It started with all the excitement that the holiday had to offer, good food and drink, rowdy people enjoying themselves in Canton. Many going to the Dive bar to meet an author they heard was there for the event.
Scary costumes and drunk people filled the streets, some looking for that last call getaway and a final helping of festiveness at the yearly event. Some had wristbands enabling them access to the bars in Federal hill while locals didn’t bother.
At the edge of Federal Hill where a mostly disassociated, non wristband requirement bar was entirely empty but for a man sweeping the floor, a grim reaper entered and said, “may I have a double shot of bourbon, please.”
“Nice costume but we are closed,” said the dishwasher/janitor/part-time cook and owner.
“For a drink I could give you five extra minutes—-it has been a long night,” said the reaper.
“Five extra minutes—-i’m trying to get out of here so take a hike buddy,” the owner rudely replied.
“Too bad. Have a good, forty-five seconds,” said the reaper, checking to make sure.
“What, is that supposed to be a threat?” the owner asked. The reaper got off the stool and stepped into the shadows along the wall as two men rushed in to hold up the place. They shot the owner when he reached for a weapon and then quickly rushing out as the reaper said, “See you around.”
Startled, they fired several shots into the reaper until he swiped the blade of his scythe and took the closest one’s hand, causing him to scream as his accomplice rushed out.
“All I wanted was a drink,” said the reaper stepping behind the bar to fulfill his commitment. He chopped and sliced and filled a box with thirteen pieces before reaching for some bourbon. Pouring it into a glass as two couples entered, he drank it down.
“Cool costume,” said one of the women.
“Thank you, what’ll it be?” asked the reaper. “The bourbon is on the house.” They couldn’t pass up free bourbon. After pouring them all a shot, the reaper tucked the beer case of body parts under his arm and said, “I will see you two next year and you in 2028.” To the woman praising his costume he said, “2050 for you. Enjoy.”
DAGilberthorrorwriter 