Haunted

The Sparkly Badgers’ are a writing group thriving on Facebook made up of an eclectic mixture of writers from all backgrounds, writing in different genres and with different styles. We all have a passion for writing and for sharing our work with others and so I am delighted to be able to bring you this spooky anthology of spine tingling, goosebumpling and hide behind the sofa stories and poems.

It has been a chilling task to edit this anthology and I hope you enjoy these creepy tales so much that you run, run as fast as you can to review the book and share it with others.

If you are a writer who needs more sparkle in their lives then please, come join us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1720960814878512/, we’d love to badger you.

Claire Buss, Chief Sparkler & Editor

The Willow Man

The willow man’s breath fogs the window

He scratches the glass with twiggy fingers

You hide your head under the pillow

But the voice of the wildwood lingers

It follows you into the edges of sleep

And echoes in the spaces of your head

Under your straining eyelids it creeps

And flavours each indrawn breath with dread

The willow man's breath is as cold as cold

And his fingers are knotted and strong

No matter if you be in childhood or old

You will suffer the ice of his song

The willow man’s breath chills coldly

His twiggy fingers scrape your throat

Will you face the willow man boldly

Do you have fear’s antidote?

Meet Jane Jago

Jane Jago is an eccentric genre hopping pensioner, who writes for the sheer enjoyment of the craft and gets in terrible trouble because of her attitude. Find out more about her at:

www.facebook.com/Jane-Jagos-Books-676861115818501/

The Assignment

~Sunset in Cannes~

I leaned against the railing on my balcony, watching the sun cast nets of red, orange and pink across the evening sky. A lone sailboat gently drifted on the Riviera below, its passengers basking in the sun’s fading light. I envied their calm solitude and carefree night spent sailing on such a glorious river. My own evening would not be so luxurious, regardless of the expensive hotel room I’d just paid for.

A slight breeze carried the smell of steamed shellfish and rich pasta from the restaurant below. My stomach stirred with the enticing aroma. I’d be sure to get a good meal before my evening activities, ensuring I was seen by a roomful of guests, enjoying a lovely dinner.

I dared one last glance at La Croisette, longing to join the evening crowd of ladies escorted by handsome gentlemen completely unaware of the killers lurking among them. Their fashionable silk dresses danced in the evening breeze. A dainty laugh drifted towards me and I noticed a young woman reaching for a rebellious hat caught in the wind. Its wide brim fold over itself as it made its way toward the river’s edge. The lady continued to giggle, unconcerned about the loss of single hat. She laced her arm in her companion’s and wandered down the busy promenade.

A soft footstep behind me brought me back to the night’s task.

Is it time already, Victor? I asked, not turning look at the warm presence at my back. He was my partner, confidant and the only man I trusted.

Yes, he replied, his deep voice barely a whisper. I assume we will have dinner first? He posed it as a question, but he already knew the night’s schedule of events.

Yes, of course, I responded with a sigh. I turned my back on the beautiful view, knowing it would be my last night in Cannes.

Victor stood in the doorway, watching me. His deep brown eyes bore into my own. I could almost hear the thoughts drifting through his mind. My last assignment was extremely difficult for me, as it left two young children without their parents. I wasn’t told that the couple had twin girls who would be home, or I might not have taken the job. Victor tried to reassure me the children were better off without their murderous parents, but the twins weren’t to blame for the evil of their parentage. Now they’d grow up hunting the assassin who ruined their lives.

I shook the thought from my mind and attempted to push past my partner. He gently grabbed my wrist and placed my hand on his chest. I could feel his heart beating through his freshly starched shirt and silk vest.

We don’t have to do this tonight, he said calmly. We have enough money tucked away in several banks, we could walk away and never look back.

I leaned my forehead against his chest, pulling his hand down to my side. I took a deep breath inhaling his scent; so strong and masculine with a hint of his woodland heritage.

I’ve considered making this my last, I said softly.

His rough fingers lifted my chin, forcing me to look into those brown eyes. The soft lighting highlighted the faint flecks of yellow all but hidden in their depths.

I heard that, he said with his lopsided grin. Even though you didn’t intend it.

I glared at him even as the corners of my own mouth threatened a smile. We were so much alike, yet so very different. I knew his true form even though he never shared it with me. Every movement gave it away; his immense strength, uncanny agility, perfect eyesight and unbelievable hearing. Even if I ignored all those things, the smell of the deep woods permeated every bit of him. He couldn’t hide it. Not from me.

Let’s make an appearance at dinner and get this over with, I huffed, then gently pulled my hand away and entered our hotel suite. Tonight’s mission required focus. Everything else could wait.

~Dinner for Two~

Half an hour later, I entered the restaurant with Victor by my side. The host bowed and led us to a corner table. I felt several eyes watching us as we wound through the maze of white tablecloths surrounded by dark mahogany chairs. We were a stunning pair. Victor looked marvellous in his black suit, white shirt and red tie. I chose to wear a dark red dress that hugged the curves of my waist and chest. It flared dramatically at my hips and dusted the floor with its edges. The strapless shoulders left plenty of exposed skin to show off the diamond choker on my neck. I’d piled my long, blonde hair on the top of my head using several silver studded hair pins, enjoying my partner’s expression when he saw them. It was my way of taunting his secrecy.

I barely tasted the steamed lobster and pasta alfredo with an Australian Chardonnay. The Chardonnay swirled in my glass as the waiter removed the last of the dishes from our table. I tried to focus on the details of tonight’s mission, but my mind kept traveling back to the young girls huddled in their bedroom, clinging to each other in fear. I left them alone and helpless.

Victor’s discreet cough brought me back to Cannes and my half empty glass of wine. I looked up to find his brow furrowed and lips pressed together in a tight line.

I don’t think I need to tell you that your mind needs to be here tonight, he said, barely concealing his concern and disapproval.

No, you don’t, I replied curtly. Are you certain of their schedule and the movements of their security? I continued, ignoring his single raised eyebrow.

Yes, he replied. I’ve been watching them for almost a week before you arrived, as you well know.

Then we’ll continue as planned.

His large hand reached across the table and settled on my thin fingers. Tonight will be my last assignment, he barely whispered. I cannot continue to watch you destroy yourself with the memories of the innocent.

I dropped my gaze to his hand as he rubbed the faint scar on my palm. Let’s get ready. We’ll talk about it when this is over. I rose and left him sitting at the table, knowing his familiar scowl burned a hole into the back of my head. He despised not having the last word almost as much as he disliked leaving conversations unfinished.

~The Assignment~

Victor and I both changed into black pants and shirts, with soft leather boots. We stood in his half of the hotel suite facing one another. His hands deftly checked my vest to ensure all my weapons were secure, then spun me around to confirm my blades were firmly tucked into their intended sheaths. We couldn’t risk being detected because of something as simple as the light reflecting off an unseated blade. I returned the favour with the same practiced hand. The routine was calming and put my mind where it needed to be – on tonight’s mission. The simple killing of a merciless human.

Are we ready? I asked him in a cold, business-like tone.

Almost, he replied as he reached out and tucked a stray lock of hair beneath my cap. That beautiful blond will be as telling as a reflection from your daggers. He smiled and I couldn’t help but smile back.

It quickly faded when he leaned forward and placed both hands on the sides of my face.

We will talk about the future after this is done, he commanded, then brushed his lips against mine. He released me just as abruptly and moved past me to the common area of the suite.