Finding 52

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Authors: Len Norman
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their concerns. The dead birds and animals were all located within a half mile of New York Jennings Hospital. Most of the dead animals were found within 100 feet of the hospital grounds. The smaller ones looked as if they had simply burst. Officials had no explanation but did mention that the calls came in shortly after midnight. City Health Officials couldn’t be reached for comment.
    It was Halloween and Dr. Drake was preparing for the annual Halloween party. He and his wife were famous for hosting the best parties that entertained children and parents alike. He even had prizes for best costumes and pumpkin carving. But Dr. Drake wasn’t feeling his best; in fact, he’d had some very unusual urges the last few weeks, thoughts of self-mutilation were not uncommon. His wife had noticed a difference in his behavior but thought he was probably just working too hard. The guests began to arrive and everyone was in a festive mood. The costumes were, as always, quite elaborate.
    The doctor chose to dress as the Grim Reaper this year. His black-cloaked, scythe-wielding costume was as impressive as his character. He not only personified death but he would soon have a Halloween demonstration. A demonstration everyone would remember, especially the children.
    The pumpkin carving was about to begin. Children would team up with their parents and see who’d carve the best pumpkin. Dr. Drake had a special treat this year. He commissioned a carpenter to build him a guillotine. The device was originally intended for carrying out executions by decapitation; it consisted of a tall, upright frame in which a weighted and angled blade was raised to the top and suspended. The condemned person would be secured at the bottom of the frame with his or her neck held directly below the blade. The blade would then be released and fall swiftly and sever the head. The guillotine was set next to the large galvanized tub where children were bobbing for apples. Everyone was excited to be able to use the guillotine to cut the top of the pumpkins off so they could begin the carving. All of this was done under supervision so no one would get hurt.
    After the pumpkin carving was completed the children went trick or treating and the adults stayed behind to pass out candy and drink as a bonfire warmed everyone. The doctor had a special trick up his sleeve once the children returned.
    An hour or so later the children joined their parents near the bonfire. They were as happy as could be as they went through their Halloween bags of candy. Dr. Drake’s costume really did make him look like the Grim Reaper, so much so, one little boy began to cry and ran away from him. The doctor held the boy’s hand and calmed him down and told him it was only a game and the Grim Reaper costume would soon make him laugh.
    Dr. Drake walked over to the guillotine and got on his knees. He stuck his masked head below the blade and reached for the crank. As he began to turn it and the blade went upward, his other hand still held the scythe. Dr. Drake began to think of the baby he delivered earlier that month. Harry? Was that his name? As the blade continued its ascent, people started running toward him, screaming in terror. He continued to crank and the blade was soon released. Just before it severed his head his last fleeting thought was, “Harley.”
    Theresa Brentway was working with Evelyn Spiker the night Harley was born. She assisted the doctor. The very next day she began vomiting and did so for a week; at times she noticed blood. Her head hurt continually. She was feeling a little better until thoughts of suicide surfaced. She knew she was in trouble but had no idea what to do about it.
    It was Thanksgiving and she was grateful to be with her family. Her husband thought of the turkey and dressing and her children were appreciative for time away from school. Theresa cooked the turkey and set the table, her husband was listening to a football game on the radio and dinner

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