Will's Lament: Book 1

Will's Lament is a series of 4 books. It's the story of a painfully acquiescent love-triangle. Not of man and woman, but of live, death, and everything in between. It incorporates themes of several genres, including suspense, horror, fantasy, a bit of dark-humor, and a hint of criminal drama, particularly noticable as the reader progress through the next volumes. BOOK 1 leads a man named Will Cypher through a post-apocalyptic city, flooded with sinful temptations at every turn. To find the answers he so desperately seeked: Who he was, and how he got there. Will has absolutely no memory of himself. His only hope is a devastatingly BEAUTIFUL, yet clearly psychotic woman, who defiles her face with black paint, in the design of a twisted and demonic looking clown. Whom kills impulsively without doubt, or hesitation. Whom claims to hold the very answers Will wanted to hear. But only seems to drive him further and further into the rut. Does he simply ignore her relentless bloodlust-Or can he do it all on his own?

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Will's Lament: BOOK 1By Jeremy HernandezAuthorHouseCopyright © 2010 Jeremy HernandezAll right reserved.ISBN: 978-1-4520-0366-5Chapter OneWorld Recognition I awake to the smell of stale smoke, and the pain of an excruciating headache. Ly idly staring at the yellow stained ceiling for a second, allowing my eyes to adjust to the light. ... When it hits me ... HOLY SHIT!!! ... Where am I! ?... Who am I!? ... I'd never felt so scared in my entire life. Then again, I couldn't remember a solitary thing, to make such a statement. ... Then it get's worse ... I try to clinch my fists, but there was absolutely no feeling what so ever. I was completely paralyzed. Other than my eyes; able to slowly move amongst an upper portion of the room. It was difficult to tell for sure, where I was exactly. But it almost looked like a run-down hospital room. I layed flat on my back, all tucked in tight to the bed under me. With a paper-thin pillow preventing a good view - Unable to move my head, and all. Though, I could see a door a few feet from the foot of the bed. Just a plain white door. No window in it, or posters displaying human anatomy. A very bland room. Way to church-up the place, I thought. That was right about the time that I noticed "Him" sitting in a chair beside the left side of my bed. Total weirdo, this guy. All dressed in black, with long-green-hair, and sporting a dark pair of Ray Bands, or Locs, as one would say. ... And wouldn't you know!? ... I'm speechless, as well. Tiny gasping, gargling type noises is the extent of my vocabulary. DAMMIT, I shouted. (Deep inside) WHAT'S HAPPENING! ? Just stay calm.... No use of throwing a noiseless, motionless tantrum. I'll end poppin' a blood vessel, or something. Trying to place a face on who ever I was, was next to impossible. Hell, I didn't even know the color of my skin. For a flash of a moment, you might even say, that it was difficult for me tell what gender I was. Only for a flash! Until, you sit and really acknowledge the thoughts of man.... Actually, I knew from the very start that I was a man. And proud to say that even though I felt, or knew nothing, I somehow knew that I had a penis. ... And that boobs were FANTASTIC! ... Sorry, juz goofin' around. Anyway, as I take a more thorough observation of the green-haired fellow, it looked like he was dead asleep. But hard to tell through those dark shades of his. He looked a little paralyzed, himself. All slouched over, as if stuck in a bottomless trance. There was just no way of getting his attention, so I decide to go back to my brain for a minute. See if I could gather ... Something.... Only there was nothing. Wonder what my name is, I thought ... Jeff? ... Alex? ... Chris? ... Mike? Must of said every name in the book - more than twice. But, none of them seem to fit ... Benny ... Bret ... Borris ... Eli ... Fuckin, Eduardo! ... I must of looked over at the green-guy over a hundred times, for signs of ANYTHING! But the bastard didn't even budge, the entire time I layed there. All I could do was dig for blind memories. It was like trying to wiggle broken fingers. They just wouldn't work. Time, as we know it, did what it always does.... And quite immensly. The jolly-green giant was no longer in the room - I must have passed out. Due to sheer boredom. And now, I was alone. Though it's not like I recognized him anyway. Who knows, who that bozo was. Jeez, I hope he's not family. He was kind of strange. Eventually, after picturing that green hair for several hours, something came to mind, as clear as day. A woman's face ... So beautiful, that just the thought of it put no doubt in mind, that I would of been smiling if physically able to. ... Absolutely, gorgeous ... Her name is Angela. My wife. Not sure how I knew this, but I was certain she was my wife. Peculiar feelings filled my heart, as I only pictured her in my mind. It was definitely love. Only it was all too surreal to even believe. I imagine everything about the way she looked, right down to the triangular shaped birthmark on the inner side of her right calf. She almost seemed a little too good for a schmuck like this. Nice curves, long black hair. Big brown eyes that made you weak in the knees. It was like admiring a photograph of some unknown person. He, or she is there before your eyes, though you haven't the foggiest idea about them. Trying to place a personality over the picture that best fits the appearance; imagining how their voice would sound, and if they even looked the same in person. Not even a full day and already I felt that I was losin' it. At least, I don't think it's been more than just a few hours. But going cuckoo was not my only concern. Rather, an itch between my toes, that worries me. As I couldn't move to get to it. And of course, it had to intensify while I rest there helplessly, struggling with all I could muster, as my lungs moved to the speed of my trembling heart. Focus ... FOCUS, I told myself. You can do it! Breath damn you!! With tears ready to erupt. With blood boiling and veins ready to rupture, my legs suddenly kicked after about 45 seconds of pure tortue, tossing the blankets half off the bed. Couldn't believe it actually worked. "Ohh, God. THANK YOU!!" I say aloud. Freakin' ALOUD! And not just in my head. This deep, raspy voice, that was not at all familiar to me. But why would it, if I can't remember anything else? ... Jeez, I probably haven't spoken in months ... Maybe even years. Gotta work these throat muscles a bit. I had to of been in a coma for awhile. Better than being paralyzed, though. After clawing away at my foot for a minute, I call out for any accessible ears. "Hello!?" (purposely, just to hear my own voice again.) A nasty taste, as I moved my tongue around the inside of my mouth. I called out once more, only for my throat to clog with a huge gob of phlegm, and could care less, about hacking it up onto the white tile floor. Let someone else worry about it - I didn't even know where the Hell I was! Sure was thirsty, though. A water-cooler sits in the corner of the room, urging me to come have a drink. A few air bubbles even float to the top of the tank, as if the thing were winking at me. But it was not quenching my thirst, that the cooler was telling me. It was something else.... But what? Another memory, perhaps? Someone I knew, had one of these in thier house. ... Maybe ... Could've been my house, if there is, or was such a place. I was really dying for a drink, though. But my conscience told me that I should go let somebody know that I had awaken. For all I know, I could be a freakin' medical miracle walkin' around. So, I call out once more. "Hey!! ... (no answer) ... Hey!! (nothing) Is anyone out there!?" Not a sound. Not at first. I waited carefully and listened closely, and realize that there was a sound indeed. Having a sudden change of heart in a flustered panic, for no apparent reason. Something was telling me to be prepared. So, I throw myself back, as if never disturbed. (Kept clinching my hands though, out of joy of mobility.) The sound being echoing foot steps, drawing closer and closer. Until suddenly rushing through the door. Just keep your eyes closed, I say to myself. The visitor than speaks. "Alrighty! Let's get this shit over with, it's fuckin' hot as balls out there." A squirly voice.... A man's voice. I couldn't help but squint one eye open to sneak a peak. A scrawny little bald man, with hairy arms and a huge clef in his chin. I shut my eyes out of fear of being noticed. He didn't sound too supportive, or even friendly for that matter. Wasn't wearing your typical doctor's scrubs either. Just faded blue jeans and a dingy-old V-neck T-shirt, that bloomed out some unsightly gray chest hair. He tinkers around - couldn't see what he was doing, but I had to act fast. So, I believed. I spring up out of bed, without having a very well layed-out plan. But luckily he had just turned his back to get a drink himself. Bastard! That's my water, dammit! He goes for the stack of paper cups atop of the tank and tops her off. He pounds back one cup, letting out a loud sigh of relief. "Ahhh!! Hell, yeah!" He grunts, going for seconds. Yet, I still haven't a plan... Hell, should I say something? ... Should I! ... But it's too late. As, he quickly drops his cup (noticing my shadow) and spinning around with something clearly in his other hand. Though, before he knows it, my fist drives his nose straight through his face; my other hand twisted in his shirt, to brace the impact, and to prevent struggle. Left my hand and wrist looking like I had dipped it into a bucket of red paint. Yet, not so much, as a grunt from Mr. Male-nurse. "Sorry, man." I say, gently (respectfully) setting him down against the wall next to the water-cooler. Slowly, digesting the notion that I had just became something other than man. For this man was dead ... And I was a murderer. "Ah, no ... Ah, NO! ... What did I do? What the FUCK DID I DO!?" In a panic, I thought it would be a good idea to put him in the bed, clean all the blood up, and just cover him with the blankets. Act sort of as a decoy. As, I went to move him my bare foot was pricked with something sharp. Looking down I see a strange instrument had pierced the side of my left foot. Some sort of syringe. Gun-like in appearance. Like a squirt gun : small glass reservoir filled with an amber colored fluid, and long hypodermic needle at the barrel. I yank it out of my foot and place it on top of the cooler. This was definitely not a normal hospital, I said to myself. He sure and the Hell was no doctor. They were probably the reason I'm here to begin with. Him and that other creep with the hair. I could only imagine what's in that needle. Could be the poisen that crippled me. And if that being so, I can only hope that it's effects are temperary. I Leaving without further a due, coming to a chilly white hallway. Also similar to those in hospitals. Only, all too quiet to be any hospital : No screams of pain. No doctor's diagnosis. No children crying. It didn't seem right, the place was completely deserted. I just pick up the pace to a slight jog. Ignoring the many other doors in that hallway, which could of held the answers I needed. But I didn't care. The big red letters : E--X--I--T at the end of that hallway, were much more inviting. Bursting through the door, I'm hit with a wave of light and heat that blinds me instantly. My eyes welled with tears and it hurt like a son-of-a-bitch, so I keep my sights set to the ground, while shielding the sun with one hand. The pebble studded ground and a barking dog, indicated that I was outside. It was way too bright out. My eyes just wouldn't adjust, so I didn't even bother to scope out the area. Besides, it appeared to be just an ordinary alley. Certainly had all the characteristics of an ally : Decrepit vehicle stripped of valuable parts, old fridge, and an abandoned stroller. Traditionally brandashing it's famous odor of piss, like so many others. Vaguely covered by a scent of burning wood carried down between the graffitti clad structures, which tickled your throat with every breath. And only Hell was this freakin' hot. Hundred degrees-No bull. The heat so incredible it evaporates the perspiration right from your poors.... Imagine that : A type of heat that made you feel as if you couldn't even sweat. Just dry, hot air, like a blowdryer shoved in your gullet. After my eyes finally started to adapt, I could see that I was in a city, or town. Sounds of trivial chit-chat and children playing, gave me a warm feeling inside, coming closer, and closer to the streets. Only for those feelings to be frozen in terror. This was practically Hell, but once an average lower-class part of an everyday city. Civilization crumbled unpresumably by man. Everything totally annihilated. Everything! This city was dead. Like the after-math of some big war that lasted for years. Only life here still existed. At the end of their withered old ropes, no less. But, still alive. People literally dwelling on the streets. Some in sleeping-bags. Others, fortunate enough to have tents and huts made out of old tarps, cardboard and duct tape. Mostly all the buildings of previous businesses were wrecked beyond repair. Most of which were now being used for other means of establishment. The People who salvaged these buildings, even made their own signs, for their their store-fronts; a majority spray painted, or glamorized with lights and cutsie little names. The thing that shocked me the most, was the way everyone looked. It was so horrible. Not only their appearances, or all around lack of hygiene. But the way they moved, and those hopeless expressions on their faces. Almost, zombie-like. Sort of staggering around mindlessly. Walking into this new fallen world, scared and boiling hot, I realized that I was absolutely starving. My rumbling stomach, reminding me to eat. Dipping my hands into the pockets of the over-sized blue jeans, to pull lint from one pocket, and a 20 dollar bill from the other. Along with a book of matches. I hoped for a fat wallet full of hundreds and proper identification ... But no. I wander down the sidewalk of the wretched city, as if a designated path. Path to what? I wondered. I didn't even know where I was going. Or where I was, for that matter. A discreet gander at the stores along the way. People wandered" ownerless" buildings; Consumption of drugs and alcohol seemed to be the chief concern of these inhabitants. As well, as persuasive encounters of perversion, at every turn. Men, woman ... And I'm sad to say, that children were hot on the market. They were all displayed in windows, dancing and blowing kisses for a quick sale. As, I came past an old pawn shop, I witnessed sorrow and pity for the first time : A naked girl sitting on a stool behind the glass, shaking and too frightened to even cry. She notices me, stopping and looking at her. Picking her head out of a heavy slump, the sandy blonde hair pulls away from her heavily battered face. She was only a child, herself. Around 15, or so. The poor thing forces a smile and distorted wave, out of fear that she might not fill her quota for the day. I swallow hard, walking away. Leaving her there to eventually die. Regretfully, ignoring that cry for help, using only her eyes. My eyes started to water ... And not from the sun this time, but heartache. I felt that I was a coward for not saving her - And everyone else in this vice, putrid city. So, I just ran. The next thing I know, I'm kissin' asphalt. I decided to cut across the street and BAM!!! I'm actually hit by the one running vehicle left on the road. "Hey, buddy! Get the Hell outta the road!!" He shouts, beating his horn. Thank's for the go-ahead, pal. I needed a chance to blow off some steam. I jump up and stagger over to his car window and he attempts to get out. But he let's out a girlish shriek, as I push the door shut on his fingers. He curses and moans, but actually manages to somehow kick the door open, and knocking me back for a second. "Oh, shit." I said, realizing what I might have gotten myself into. This guy was pretty big. Way over 6 feet tall and at least 300 pounds. A good ol' boy. Shaggy gray beard, Harley Davidson cap, missing teeth. I notice that he walked with a little gimp, and figured I'd use it to my advantage. So, I just egged him on a little. Keeping up a healthy grin to make it worse. "Listen grandpa, don't get hurt, now." I tell him, with my dukes up. "Oh, that's it! Come here, you lil' bastard!! I'll fuckin' kill ya!!" He chases me around the other side of the van, practically hopping on one foot. And that's when I made my move; entering the white, full-size van through the passenger's side and hitting the locks. He pounds the hood, cursing some more and ends up spinning like a top, as I peeled off with his wheels. "THANKS FOR THE RIDE, ASSHOLE!!!" The smell of old cigarette butts that lingered in the old rustic van was tempting me to light one up. Guess I'm a smoker, I thought. Well, that's one thing I know about myself. The area didn't seem to be any major city that I was aware of. There weren't any tall skyscrapers, or big monuments. But, I did come across something familiar, as I sat in a parking lot of an abandoned gas station, at the corner of First & Belmont. A huge Budweiser billboard - Couldn't explain it, but I swore that I'd seen it before. And that there was something in this area, that might help jog my memory a little, if I pay very close attention. So, I decided to take a little drive. See if anything else looked familiar. (Continues...) Excerpted from Will's Lament: BOOK 1by Jeremy Hernandez Copyright © 2010 by Jeremy Hernandez. Excerpted by permission. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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