Time Off For Death

Time Off For Death
Written By Lady Cat

This story is based on an old movie made in 1938 called DEATH TAKES A HOLIDAY.

INTRODUCTION

Since the beginning, one thing has occupied man's \curiosity more than life - death. Through the ages, man depicted death in a variety of shapes and forms. In ancient Egypt and Greece, death was depicted as a god ruling the afterworld (just to give an example). In the Middle Ages, poems and sonnets abounded and artists painted him in horrific visages of a skeleton in black robe, torturing his victims. With this in mind, what if one were to suppose that death had his own preoccupation with man, amused at how man strived to cheat death and live life to its fullest. And what if death chose, for a short while, to become human, to experience the same emotions that humankind felt? What would be the repercussions?

CAST OF CHARACTERS

DEATH (Undertaker)

Barry

Elizabeth (Barry’s soon-to-be fiancé)

Mary (Elizabeth’s friend)

Robert (Mary’s companion)

Reginald (Barry’s father)

Sidney (Reginald’s friend)

CHAPTER 1

Through eons, death always considered it amusing the lengths human kind would go to live beyond their time.  The one thing that amused him was the emotions that humans expressed -  anger, happiness, sadness, etc. But the one emotion that puzzled him most was love.  What was it about love that stirred human kind more than any other motion?

There had to be something to this and the only way for him to see was to walk among mankind as a human; but where and for how long?

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A group of people sat around a table in front of a quaint restaurant, watching the goings on in the village.  One person, who we shall call Barry, looked at his watch.  His companions are a man and a woman.  “Where is Elizabeth?  She should have been here,” he fussed.  “Barry, where do you think she is?” Mary arched her brows and sipped her wine.  Barry rolled his eyes and shook his head.  “Not again.  I wish she would forget this..this..obsession.”

“It’s an obsession all right,” Mary said.  “It’s like her mind has gone on to another world.  And her eyes have a far away look.”  Mary shivered slightly.  “It’s scary at times, especially after she’s been there.”

Mary’s companion, Robert, chuckled.  “Once ole Barry gets her to the altar, all that will change.”

Barry let out a breath.  “I don’t see that happening any time soon.”  He took a long sip of wine.  “Every time I bring the

subject up, she keeps putting me off.”

“You’re just going to have to be more forceful,” Mary said.

A Stutz Bearcat convertible pulled up.  A somewhat elderly gentleman got out of the car and walked over to the group.  He noticed Barry’s depressed state.  “What’s wrong, my boy? And where is Elizabeth?”  He saw Mary’s expression.  “Oh, I see.  Son, this is just a phase she’s going through.  She’ll come out of it,” he said reassuringly.  He looked to his

right. “And here she comes.”

Everyone turned to see Elizabeth approaching.  Barry got up and pulled out a chair next to him. As usual, she had that same far away look as before.  She sat in the chair, quiet.  “Elizabeth?” Barry gently called.  She blinked her eyes, turned and smiled.  “I’m sorry, Barry.  I guess was dreaming.”   “You’ve been doing that a lot lately,” Mary said

sarcastically.  “Hush,” Robert furrowed his brow at her.  “That’s okay, honey,” Barry said.  “Why don’t we go back to the chateau?  You look a little tired.”

“I agree,” Reginald said.  The elderly gentleman got back in the car.  “I’m going to pick up Sydney.  I shouldn’t be long.”

CHAPTER 2

The two couples got in the Packard and left for the chateau, which was on top of a hill approximately 10 miles from the

village.  In a few minutes Barry saw his father had caught up with them.  Reginald looked in his rearview mirror.  He shook his head and looked again.  “Look in your mirror, will you?” he asked Sydney.  His friend looked at the passenger side mirror.  “What is it I’m supposed to see?” he asked.  “I don’t see anything.”  “I could have sworn I saw something following us,” Reginald said.  “Look!” he pointed excitedly.  Sydney looked at the car ahead of them.  “What?  I still don’t see anything.”

Barry looked in his rearview mirror and saw a black form floating just above the back end of the car.  “What the devil….?” he frowned.  The black form moved ahead of them.  Suddenly everything turned black.  Barry could

see nothing ahead of him.  Then just as suddenly the blackness lifted.  Barry saw he was about to go off a cliff

and quickly turned the steering wheel, ending in a clump of brush.   His father stopped and quickly got out to check on them.  “Is everyone okay?” he asked.

Everyone checked themselves over.  “We’re okay,” Robert responded.  “What about you Elizabeth?” Reginald asked.  “I’m fine,” she replied. “Let’s get going.”  Barry backed out of the clump of brush and proceeded to the chateau, Reginald and Sydney close behind.

Death watched them drive toward the chateau, and decided they would be the ones he would study.  He had known it was time for one of them to die but at the last second delayed the inevitable, at least until after his “visit.”

Everyone had gone into the living room to gather themselves. The butler offered them each a glass of wine, to which each was grateful. Afterwards, the girls went upstairs to rest before dinner, which would be late.  Barry and Robert adjourned to the game room, and Sidney, Reginald’s friend, decided to walk around the grounds, leaving Reginald, who went out on the patio.  He found a nice, shady spot by the fountain and sat, thinking of the strange apparition he had seen.  He was in the middle of taking a sip of wine when an icy chill gripped his spine.  Reginald’s eyes became wide, grasping the chair as a tall, black-robed apparition approached.  “Wh…who or what are you?” Reginald asked nervously.

“You know who I am,” the apparition replied in a deep voice and removed the hood.  Reginald nearly fell over in fright.  He saw an ashened face framed by dark hair; two vacant orbs and dark lips; the hands bony and gnarly.

Reginald broke out in a cold sweat and swallowed hard.  Death gave him a grimacing smile.  “No, it is not you,” he said.  “At least not for a while.”  Reginald was still frightened despite the reassurance.  “Then what is it you want?” he asked.  “I wish to be among you for a few days,” Death replied. Despite his nervousness, Reginald could not help but show surprise.  “Why?”

“For centuries I have watched humankind and have always wondered what it would be like to be like you, to feel everything you feel; to share your sorrow and joy; to feel love,” Death replied.  “But why us?”  Reginald asked.  “No one but you would know who I really am. If someone should ask, say that I am a friend of yours. But, if you should reveal who I am…..”   “Please!  I won’t say anything!” Reginald exclaimed.  “When can I expect you?”   “I will arrive late tonight,” Death replied.  “You will know me when you see me,” and disappeared just as sudden as he arrived.

Reginald wiped the sweat from his forehead with a shaking hand.  “How am I going to live through this,” he thought.

CHAPTER 3

All through dinner that evening, Reginald did his best to outwardly remain calm, but inside he was a jumble of nerves.

After dinner, he immediately withdrew to the veranda.  Barry followed him outside.  “What’s wrong, father?  All through dinner I sensed something.”  Reginald inhaled.  “I’m okay.  Guess just a little nervous after this afternoon.  I’ll be alright,” he added.  “Now, where is Elizabeth?”

Barry looked skyward.  “She’s gone up to her room,” he sighed.  “I don’t know about her.  Lately, it’s like I can’t get

through to her sometimes.”  He looked at his father.  “Dad, I love her but, well, I get the feeling she may not feel the same.  I don’t know.”  Barry shook his head. “She’s so preoccupied with this latest thing.  It’s taken over her completely.”  “Have you talked with her?” Reginald asked.  “Every time I bring up the subject, she goes on to something else,” Barry replied.  “I’m about ready to give up.”  Reginald put a hand on his son’s shoulder. “Don’t

give up yet.”

The butler came out on the veranda.  “Excuse me, sir.”  Reginald turned.  “Yes?”  “You have a visitor in the living room. He says he is Count von Heiffer.” “Thank you.”  The butler nodded and left.  “Who is this Count von Heiffer?” Barry asked, as they left for the living room.  “You didn’t mention anyone coming.”

The men entered the living room.  The visitor stood facing the fireplace, wine glass in hand.  He turned as he heard them enter.  Reginald knew immediately it was him. Death had made himself into a handsome figure of a man - tall, long fiery red hair pulled back from a well chiseled face, muscular built, dressed in a well-tailored suit.  “Ah, Count Erik von Heiffer, how good of you to come,” Reginald said as calmly as possible.  “I didn’t think you were going to make it.”  “My schedule had a last minute change so I was able to accept your invitation,” Death said in a low rumble.

“Count, I would like to introduce you to my son, Barry,” Reginald said. Barry gave a slight bow.  “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”  Count von Heiffer slightly nodded his head. “How long will we have the pleasure of your company?” he asked.  “I cannot stay long, perhaps 2-3 days at the most,” he replied. The sound of his rumbling voice made the hairs on Barry’s body stiffen. “Have you eaten?” Reginald asked. “We finished about an hour ago.”  The Count shook his head.  “I am not hungry, but I would like to be shown to my room.”   “Of course,” Reginald said, and pulled a rope for the butler.  “Please show Count von Heiffer to his room.”  The butler nodded slightly and motioned for the Count to follow him.  Along the way they picked up his suitcase and went up the stairs.

Mary and Robert were just coming down the stairs when they passed the butler and the Count.  “Who is that?” she asked, her eyes drooling over him. Robert noticed her watching closely and tugged gently on her arm.  “Come on,” he said.   They saw Barry and his father coming out of the living room.  “Who’s the good looking man going up the stairs?” Mary asked.

“He is a friend of mine, Count Erik von Heiffer,” Reginald answered.  “He’s come for a short visit.” “A count.”  Mary’s eyes twinkled.  “How long of a visit? I would love to get my hands on him.”  “Not long,” Reginald said.  “I do have to warn you, he is rather an eccentric.”  “Eccentric, huh.” Mary looked back up the stairs.  Robert cleared his throat.  “Need I remind you that you’re here with me?”  “I think there’s something odd about him. The way he spoke sent chills up my spine,” Barry said. “I could feel a cold chill emanating from him.” “That’s just the way he is,” Reginald said

quickly. “He does that to everyone he meets.”

The butler left the room, saying if he needed anything, to pull the rope by the bed. Death looked out the window.  A full

moon shone on the garden, giving the illusion of midday.  In his travels around the world, he would often notice couples strolling on a night such as this.  He also would see them stare at the moon as if it had cast a spell on them.  He wondered if this was what young couples did as part of their ritual.  His thoughts went to the young man that Reginald had introduced as his son, Barry.  He could feel the tenseness in the young man.

CHAPTER 4

The next morning found Reginald out on the veranda enjoying his morning coffee and croissant.  Barry, Robert and Mary joined him.  “Where’s Elizabeth?” Reginald asked.  “Oh, Miss Early Bird is already up,” Mary replied. “I think I’ll go back inside for a bit before going into town to shop for a dress.”

Death had sat by his window all night, watching the changes in the moonlight as it went across the sky.  For all the

eons he had circled the earth, why now did he just notice?  Could it be that only being human one could appreciate it? A slight knock and then the door opening caught his attention.  “Sir, would you like to join Sir Reginald at breakfast on the veranda or would you prefer it in your room?”   “I’ll come down.”  “Very good, sir,” the butler said, and left.

A few minutes later he came out on the veranda.  “I hope I’m not late,” he said to Reginald.  “Uh, no, no, of course not,” Reginald nervously said.  “Please, sit here.”  Death sat in the chair next to him. “I trust you had a pleasant night’s rest?”  “Very pleasant,” Death responded.

“Good morning!” Elizabeth sat in the chair next to Barry.  She didn’t notice Death seated next to Reginald at first.  She looked across the table.  The minute they made eye contact, Death felt something strange inside, something which went down into the very depths of his being.  Death gently took her extended hand and brought it to his lips, all the while looking at her.  Elizabeth immediately found herself drawn into his emerald green eyes.  “Elizabeth, this is Count von Heiffer.”  “Nice to meet you,” she said.  Death finally let her hand go. “Do you plan to stay long?” she asked. “Only for a couple of days,” he replied. “Will you be coming to the festivities tonight?” she asked.  “Festivities?”  “I almost forgot .  I am hosting a party here tonight,” Reginald said. “There will be lots of people, dancing, drinking, and one of the rooms will have gambling.” The look in Elizabeth’s eyes upon their introduction did not go unnoticed by Barry and it made him uneasy.  “Elizabeth, I need you to come with me,” he said, getting up.  “What for?” she asked, wondering at his tone of voice.  “I need to talk to you privately,” he said, helping her out of her chair.  “Excuse me,” she said to everyone, giving Death one last look.  Barry took her by the arm and led her inside.  Death watched as they went inside.  Reginald too espied the way they had looked at each other.

“Do you gamble, Count von Heiffer?” Robert asked.  Death turned his head back to the table.  “I’ve never tried it,” he

replied.  Robert smiled inwardly thinking here was a pigeon ripe for the taking.  Sydney came to the table to join them.  “I just read the paper,” he said.  “Very odd story from Paris.  It seems a man fell from a hotel room and survived.  By all

accounts, the man should have died.  It has the police baffled.”

“Perhaps it wasn’t not his time yet,” Death commented. “Have you met my guest?  Count von Heiffer,” Reginald said.  “He arrived late yesterday evening.”  “Oh, nice to meet you,” Sydney said, extending his hand.  “If you would excuse me, I would like to walk around a bit.”  Death rose from his chair and left. “Well, he left rather abruptly,” Sydney observed.  “He’s rather eccentric,” Reginald said.  “Family trait.”

Barry had taken Elizabeth into the study.  “What is it?” she asked.  “You seem a bit perturbed.”  “I didn’t like the way

you looked when you were introduced to Count von Heiffer,” Barry said.  Elizabeth was somewhat taken aback.  “The way I looked?”  Barry paced.  “It was…different.  It was like he had a hold on you.”  “A hold on me!” she said incredulously.  Barry sat and took her hand.  “I know it may sound silly, but I don’t want you alone with this man.  He makes me uneasy.”  Elizabeth couldn’t believe what she was hearing.  “Barry, you just met him.  How can you come to such a conclusion?”  “Another thing,” Barry said.  “When are you going to answer my question?”  “What question?”   “About us getting married.”

Elizabeth got up and went over to the window.  As she looked out, she saw Death walking among the bushes.  Elizabeth?” Barry called.  She blinked and turned.  “When am I going to get an answer?”  “Barry, I don’t think now

is the time to talk about it.  Especially in the mood you’re in.”  “You never want to talk about it,” he said impatiently.  “I’m beginning to wonder if you ever will.”  “If that’s the way you feel, I think this conversation is ended,” she said and walked out.  He went back out on the patio and plopped in the chair.   “Dammit!” he muttered.  Reginald saw the

clouded look.  “Liz and I had a bit of a disagreement,” Barry said.  “Couples often do,” Reginald said.  “They learn to talk it out and it’s all forgotten.”  But Reginald couldn't help thinking it was out his visitor.

Once in her room, Elizabeth sat on the bed. She couldn’t understand Barry’s impatient mood.  She went to the window, which looked out over the garden.  Death was still strolling among the bushes.  Elizabeth thought to when he held her hand. As soon as their fingers had touched, she immediately felt as if the final piece to a puzzle had just been put into

place.  Was this why she had put off answering Barry’s question of marriage?  Was this man the missing piece she had

waited for?

Death was having his own thoughts about Elizabeth.  Even now his inner being felt lighter, more alive.  "Was this what

it felt like to be in love?" he pondered.  "Was just a mere touch all it took or was there more?"   Feeling someone watching him, he turned and looked upward.  As they looked at each other, he again felt that feeling again.  This had to be it.  But why her and why so instantaneous?

Again, Elizabeth was drawn to him. Could Barry be right? If so, why did she feel this way?  A knock on her door made her turn away.  Mary entered the room.  “I just wanted to know if you would like to go with me to pick out a dress for tonight?” she asked.  Elizabeth smiled.  “As if you don’t have enough already.”  Mary was donning a wide-brimmed

hat.  “One more won’t hurt.  Besides, I want to make a good impression on the Count.”  “From what I see, he doesn’t’ strike me as one who is easily impressed,”  Elizabeth said.   “When he sees me tonight, he will be.”  Mary turned with a flourish and headed out the door.  “Coming with me?”   Elizabeth shook her head.    “Okay, see you later.”

Elizabeth smiled to herself.  She had a feeling Mary was in for a very rude awakening concerning the Count.  She turned her attention back to the window.  She looked out and saw he was gone.

CHAPTER 5



Death was still absorbed in his thoughts when Robert approached. “Count.” Death turned his head. “I was wondering. Do you play pool?” “I may have once or twice,” Death replied. “I was going to the game room and thought you might want to join me in a few games.” “Yes, I think I shall. Excuse me, what is your name?” “My name is Robert.” They

headed off to the game room.



“Reggie, you’ve never said anything about knowing a Count von Heiffer,” Sydney commented. Reginald was taken aback for a few seconds. “Well, er…I told you he was eccentric. He doesn’t like his name bandied about, very private.” Sydney gave his friend an odd look. “Private all right,” Barry muttered. “I’ve never even heard of the name.” “Just  because you’ve never heard of the name doesn’t mean it isn’t so!” Reginald angrily said, getting up from his chair and heading inside. “My word,” Sydney said in amazement. “I’ve never known him to lose his temper like that.” “Neither

have I,” Barry added. “He’s been acting strange ever since the Count arrived. There’s something about him that bothers me. I particularly didn’t like the way he looked at Elizabeth. I told her privately not to be alone with him.” “Jealous?” Sydney asked with a small grin. “That, yes,” Barry replied. “Plus something else.”



Robert had just racked up the balls and was about to make the break. “Count, would you care to place a gentlemen’s bet?” Death smiled to himself. He figured Robert had pegged him as an easy target and decided to play along. “I  usually don’t gamble, but I’ll take the chance.” Howmuch?” Robert asked. “Whatever you like,” Death replied. “We’ll start off with, say 200 marcs.” Two hours, and 600 marcs later, Robert was feeling very confident about his winnings and decided to push it a bit further. “Want to go some more?” he asked, chalking his cue stick. “Say double the bet?” Death curled his lips in a leering smile and nodded.



After two hours, Robert felt like he was the one who was the pigeon. It seemed shots that were impossible to make fell into the pockets almost on their own. Robert didn’t know how he was going to make good the wagers. He was broke when he came and had counted on finding a pigeon that would fill his empty pockets. If the Count were to collect on  his wager, Robert was definitely in big trouble. Small beads of perspiration broke out along the hair line of his forehead. Robert took a small kerchief from his pocket and wiped his forehead. “Guess I had a string of good luck,”

Death said. “It had been some time since I had picked a cue stick.” “You could have fooled me,” Robert thought to himself and cleared his throat. “Well, it seems you’ve caught me at a bad time. My funds are just a bit short. I’ll have to wire my bank for a transfer to cover the bet.” Death smiled inwardly. He knew Robert had no money whatsoever and decided to let the man off the hook for the time being, at least till tonight.



“I have an idea,” Death said. “How about tonight at the gambling tables? No one needs to know what happened here and you can recoup your losses, gaining a bit of revenge, so to speak.” Death placed the cue stick back on the rack. An eerie, grayish aura began to appear around him. His face became dark and brooding, the green eyes changing to pure white and the skin fading to a dark, somber gray. Robert backed toward the door, his body shaking all the way to his toes. He saw Death’s smile turn to a maniacal grin and began to see what his future would bring. His eyes widened as a low rumble emanated from Death. The rumble made Robert stop in his tracks, his feet unable to move any further.



Death came towards him. Robert could feel moisture running down his legs. He looked down to see a puddle of water at his feet then looked back up. Death was walking past him on his way back outside. After several minutes, Robert collected himself. He looked to see if anyone was around and headed out the door to his room upstairs.

Part 2

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E-mail Lady B at taker123@yahoo.com.