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The Moon Watchers secrets and mystery
Moon Watchers
As I sit I feel an overwhelming calm, is this a happy place? I’m not sure. It was once, before the shadows took over. Before the impending darkness and murky gloom. Before the Moon Watchers took over. Are they a cult? They certainly have a following, all standing in the field holding hands. My mum always told me to trust that voice in my head, my gut instinct. Today it was telling me very loudly to run!
I need peace in life, sanity to rest. I don’t need the invasion of these people into my space.
Growing up in a quiet Texan town I have few friends. The only friend I trusted was Billie, and now I’m watching her join in with the chanting. Something feels very wrong here, I know, that inner voice tells me so and it’s often right. A group of people chanting in a field, staring at the moon. I just want my tree back, my place.
Picking up my lantern I couldn’t watch them any longer. They arrived random nights to stand in their circle. I came here often with my thoughts and to be truly alone. It was a few weeks later that things took a dark turn and I found myself needing to really know what they were actually about.
Missing
It was a normal Wednesday, breathing in the cold morning air, my head was racing with its usual barrage of thoughts. Things that I need to do today, things I should have done yesterday. As I started to feel a vibration on my wrist I knew my phone was ringing. Now trying to listen despite the traffic around me, I heard my mums voice and I stopped walking.
“Billie is missing”
Changing my walking route I headed straight for the police station and asked for the person who was working on her case. Very soon a short, prim lady with glasses appeared. I told her about the Moon Watchers and to please investigate them. She hadn’t heard of them, so I tried to answer her questions and told her my feelings, that something just isn’t right.
Detective Sandie Alison
Having never heard of the Moon Watchers Sandie was intrigued , checking on the Internet for them she needed to know more. A few hours later she was sat in a hall listening to a man talking about a God who must be praised. Wow was he really believing in a man in the moon? Surely there was more to this. Why stand in a field and chant? It was later drinking tea that I overheard people talking. Billie was not the first ‘Moon Watcher’ to go missing.
I thought of my list of missing persons, were they all on it? I then heard that Billie had been wanting to leave , but the leader had made her stay.
The leader
James enjoyed the following he had, he also fiercely believed in his God and those that wanted to leave angered him. Should they be sacrificed? No, but they certainly should be punished.
With a following of fifty people and growing, he was pleased with his work and what he had established. He was aware of followers going missing, but they were not his problem, if they didn’t turn up to their meetings that was their look out, the Gods would sort them out.
Climatologist – Ian Gray
Staring at his computer he was shocked at what he was seeing. Weather patterns are generally predictable and make sense, but this just didn’t. He was looking at a field where four times a week the temperature exceeded 20 degrees in the early evening. How when during the day it was only 10 degrees? On other nights there were minus temperatures, unusual for this time of year. Looking at the days on his screen, he knew he had to visit the field.
Watching
Back sitting in my tree, I see a man approach. I had noted the Detective with the Moon Watchers, I’m guessing working undercover. This was a first though, company while I’m trying to sort out my thoughts. No thoughts being sorted tonight.
Seeing the opportunity for answers the man introduced himself. I was grateful that this cult was now being investigated but was not expecting this man’s conclusions. Having never stood in the chanting circle I had never experienced the heat. I told him about Billie and pointed out the Detective. Ian said he would follow this up with her later but he strongly expected supernatural activity.
“What like a man in the moon?”
“No but the leader is harnessing something and generating heat with the chanting. Never go into this field at night, I fear it could be dangerous. Your friend might be in a whole different place. It could be that the leader is unaware of the heat energy he is creating, or maybe whoever he believes they are chanting to is angry when it’s silent so creates the ice cold atmosphere.
I felt actual pain in my stomach, like I had been hit by a truck, if this was true and Billie had been swept to a different place, how would I see my friend again?
The Pub
Sat in the Dog and Duck, Ian explained his theories with Detective Alison and myself, we somehow needed to stop James and his followers from chanting. Then follow the climate graphs for a few weeks. Asking another officer to go in and break up the cult, James reluctantly knew he had to stop or be arrested,
Billie
Wondering if James and his theories were legitimate, she had decided to visit the field alone. If the teaching was true then this field was special. The evening had been warm but approaching the chanting place she was shivering. She was usually sweating. Sitting down she closed her eyes and then she felt it. Something pulling her and sucking her in to somewhere. Opening her eyes she saw others and now daylight. She had no way to go back and then recognised a lady staring straight at her.
“Billie there is no way back, unless the Moon Watchers stop chanting, we are stuck here.
“So there is a God?”
“There is something, but I don’t know why it needs us here”.
It was weeks later when the lady, Lucy, nudged Billie, pointed and said,
“Home”
A window had appeared and I could see the field. Gratefully I took Lucy’s hand and we stepped through it. A gathering stood there, there were quite a few of us that had been missing.
Conclusions
Sat in my tree as I did most nights, I saw Billie appear with another lady. Ian had advised that the temperatures in the field was now consistent. The generated energy was no more. I couldn’t truly understand where she had been but I was pleased to see my friend back, shouting loudly I was excited to see her turn around and run towards me.
“Jo it’s you, you in your tree, I don’t know where I was, but I’m back”. We hugged and danced and cried.
A little later I explained about the Moon Watchers and the heat and Climatologist Ian Grey. Billie knew that she had to meet him and Detective Alison. They had helped her home, but so many unanswered questions about James and his cult and whether he knew what he was doing. Also where had Billie and the others been? We could only debate it but I know I’m never entering that field again. Entity or no entity, I’m happy relaxing with my thoughts in my tree and that’s as far as I will go.
Written for Written for Write the story on Writers Unite!
For more see The empty school classroom
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Wonderful beautiful Copenhagen
Wonderful Copenhagen
As I sit here, the words of Danny Kaye fill my head, ‘Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen’ I originally heard this on a video with Hans Christian Anderson. This is my first visit to Denmark and Copenhagen certainly does not disappoint. I look at Christine next to me and know that she is feeling the same. Her smile as she stares ahead at the beautiful landscape, the city is like something you will see on a picture postcard.
The boats on the Copenhagen canal sway on the water as the tourist’s clamber on board to enjoy the local sites. The distinct smells of the city and sounds of people busy about their day. If it hadn’t been for the fact that adventure is my job, I might not have noticed the boat that was sat across from us loading boxes. What was in the boxes? Other boats were all about tourism, this one had two strange looking men, who kept looking around them. Should I ignore them, or do I look further?
Distraction
I want to enjoy the beauty and relax, but these men had my attention. I want food but the prices made me wince. The smell of cinnamon from the table next to me made my mouth water, should I?
As Christine cut into my thoughts the decision was made, a walk to the park and grab a famous red hot dog was her plan. I looked at the men, still loading the boat, what was going on? Watching her get up I knew I was not going to win, plus I am hungry, I hope the hot dog stand is cheaper than the small café.
As I push out my chair I hear a very loud cry. The men are no longer shifting boxes and are rapidly untying their boat as some people are running, screaming towards them. Should I do something now? Looking at Christine I can see her disapproving frown, once a detective, always a detective even when I am supposed to be relaxing on holiday. As the screech of police sirens filled the air, Christine grabbed my arm, dragging me away from the situation. As usual my gut was right something was going on.
A walk
Reluctantly I allowed myself to be dragged away, away from the screams and the cries. However, this was about to get much worse. We had come for peace, Christine needed a break after a bad divorce and me, I needed time out from my stressful job in the police. Trouble seems to follow me around. Maybe those men were smugglers or had stolen money from the restaurants, but now on entering the pretty park is another commotion. A man stood there with a shot gun as a woman is desperately trying to avoid being shot. I hear a voice in my head,
“No Catherine, you are on holiday, you are not a negotiator now, that’s next week, not now.”
Ignoring the voice and ignoring Christine, I know I must do something,
“Chris, phone 112.”
People were stood around panicking; I was the only calm person. Crazy really as I was not wearing a vest and here was a crazy man with a gun. Approaching the man, all I could think of was saving the situation and talking him down.
The Copenhagen port
Jack had been given a job to do, and when he gives his word, he follows through. Being asked by Red to import coke was a major responsibility and Copenhagen with all its boats served as a good a place as any to supply and distribute. Failure is not an option; Red has a fiery temper and is not a man to be messed with. Jack needed the money, with a heavy addiction to the casino and a baby on the way, he had to get the gear out of Copenhagen. Working with an older man, Tim, all muscle, and all fight they were making good time.
Sam had been placed in the park; they needed the time to get the ‘Flying Kipper’ loaded and out of the port. The police appearing had not been part of their plan. Hastily loading the last box and untying the boat Jack and Tim left, they now just needed to get to the other end safely, and they would get their pay day.
The park
Approaching the shooter, I kept calm and talked. The man was resistant at first but then sat down and pushed the woman away. I sat down next to him. He was a young lad, maybe early 20s, and was shaking. Listening to his story I learnt about the drug running and Red, I learnt that he is terrified and had been placed in the park to distract from Jack and Tim at the port loading boxes.
As the police arrived, I found out that the drugs were headed for the border between Germany and Denmark. I had heard of Copenhagen’s famous ‘Pusher Street’. Now I was really learning about it.
Sam disclosed all the information that was needed to catch Red and the dealers. He was offered immunity for his help especially as the local police had been wanting to catch them in action for a while. It also evolved that the woman was in on it and so was not in any danger at all. Sam never had any intention of harming her, he had just done as he was asked, and she had been dragged into the mess with him.
Pusher Street
Famous for its sales of Cannabis, freely being sold on market stalls, I was surprised at the roaring trade happening. Such a pretty City but the authorities seemed to be turning a blind eye to the tourists and locals happily smoking Hashish.
Our holiday had only just begun. So far, I had helped apprehend some drug runners and now was stood surrounded by stoners. It was my turn to drag Christine away. It was now time to sight see, properly. I’m not at work for a week and I want to see this wonderful city.
Pulling Christine’s arm she starts laughing,
“Oh Cath, why so serious”
“You know why. We are going”. Copenhagen here we come.
Note: Pusher Street (Freetown Christiania) was finally closed for good in 2024. It was shut down by the police and locals with the street being physically removed. As for drug smuggling there appear to be many recorded incidences in Copenhagen.
Written for Write the story, on Writers Unite
For more see The cold truth behind the shoes on the line, written for Writers Unite
Note story is written around the prompt photo – for Write the Story.
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The roadside cafe at Christmas
Roadside Cafe
Listening to the familiar spit and crackle of eggs in the large pan, I wondered again whether there was more for me then this grotty roadside café. The familiar pop pop pop of the coffee percolator and the cries from Frank as he ran in and out of the kitchen. Rubbing my hands on my apron I grab my notebook and push my way through the door. Working as a waitress I can confirm that my legs feel like knives stabbing me, a 12-hour shift is never fun. Serving people 24 hours a day I have witnessed many late nights and hard early mornings. Today was not proving any different. 11am on a Monday and I’ve been here since 2am.
The busy hum of customers and dirty tables demanding to be wiped. Watching the snow fall outside I glance around the busy room and notice three small children sat wearing shorts, T-shirts and baseball caps. There is a man with them, sat talking into his phone, wearing a thick heavy brown coat. Is this picture normal? Are these his children? surely they are cold. Walking to their table, the man look up. The children remain silent as he orders coffee, three coca colas and four burgers. Should I be concerned? He was feeding them after all. Maybe all is fine. Serving other customers, I continue to keep an eye on them. Mentioning my concerns to Geoff the cook he told me that I’ve read too many books and there is nothing wrong.
Concerns
They had been there about 30 minutes when I see the girl walk to the toilet, I now follow and pretend to clean around the wash basins. Hearing sobs I know I am right to be concerned. Hearing her pull the lock back she then looks at me, reaches into her pocket, hands me a piece of paper and leaves.
Stunned I now read it. “I saw you look, help! Blue Nissan, bad man.”
Walking out to the car park, I find the car and photograph the registration. Now phoning the police I tell them what has happened and advise them of the car.
In the café they are getting up to leave, how can I stop them? Phoning Geoff I tell him to act quickly we need to delay the man and children. Despite his reservations I was relieved that he acted quickly, bringing out more coffee and cola.
What now?
“More drink before you hit the road? the coffee is bottomless today”, he said kindly.
The man looked at him suspiciously as the children sat back down eyeing the cola greedily. The man grumbled about his schedule, and said they must go. The small girl now protested wanting more drink. Staring Geoff down, the man started to get angry.
“What is this? We are leaving”.
Its now that two police cars arrive in the car park, and the man’s face turns to panic.
“Daisy what did you do?”
“You’re a bad man”
“And you tell too many stories.”
Christmas
Here the story evolves. When you see children not dressed appropriately for the weather, or a child hands you a note, it’s easy to misinterpret the situation. The man had been on the phone to the children’s mum, his partner. Daisy was the eldest and didn’t like him. She just wanted daddy which was a whole other story.
Dean had decided to take the children Christmas shopping. He wanted to buy their mum a present. Knowing that the eldest, Daisy, didn’t trust him he had bought them a burger.
Getting them to dress for the weather hadn’t worked and they had left their coats in the car. Making an effort to get to know the children he knew that Daisy was difficult but did not expect to be speaking to the police today. After checking his story, they spoke with me. I hadn’t wasted their time as next time it might not es innocent, and no I was right not to approach him.
Watching them leave, I thought of my own life. This man was trying to do a nice thing and bring his partner a happy Christmas. I will be here; we are open every day of the year. My children will be with my mum. Christmas will just be another day. I sat and realised that we need decorations, we need a proper Christmas menu and maybe we could sell some exclusive café Christmas gifts. Christmas is for giving and sharing. I give and share my time; we need to make our café a warm and welcoming place for our travellers. Unsure what Geoff would say, I now retrieved my notebook and returned to work.
Shopping
Dean walked the children into the busy shopping centre. Daisy reached for his hand having thought about what she had done.
“Sorry, but you’re not daddy”
“No love but I’m trying to care for you and your mum. You just need to let me”.
“Mum likes clothes and I’m cold.”
“Well lucky that we are surrounded by clothes stores, come on, lets shop.”
Better to give than receive
Christmas morning and Gabbie was surprised by the three large parcels under the tree. Things seemed to have changed over the last two weeks. The children’s dad was still being an idiot, but Daisy had been nicer about Dean. The police incident had scared Daisy, and her and Dean were now talking more. You can’t buy love but a new found respect was being built.
Opening the presents, boots and a large woolly jumper from Dean and a new top from the children. She loved them and was so grateful that this man had made such an effort for her. She hadn’t known him long, but he was certainly a really good man.
At Christmas time it is always better to give then to receive, whether it’s giving your time or giving a present. Whatever you do, bring someone joy!
Happy Christmas everyone! Hope you have a lovely time!
For more see The empty school classroom
Written for Writers Unite! photo prompt
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