The Black Heart Crypt

Jack the Lantern marched Father Abercrombie out of the empty Ickleby crypt, past the church.

“You will now drive me south to Spratling Manor,” he said, poking the priest in the ribs with both pistols.

“Spratling Manor? In North Chester?”

“Yes! The town where you shipped our boxed-up bones all those years ago. I must go there to slay the youngest member of the Jennings clan.”

“The sheriff’s grandson? Why?”

“To avenge my family’s honor. Once the lad is dead, I will rebuild my fortune.”

“How?”

“Stealing children. Holding them for ransom or selling them into slavery. I have always found child snatching to be a swift path to riches.”

They reached the car. Its owner, Mr. Lawson, was still conked out behind the wheel.

“Oh, my,” gasped the priest.

Jack yanked the unconscious driver out of the car.

“Just leave him in the ditch!” the voice of Norman suggested in Jack’s head.

“I should slay him,” Jack thought back.

“Don’t waste your ammunition on a pawn! Save your bullets for snatching children and killing Snertz.”

“But …”

“If you kill him, more police will be on your tail. They will hunt you down and slap you in irons before you reap your riches.”

“The move you suggest seems wise.”

“Of course it is! I was captain of the chess team! Leave him here and flee the scene!”

Jack cocked back the hammers on both pistols. Aimed them at Father Abercrombie.

“Drive me south to North Chester. Make haste.”

“Of course.” The nervous priest climbed into the horseless carriage.

“Tell the coward to drive slowly!” the voice of Norman instructed his dybbuk. “We don’t want the police pulling you over for speeding.”

“Drive slowly,” Jack said to the priest. “We are in no rush. I’m certain the good boys and girls of North Chester are all abed at this hour. I shan’t be able to snatch them until tomorrow morning.”

“You mean when they’re on their way to school?”

Jack smiled beneath his grinning mask.

“Why, Padre, what an excellent suggestion!”