Care Taker

Randall Price’s mind is locked deep within a brain desolated by Alzheimer’s disease. His daughter, Mary, and son-in-law, Owen, only see his decaying shell as they lovingly care for him in their rural eastern Kentucky home. Yet, Randall watches from within as they take care of his physical needs. He sees their daily ministrations, and he sees much more. While disease has cut off communication with the world he knew before his dementia, it has provided a window into a world beyond. Much of this parallel landscape is pleasant, allowing him to relive the sweet memories of his past. There are times, however, when that dimension is terrifying. From that realm, he sees an evil stalking his family. An evil as old as the coal laden hills. Randall expends the last of his life struggling to warn Owen, and with his final breath promises to provide help from beyond death, if he can. Only after Owen is inextricably trapped by a demon in human guise is the meaning of the warning clear. At first Altarce Constroble appears to be just as he presents himself; an aged businessman in need of a personal assistant. After Owen’s factory job vanishes in the depressed economy and his wife tells him she’s expecting, he thinks the offered opportunity a Godsend. Then, as everyone he cares for dies horribly, and the hook of the demon sinks ever deeper into his body and soul, the true nature of his employment becomes clear. He must either surrender to becoming a servant of horrendous evil, compensated by an opulent and a nearly eternal lifespan, or commit suicide. When a new love enters his life and becomes entangled in his hell, self-sacrifice seems the only exit strategy. Then an old friend returns to keep his promise.

About the Author

Edward Odson was born in 1958. He currently resides in Kentucky with his wife, Lori. A native Floridian, he has at this point lived almost half his life in the bluegrass state. When he isn't writing, he enjoys painting oil and watercolor natural scenes and cityscapes. He illustrates and designs his own book covers.

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