Truths from the Past: Book 5 of the Kinstone series

A man sits in his living room, watching football on the TV, cheering loudly as the receiver catches the ball and marches it down the field. His excitement grows just as the ball carrier is about to cross into the endzone when the screen changes.

“This is WNFW 13 with a breaking news story,” announces the screen.

The man sighs as he continues to watch.

“This is Sean Holsman,” the anchor greets, “bringing you a live report coming from the west side of town where the bodies of four people were found only moments ago. Now…I will warn you, due to the graphic nature of this story, we advise young children and those with weak constitutions to turn away now.”

The man tilts his head.

“As stated, the bodies of four adults were found just moments ago in their home,” the anchor continues. “However, they were not simply murdered, and with that we shall turn to our reporter in the field, Tim Seton. Tim, what can you tell us?”

The screen changes showing a younger man, likely in his late-twenties, early-thirties, standing in front of a two-story home surrounded by trees, and sitting along a neighborhood street.

The reporter tries to drum up the courage to speak, looking obviously disturbed. After a few prompts from the cameraman, he stares into the camera, taking a deep breath.

“Yes,” he begins, “moments ago police responded to a 911 call from a neighbor, stating the occupants of the house behind me were heard screaming loudly. After several minutes the screaming, which was described as blood-curdling and sounding something similar to a horror movie, ended.”

He steps back, “Now, what is the most disturbing aspect of this incident is what the neighbors and the police discovered upon arrival at the scene.”

The reporter takes a large gulp before exhaling again. “The bodies of four adults were not simply found lying on the floor. For…for not only were they murdered, but according to eyewitness accounts, the occupants were flayed alive.”

The sounds of gurneys being wheeled away. The man watching looks on in horror as the bag rips open, revealing a bloodied arm. The coroner and his assistant quickly move to place it back inside.

The anchor appears back on the screen, watching this happen. “Tim…can…can you tell any more about the scene?”

The reporter nods, trying to regain his composure upon gagging.

“Yes, a-according to the coroner on the scene, the only parts of the bodies left untouched were the heads. This allowed the police to quickly identify the bodies belonging to an Arnold Mehvik, along with his wife Mindy and their two sons, Jonathan and David. The house looks as though they were together celebrating the New Year when they were assaulted.”

The anchor reappears, “If I recall correctly, this same family belongs to a young man living in Texas correct?”

The reporter nods, “Indeed. However the reports on his whereabouts are unknown at this time and police here are trying to locate and contact him. This same young man also lost his family in Georgia after his mother’s home exploded due to a gas main rupturing just two years prior.”

The anchor nods slowly. “Is…there anything else you can report on?”

The reporter nods, “Yes, Sean. According the eyewitness statements, a young teenage girl was seen leaving the home surrounded by several individuals that again according to statements, looked as though they came straight out of Twilight.”

The anchor nods, “Well…keep…keep at it, Tim.”

The reporter nods and the screen goes dark.