Madness at Madison Mall Read online

  Madness at Madison Mall

  Jon Athan

  Copyright © 2017 Jon Athan

  All Rights Reserved.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  For more information on this book or the author, please visit www.jon-athan.com. General inquiries are welcome.

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  Twitter: @Jonny_Athan

  Email: [email protected]

  Book cover by Sean Lowery: http://highimpactcovers.com/.

  Thank you for the support!

  First Edition

  WARNING

  This book contains descriptions of disturbing scenes, which include some blood and violence. The themes in this book may also cause distress to sensitive audiences. Some parts of this book may be considered cruel or unusual. Please enjoy at your own discretion.

  Table of Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter One

  The Interview

  “Please, please, please. I need this job, sir. I'll do anything for this job. I know this isn't what you'd expect from an experienced person, but I'm running out of options. I can't afford to go home unemployed again. I could really use a... I could use a helping hand right now,” Isaac Luna said, shamelessly begging for work.

  With his brow planted on the hardwood floor, Isaac sat on his knees towards the center of the office. His hands were clasped over his head, as if he were praying to a higher power. Although his beliefs were inconsistent, subject to change on a moment's notice, he figured the demonstration wouldn't hurt his chances.

  Begging was often looked at as daring after all.

  Christopher Lewis watched Isaac with a furrowed brow, bewildered. The middle-aged man had been in business for decades, hiring and firing on a regular basis. Isaac's display was highly unusual. As a matter of fact, he had never seen anyone grovel for a job before. Sure, there were some persistent candidates, but no one had ever knelt down before him in such a manner.

  Lewis leaned forward and examined the young man kneeling in his office.

  Isaac had a head of curly black hair, as if a mop of corkscrews were sprawled on top of his dome. Even with his head down, his trimmed stubble and chiseled jawline were visible for the world to see. His outfit was acceptable, too. At least he didn't show up in flip flops.

  Lewis knocked on his desk and said, “Get up, young man. Stop embarrassing yourself. Can you imagine what would happen if my secretary had walked in on this? She would think I was some sort of sociopath for having you grovel like that. Get up. Have some respect for yourself.”

  Isaac sniffled as he staggered to his feet, ashamed of his actions. He shuffled in his white button-up shirt, trying his damnedest to loosen the garment. His smothering red tie, tightly wrapped around his neck like a boa constrictor, did not help. He patted the wrinkles off of his black slacks in an attempt to make himself appear presentable. The attempt was modest but futile.

  Too little, too late.

  Isaac said, “I'm sorry. It's just... It's been hard. I've been, um, unemployed for three months now and nothing else has worked. It's always the same thing. 'Don't call us, we'll call you.' 'Don't worry, we'll get back to you soon.' They don't call back, obviously. Nothing else has worked, so I thought I'd give this a shot.”

  Lewis smirked and said, “Well, look at the bright side, son: it worked this time. You've got the job.”

  Isaac stared at Lewis with wide eyes, astonished by the news. He carefully examined the kind man's demeanor, searching for a trait of deceit. He watched as Lewis casually browsed through a set of folders on his desk, shuffling through his cluttered paperwork. He couldn't find a glimmer of deception in his gentle brown eyes.

  About an inch shorter than Isaac, Lewis stood five-eleven. His figure was a bit on the burly side, but he surely wouldn't be winning any bodybuilding competitions in the near future. His slick brown hair was combed over to the right. He wore a white button-up shirt with the sleeves neatly rolled up. His black trousers were fastened by his matching suspenders. He was a simple man with simple tastes.

  Isaac asked, “Are you serious?”

  Lewis nodded and said, “Yes. Why would I lie?”

  “I... I don't know. I'm just a little confused, I guess.”

  “There's no need to be confused. I like you, Mr. Luna. I like your dedication and, judging from your resume, I think you're the perfect addition to our workplace. You're a tough kid, you've had some training in the field. I'd say you were born for the job.”

  Isaac rubbed the nape of his neck as he glanced at the windows to his right. The warm morning sunshine was reassuring. Yet, he couldn't help but question Lewis' intentions. Although he expected to grovel for the job, he didn't expect to be hired so quickly. The potential ulterior motives continued to stab at his mind.

  A prank show? Reality TV? Bait-and-switch?

  Isaac sighed, then he said, “If you really read my resume, then you know about my criminal history. You'd hire me knowing I'm a convicted 'sex offender?' Really?”

  As he ran his finger across a sheet of paper, Lewis smiled and said, “I'm reading about it now. Statutory rape. You want to tell me about that or should we let it be?”

  “Let it be? You'd let me work here without asking?”

  “Sure. It's not like you'll be working with kids or anything like that. I won't discriminate, not even against ex-convicts. In fact, I think you'd benefit from a job like this. Just remember: honesty goes a long way.”

  Isaac absently stared at his resume on the desk, contemplating his response. Honesty goes a long way – the statement was true. Honesty could liberate a tormented conscience, but it could also lead to years of prison time. The unemployed man knew that very well. Still, he felt compelled to begin his newfound work relationship on the right foot.

  Isaac coughed to clear his throat, then he said, “I guess I can give you the... the simple version of it, if that's okay with you.”

  “Sure.”

  “Well, I used to work as a high school teacher. This was a few years ago, so I was in my early 20s. I had this... this relationship with a student. She was a senior, so she was about 17 years old. Just, like, three months away from eighteen. Anyway, we got caught doing something and I was charged. That's how the story goes.”

  Lewis stared at Isaac with a deadpan expression. He smiled and repeated, “You've got the job.”

  Isaac nervously chuckled as he glanced down at his scuffed dress shoes. The confirmation was sweeter than a mountain of sugar drenched in raw honey and maple syrup. The joy was overwhelming. He sniffled as he struggled to contain his tears. A job, he thought, I have a real job!

  Lewis beckoned to Isaac and said, “Have a seat, Mr. Luna. We have a few matters to discuss concerning the job. I want you to be prepared for this.”

  Isaac nodded and said, “Sure,
sure... Thank you.”

  ***

  Lewis sat in his comfy rolling chair as he perused through a stack of papers. He didn't seem bothered by Isaac's criminal history. Isaac, on the other hand, was blatantly anxious – sweat spurted from his glands like bullets from a machine gun. He sat directly across from Lewis, waiting for his employer to share the first word. He certainly wasn't going to risk his new job due to a slip of the tongue.

  Lewis said, “The job is simple. You applied for it, so I'm sure you already know your title – mall security officer. I'm sure someone with your physique and skill-set, particularly your knowledge, will be able to perform well in this field.”

  Isaac said, “Sure, sure. The job listing didn't list the exact mall, though. It only said it was local. Is it the Collection Plaza or the Pacific View Shopping Center?”

  “It's neither.”

  “Neither? Well, is it in the county?”

  “Yes. You and a partner will be guarding Madison Mall on South C Street during nights on weekdays. Aside from staying at your assigned post, you'll patrol the area, kick out the homeless, and chase the trespassing teenagers away. Those are your responsibilities. Think you can do the job?”

  “Of course. It sounds simple enough. But, um... isn't Madison Mall abandoned, though? It's been abandoned for a while, right?”

  Lewis snickered and shook his head as he straightened the edges of a stack of paper. He continued chuckling as he placed the stack in a manila folder. Isaac watched with a furrowed brow, searching for the humor in his question. He could only assume the enigmatic employer mistook Isaac's anxiety for fear.

  Isaac said, “It's not that I'm scared or anything like that. I'm just wondering why I'd be guarding an abandoned building.”

  As he composed himself, Lewis said, “I'm sorry about that. I just had an interesting thought.” He shook like a dog out of a bath, shaking the giggles away. He explained, “They're going to be tearing down the building in the next few weeks in order to restructure the area. That entire area will be a luxurious commerce district in the near future. Anyway, as the demolition proceeds, you'll obviously have less ground to cover during the nights. Your job will get easier and your pay will remain the same. Isn't that great?”

  “Yeah. I mean, it sounds amazing. I'm just surprised that they're finally getting rid of that old building. It's been abandoned since I was a kid. It's like they're destroying part of my childhood. It's... It's finally going to be gone.”

  “Yes, well, it was bound to happen eventually. We've been trying to rejuvenate that district for decades. There have been a few bumps on the road, sure, but we seem to have finally located a dedicated contractor this time around. With you on our team, I'm sure everything will go well.”

  Isaac couldn't help but smile and nod. In less than an hour, Lewis had instilled a sense of worth in the young man. After months of lonely unemployment and failed interviews, he finally felt like a useful part of society. He was a wheel on a big truck, helping the city move forward from its abandoned past.

  Wide-eyed, Lewis said, “Oh, I have to warn you about the dangers lurking within the mall.”

  In an uncertain tone, Isaac repeated, “Dangers?”

  “Yes. Monsters, ghosts, demons...”

  The pair stared at each other with steady expressions. Lewis couldn't keep his facade afloat, though. He chuckled and shook his head.

  He said, “I'm sorry, this is serious. Dangers, Isaac, dangers. First and foremost, if you must go into the mall, don't go up to the second floor. That's where the original fire started. It hasn't been inspected or secured in ages. Unless you have a hard hat, steer clear. There are other unstable parts of the mall as well, especially in the areas where past construction and demolition projects had to end. We'll give you a map of that. And, although you'll be equipped with a baton, a taser, and pepper spray, you should approach the homeless with caution. Some of these people can be extremely dangerous, especially if they're drugged. Make sure to confront them with a partner at all times. Don't try to be a hero. A medal is no use to a corpse. As for the teenagers, they're obnoxious and annoying. Nothing new.”

  As Lewis chuckled at the quip, Isaac nervously smiled and said, “Jeez. It sounds like there are a lot of hazards in there. Anything else I should know about? I wouldn't want you to accidentally skip anything.”

  “Oh, there is one more thing.”

  Isaac leaned back in his seat and huffed. He asked the question, but he didn't want to hear an answer. He was joking, poking fun at Lewis' lengthy list. He cared about his safety, but he didn't want to quit the job before his first day.

  Isaac asked, “What is it?”

  With his elbows on the table and his hands clasped, Lewis responded, “Well, there are a few health hazards as well. The night shift in itself is a hazard. You need to ensure that you are well-rested before your shift. Make sure you get plenty of sleep during the day.” He leaned back in his seat and said, “I once had a man, old Charles Pendleton, leave the mall in an ambulance before his shift ended. According to his partner, Pendleton was hallucinating. And, believe me, it was severe. He had fallen a few feet and hit his head, he babbled indistinctly, and he was even foaming at the mouth. I was shocked to say the least. Long story short: the doctors claimed his hallucinations were caused by a case of sleep deprivation.”

  Isaac licked his lips as he glanced around the room, befuddled by the tale. He was at a lost for words, trying his best to keep his composure.

  How do you respond to a real-life horror story? 'That's great, I definitely won't worry about that.'

  Isaac said, “I... I see. Well, that really shouldn't be a problem for me, sir. I'll make sure to get plenty of sleep. Hell, I might even sleep on the job.”

  Isaac laughed and ran his fingers through his hair. To his dismay, Lewis remained stony-faced – grim and serious.

  Isaac said, “I was kidding.”

  “Normally, I would laugh at such a joke. I have to take your health seriously, though. So, please, make sure you get some sleep.”

  “Yeah, of course.”

  Lewis clapped, then he said, “Fantastic. We've still got some paperwork to fill out on our end, but you should be heading to your first shift in two days. I hope that's okay with you.”

  Isaac nodded and said, “That's great. I'm ready to get back out there.”

  “Good. I'll see you then. Ms. Davis at the reception desk will let you know if we need anything else from you.”

  Isaac stood from his seat, content with the interview. He shared a handshake with his new boss, sealing their agreement with a gesture of trust. It wasn't a written or verbal contract, but the symbol was strong enough on its own.

  As he walked towards the door, Isaac said, “I'll see you soon, Mr. Lewis. I have a lunch date with a cutie in about an hour. I think she'll be happy with the news.”

  From his seat, Lewis grinned and said, “Great. Good luck.”

  Chapter Two

  The Good News

  Sloppy burgers, microwaved fries, and sugary soft drinks sat on top of the table – a fast food feast, a sweet tooth's paradise. The meal was accompanied by the most appropriate noise, too. The sound of people chattering, children screaming, and pans sizzling echoed through the small restaurant. On top of the discordant symphony, the same line was repeated over and over: “Welcome to Burger Palace, can I take your order?”

  Isaac sat in a booth at the far end of the restaurant, watching as his daughter picked out the pickles and tomatoes from her burger. Despite the ruckus and the questionable quality of the stale fries, the sight made him happy. The twelve-year-old girl was adorable. He couldn't help but smile as he watched her innocent movements. As she took her first bite, his heart melted.

  People seemed to be the most innocent when they ate.

  His daughter, Melanie Luna, wore a white sundress down to her kneecaps. She had a speck of ketchup on her dress, but she didn't seem to mind. Much like her father, the young girl had short curly bla
ck hair and glimmering brown eyes. She had small speckles plastered on her cheeks. Unlike most of the kids in her age group, she had a calm aura. She was naturally tranquil.

  Isaac said, “Your mom would be pissed if she saw you picking out your tomatoes. Hell, she'd be pissed knowing you were eating here anyway, right? I guess it doesn't really matter.” He opened his burger and picked out his tomatoes as well. He said, “I never liked tomatoes anyway.”

  Isaac tossed his tomatoes aside, then he gazed at the burger. It was sloppy, but it was appetizing. It wasn't stale like the fries or the apple slices. The tomatoes would only serve to ruin his meal. Why put on a facade when the matriarch wasn't around? Melanie had already inherited his picky eating habits anyway.

  Isaac asked, “So, what do you think of daddy's new job?”

  Melanie shrugged and said, “It's okay, I guess.”

  “Okay? That's it?”

  “Yep. I mean, you're only protecting a store, dad. It's not a big deal.”

  “Actually, it's a mall. You're right, though. It would be better if I were a cop, right? You'd be prouder if I were out there catching the bad guys?”

  Melanie shrugged as she took a bite of her burger, indifferent to her father's feelings. Isaac sighed in disappointment as he glanced down at his meal. He had already assumed his daughter would emerge from their lunch unimpressed. To his dismay, his prediction couldn't curb his disappointment. Melanie's charm and innocence were slowly slipping away from him.

  Isaac asked, “How's school going, kiddo?”

  “It's okay,” Melanie responded. “Mom still makes me finish all of my homework as soon as I get it, even if it's not due until a week later. I wish she'd let me do it when I want to do it. I'm not a little kid anymore.”

  “Good luck getting her to listen to that, Mel. Your mom is a hard-headed woman. She always has been and she always will be. Is she still dating that scrub from the market?”