All Chapters of The Witch's Bottle: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

To The Reader, This novel was inspired by my life's experience as a Policeman in two separate towns, Seaside Heights and Spring Lake Heights Police Departments, NJ. Likewise, growing up in a town that was steeped in witchcraft, I gained a great deal of knowledge into the occult which served me well in Police Work. I combined these experiences to create this story, which is partly based on true events. William Kelly, a former Combat Marine, and a Corporal at the six-three precinct of the Heights Police has his world turned upside down when he answers a radio call of a multiple homicide at the East Coast Green Herbal Shop. The "Heights," well known for its persecution and execution of witches for almost four centu

In 1650, they ratified the town charter for “Heights of King James County.” This meant that the formed town must submit to the County Governor, Deputy Governor, and Magistrate. These men and three Puritan Reverends were known as the County Commission.  Because they formed King James County under the 1629 Royal Charter of the King James Colony, the settlers of the heights had little to say who could live in their town.  The Commission intended to allow a slow but steady influx of Irish, Scottish, and Dutch immigrants to help the fledgling village.  However, the Commission was strict Puritans who escaped the Royal Anglican Government in England. They hand-picked twenty Calvinist families to oversee the Heights in leadership and religion.  The choice of well-off Puritan families inspired a Puritanism World View.  Birthdays and holidays were considered pagan rituals. The Bible was the only textbook found. The only

18:53 Hours "Central to Six-Three David, what's your status?" "Central, call the groundskeeper and ask if anyone's supposed to be in the church."   "Six-three Corporal groundskeeper started the call."  I started walking towards the east window. I saw the flicker again. I rationalized that it was just the streetlight reflecting off the glass. Yet, as I approached, I heard an indistinct murmur coming from inside the church.  I reached for my collar mic and pressed the PTT, and whispered. "Six–three Corporal to central. I have trespassers in the building. I need a backing unit. Come in from the east side.”                             After my broadcast, I reached down to my left hip. My hand bent at my wrist as my fingers found the

Wednesday, November 21 Keegan was back from the sin bin. That meant we could get some good old-fashioned American street violence.  It had been a quiet watch. Wired and tired, I counted down the minutes to its end. Keegs was still unsettled about Tommy Parker's suicide, having mentioned it several times. He couldn't sit still. He fiddled with his pen, went through an entire pouch of chewing tobacco, and made me stop so he could smoke. I understood the cause of his anxiety. The past few days saw a multiple homicide shooting, a necromancy ceremony, and an old homeless guy with a witch's bottle.  We Drove to Potter Church, hoping to kill the shift in peace. I backed into an opening in the trees, killed the lights, and opened my window. We were across the street from the groundskeeper's house. The lights were on, and a lone street lamp stood in the front yard. The home predated the War of 1812 and was a historical landmark. 

Tuesday, November 27th 14:55 Hours Lieutenant Chaney's voice resounded over the loudspeaker as he announced roll call in the Bullpen. I closed my locker and headed to the squad room. They changed the uniform of the day for the winter. Many had broken out the jackets and watch caps that were standard issue. I, however, preferred the sweater with a turtleneck. The coat was too cumbersome, and I was not fond of it. I only used it when it actually turned cold or snowed hard. This was Max and me's first official briefing as husband and wife. When I left the locker room, I saw her chatting with Marcello. I walked behind her, put my arms around her collar, and kissed her cheek. She turned and smiled. Our faces must have looked priceless. I still felt the effects of this morning's lovemaking. I knew Max did as well. If I could, I'd take her back into the locker room. Keegs, of course, noticed, flung his head backward, and sighed