Dreamspell Nightmares

Enjoy this excerpt from the story “Charcoal Man” by David Fingerman:
The second story window exploded, sending shards of glass across the lawn. Balls of gray-black smoke rolled out in front of flames and ascended into a bright sky. Onlookers gathered on the other side of the street as the small two-story house spewed fire out its front door and windows.
“I can’t find anybody,” a fireman shouted as he stepped from the house, his face blackened by ash.
“Did anyone check the basement?” This man stood outside, shouting orders to his team.
“Nothin’!”
Paint bubbled as it separated from the walls. A flaming beam dropped from the ceiling and landed between two firemen, knocking the hose from their arms. It snapped and whipped as the man holding the nozzle struggled for control. Two others jumped on the hose as the water sprayed around the room. Sparks from burning debris rained down. They were finally able to aim the hose again. Another explosion from down the hall shook the house knocking the firefighters off their feet.
“We got to get the hell outta here! This whole damn place is coming down.”
Neighbors and news crews crowded the sidewalk. They all looked at what was now evaporating into a skeleton of an empty house. The only remnant untouched was the “For Sale” sign in the front yard. Some were grateful that the owners had already moved out. Others chatted back and forth with nervous ¬anticipation, joking about marshmallows and hotdogs in between their concern that somebody might still be in the house. Rumors had already spread that a person might have died, possibly a squatter.
“Anyone hurt?” a reporter called out.
The fireman in charge, Captain John Merrick, faced the reporter. “One of my boys sucked in some smoke, but he’ll be okay. We believe the house was empty. We’re not certain.”
“Any guesses on how it started?” the reporter asked.
“The investigator will have to determine the cause.” Merrick turned from the crowd and walked back to his men.
One of the firemen came over to Merrick. “I’d be willing to bet a paycheck it was arson.”
“See something suspicious?” Merrick asked.
“Just call it fireman’s intuition. Didn’t start in the basement or the kitchen. I can’t tell for sure, but I think it started in the middle of the living room.”
“Tell me.” Merrick’s eyes widened.
“I was one of the first ones in. The living room was already demolished. Two of the walls weren’t bad yet. The other two were already gone, but that’s the direction the fire was spreading.”
“And nobody found a body?” the Captain asked.
“If there’s a body in there, it’s pretty well hidden. We searched everyplace we could get at. Not a trace.” The fireman anticipated his boss’ next order. “We’ll do a thorough search when it’s safe.”
“Where’s the guy who said he saw someone in the house?” Merrick asked.
The man pointed. “See that pasty-faced guy by the ambulance?”
“The one smoking a cigarette?” Merrick asked.
* * * *

Charlie Harp stared at the charred frame of the house. He felt numb, wondering if there was anything he should have done different. The crowd of gawkers started walking back to their homes while the reporters cornered the firemen.
“Sir? Sir?” Charlie’s mind snapped back to attention. “I’m Captain Merrick.”
John Merrick was tall and slender but held a commanding build. With salt-and-pepper hair slicked back, his face was hard with a square jaw and crow’s feet wrinkled around his steel-blue eyes. A cop stood next to him. The officer was almost a head shorter and fifty pounds heavier, but still had a stature that demanded respect.
“This is Sergeant Wall,” Merrick said. “Can you tell us what you told my men, please?”
“Did you find the body?” Charlie asked.
“No sir,” the Captain answered. “Now you’re sure you saw someone in there.” It was a statement, not a question.
“He couldn’t have escaped!” It’s not fair!
The fireman and officer looked at each other questioningly. Charlie hoped he hadn’t said the second part out loud. Did I say escaped? Shit! He jumped when the fireman put his hand on Charlie’s shoulder.
“What happened in there, son?” Merrick’s voice held an eerie quality.
“Did you start the fire?” Sergeant Wall followed up.
How could I have been so stupid? How could I possibly believe anyone would ever be interested in me? Charlie shivered, reliving the scene.
* * * *

Charlie walked with an extra bounce in his step on his way home. It had been a good day so far, a great session. His therapist said he was getting close to a breakthrough. His mind had been getting stronger, more successful at hiding his thoughts.
“Excuse me,” a feminine voice called from inside the house. “Can you help me move my couch? My kitty batted my change purse under there. I can’t get it out.”
Charlie looked around to see who she was talking to.
“I’m talkin’ to you, handsome.” It was like she could read his mind. “Please? It’ll only take a minute.” There was a pause. “If you’re not in a hurry, I’ll make it worth your while,” she said coyly. “You’re cute.”
Charlie blushed as he tried to see in the house through a half-opened door. It seemed awfully dark inside, but he could make out a figure by the crack. Although he couldn’t distinguish her features, she had the loveliest voice. What do I have to lose? His therapist said it was time to get out more and start meeting people. What a great way to start. All smiles, he walked past the “For Sale” sign and into the house. He thought about maybe buying a lottery ticket too.
The door slammed shut behind him as he stepped through the entrance and a shiver enveloped his body. The room stood empty and dark.
“You,” Charlie could only whisper.
“You came when I called.” The feminine voice turned low and menacing. “You’re becoming an obedient little pet.”
He’d been had—again.