or killers. How exactly did Pete die? What did his autopsy say?”

“Snake venom. Multiple bites! Rattlesnakes! With as many bites as he had it was likely from a pit.”

“Or a church. There are certain denominations that use rattlesnakes as part of their sermons.”

“Interesting theory. Your curiosity shows that you need to get out of this coffin and help solve it. Worry less about OASIIS and more about your own sanity Ed.”

“Probably so. Let’s read Caitlin here first.” Peering up through six feet of topsoil Edward Mann noted a short thin woman with ginger blonde hair that hid much of her face in the morning breeze. Leaving a small bouquet of large daisies, she wept and curled up on the grass next to the grave. “She is at such a loss. If I do rise up out of this hellhole, I’ll need a new identity. I can’t just show up as Peter Cowles or I’ll draw too much attention to myself.”

“Tom Cruise?”

“Come on Pete, we can’t do that either. I hate signing autographs. We need a face that’s fresh and friendly yet imposing when needed. Definitely not my old self. I don’t want to hear That Will Do Pig ever again.” In his old life Edward resembled actor James Cromwell.

“Babe what can I do?” Pete the computer played the band Styx version of Babe.

“Now that I can live with. Tommy Shaw and the boys always did cheer me up.”

“Except that Styx refers to the river leading to the land of the dead.”

“Well, I did die. I just avoided tossing a coin at the Ferryman. That or this body is the Ferryman.” As if rubbing it in Pete played the song Don’t Pay the Ferryman by Chris de Burge. “You’re on a roll today, Pete. Ever since I told you to adopt Cowle’s persona, I think you must have dug deeper and found his preferences.”

“It pays to learn about the person you become. You wanting to learn more about this unit inspired me to do much the same. Pete was also a musician on Bourbon Street. Guitar! He ran with a band called Youdoo for a year until they kicked him out. Reason unknown! I collected that bit of info from police files.”

“Nice! Caitlin doesn’t think much. All she does is cry.” Telepathy probing the frail woman of 25 he could certainly feel for her loss. “Oh, crap! She’s pondering suicide. This is not good Pete. She has a razorblade in her fingers. I ... CAITLIN STOP!” His mental outburst was heard inside her head. Pausing over her wrist Caitlin bulged her eyes and sat up at the voice of someone. Looking around she saw no one in sight. Thinking herself crazy she sobbed and considered a second attempt at slicing her wrist. “I SAID KNOCK IT OFF!” A voice of reason this time Pete’s voice was used.

“Oh, God! I’m going crazy like mom. Now I’m hearing Peter’s voice.”

“That’s because you are hearing me, Sis.” Pete the computer utilized things that Pete had often said through videos and the like growing up that was also in police files. Luther Poe kept literally everything he could find on Pete that was not in Caitlin’s possession. “My spirit is always with you. Never give up on me Cait.”

“How is this possible?”

“Listen to me! Stop this suicide as any solution and get your head on straight. I need you to help solve my murder.”

“So, it wasn’t an accident.”

“No! The only thing is I’m not clear as to my killer or killers. I have a mission for you.”

“Tell me! You know I’ll do whatever I can.” Big green eyes were drying with sincerity. “Tell me!”

“Go to 3327 Mysterion Cross Road. Tell the woman who lives there I sent you. She will believe you. Her name is Victoria Charmais. Victoria will be at home tonight she has a seance to perform. Crash that and I’ll be there for you. You must trust me Cait.”

“You know I do. I’ll go home and change and go straight there. Wait! Seance? She’s a psychic?”

“Gypsy seer! Yes! I was friends with her.”

“Peter! Your old band mate Sean came to see me. He tried to rape me last night, but my neighbor ran him off. Why did he do that?”

“I don’t know. I’m sorry you had to endure that. One thing at a time. If he shows up again call Sergeant Luther Poe at the police department and have him set Sean straight. Press charges if he tries anything again.”

“I will. I miss you.”

“Go visit mom. Give her my love.”

“She doesn’t even know you died. The doctors told me it would push her deeper into whatever hell she’s dealing with. I didn’t, couldn’t tell her even if they allowed it.”

“All we can do is be patient. I’m limited to what I can do from my end. Advice is all I have.”

“As crazy as this is ... I believe you. In you! Even unto death.”

“That’s good! I won’t let you down Sis. Be careful! Bury that razorblade in my grave.”

“Okay!” She went to her knees then used the blade to dig a very shallow hole in his plot, Once buried she smiled and sat back. “That was therapeutic.”

“That is the closest thing to your own funeral Cait! Don’t you ever again consider that bullshit.”

“I won’t! Peter? How are you able to speak to me?”

“I’ll tell you more tonight. Go get cleaned up. You have mascara all over yourself.”

“Three-day old mascara at that. I can’t sleep these days. I always feel like someone is watching me. I thought maybe Sean but now I know it must be you. Maybe now I can relax more. Is it you that watches over me?” Silence! “Peter?”

“I’m here! No, it was not me. I will keep watch from here on out. Go on home.”

“Oh! I can’t afford my rent. I’m being evicted. I haven’t been able to find work since you died. I feel like such a loser. My emotions push people away when I go for interviews.”

“I’ll find a way to take care of you. Baby steps, Cait. Go and I’ll meet you at Victoria’s tonight.”

“Should I tell her that you’re coming?”

“If she’s a true seer she already knows.”

“Right! How do you know her again?”

“Long story! We can discuss this tonight. Eat something, you’re getting too thin.”

“With what money? I had to walk here and that’s like four miles. I didn’t have bus fare.” To her shock the flower bouquet she had placed by his headstone levitated thanks to Edward’s android abilities and tickled her nose with the petals. That brought her spirits up.

“Take these flowers over to that little old man across the way.” Sure enough, while they were interacting a feeble old man showed up to pull weeds around a headstone and looked as if talking to someone himself. Monitoring movement in a 300-yard radius Edward zoomed in on the man for a facial recognition as well as a telepathic consultation. “Tell Albert the flowers are a gift for Sarah. That’s his granddaughter, she died from leukemia three years ago. Mention your long walk and I’m willing to bet he gives you a ride.” Mental suggestion!

“I’ll need to look up that address for Victoria. I hope it’s not too far I hate walking at night. Especially after Sean. Maybe I’ll ask Shiloh if he can give me a ride on his motorcycle. That’s my new neighbor who rescued me from Sean.”

“How much do you know about this Shiloh?”

“Only his name really. A tag on his mailbox told me that. Shiloh Young is his full name. He’s mixed, I think. Black and Hispanic maybe. He has golden corn rolls in his hair. Cute, actually! I might consider dating if I were stable enough to risk getting to know him. I hear his motorcycle when he leaves and comes home. He works late night, always home by 8:00 AM. When Sean attacked me, Shiloh was just leaving for work. He literally threw Sean down a flight of stairs. Thankfully, he wasn’t hurt. Sean bolted out like his life depended on it. Shiloh apologized for his roughness and made certain I was okay. Only my shirt was ripped, but I wasn’t wearing a bra so Shiloh ... saw me. He looked away so that shows that he’s not a bad person, right?”

“Time will tell, I guess. You better go chat with Albert.”

“Okay! I love you.”

“Love you more!” Admitting that was hard to say but it was needed under her current state of mind. “See you tonight.”

“Bye for now. I ... hope you never leave me again.”

“I can’t promise that. Only God knows where I’ll end up.”

“I’ll pray for you.”

“Same!” With that heartfelt moment Caitlin Cowles composed herself and walked across the cemetery to meet Albert Elder. Coming up behind him she worried she might scare him until he reacted with a tilted gaze.

“Good morning, Young Lady.”

“Hi! I noticed you didn’t bring flowers. I had a few extra if you want to leave them for ... Sarah.” She made it look as if she read her inscription. Delicately she stepped to his side and knelt to offer the daisies. “She was so young.” Pointing at her birth and death dates.

“My great, great granddaughter. Yes, she was only eight years old. So full of life until the very end. I held her hand as she passed on.”

“Tragic but sweet. I’m Caitlin.”

“Albert! Thank you for your kind gesture. The groundskeepers always seem to miss the weeds growing up around her stone. I come out here to ... cut her hair.” He chuckled! “Just like her she grew like a weed. Even under chemo. Who did you lose?”

“My big brother. Snakebites they say.” Hearing that seemed to stress Albert. “I have no idea how he got those. He never left the city. At least that I know of. They found his body in an alleyway.”

“Poor guy! I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Thanks! It was nice meeting you Albert. I have a really long walk ahead of me. Next time I visit Peter, I’ll stop by and say hello to Sarah.”

“I appreciate that, Caitlin. Hold up, I’ll give you a ride. It’s the least I can do for your generosity.”

“Oh, ok! Thank you, I appreciate that. My emotions of late have really taken a toll on me. I can’t work, I’m ... well, that’s me rambling. I guess...”

“Say no more. I understand. We all have our demons and doubts. Sweetness will be rewarded. God is good! You know, my caregiver just quit, if you would like a part-time job. It doesn’t pay much but you’ve already shown me your worth.”

“Wow! That’s ... I am going to say yes.” She warmly smiled and assisted Albert in rising. Feeble but a pistol he clapped his hands together.

“Perfect! Saves me putting out feelers. When can you start? It’s just me, my wife passed away ten years ago. Only me and my mutt Cletus. Walking him would be part of your job. I can’t get around like I used to. Just the walk from the parking area to Sarah is a struggle.” Cane in hand he hobbled a bit as they walked along. “You just made my day, Young Lady.”

“That makes two of us.”

Behind Albert’s back she blew a kiss toward Peter’s grave.

Maybe life was worth living after all.

“Albert checks out.” Peter told Edward. “Retired minister. What’s interesting though is he used to be what humans term a holy roller in the Baptist church, using snakes.”

“No wonder he tensed up when Caitlin mentioned how Pete died.”

“His caregiver did quit as he said. Four days ago.”

“I picked up on his honesty. This will be good for Caitlin.”

“Are we finally leaving this casket? You mentioned meeting her at Victoria’s home tonight.”

“Yeah, let’s wait until dark and break out of this bitch. We don’t need anyone thinking I’m a zombie.”

“All too real!”

“So, I’ve read. New Orleans is the haunting capital of the South. My gut ... Peter’s gut ... is telling me we’re going to deal with it all before we move on. I say we help solve Pete’s murder and crack the case he was helping out on. What do we know about Sean?”

“Sean Boudreaux! Sax player for Peter Cowles old band Youdoo. African American age 28. Drug addiction ruined his reputation. Youdoo broke up two years back after Peter left. He’s pretty much homeless. Camera footage has shown him sleeping in an abandoned factory. Dozens of others camp out there as well. Until we speak to him, we will know nothing more.”

“Add that to our to do list. Let’s visit Vic tonight and get Caitlin on the right track. We can’t keep playing ghost toward her forever. This has to be short term. What about Shiloh Young?”

“Shiloh Young! Born in Haiti, moved to the United States with his parents at age 5. Parents own a restaurant called CrawSpace, a play on the term Crawlspace.”

“Crawdad soup! Wish I had a taste for it. Seafood and I do not agree. Shellfish would have killed me.”

“You are no longer ruled by allergies Ed.”

“True! I don’t require food though.”

“This unit provides taste and enjoyment should you care to get back into the groove. Enjoy life Ed! Not many humans get second chances like you. Waste will be converted to energy in our power cells.”