Some say Robert fell asleep at the wheel of his taxi and had a nightmare. Others say that “de man lie.” But people from Berbice say that his story is not strange and that stranger things happen in the Ancient County. You decide for yourself.Robert had dropped someone off in Berbice and was returning to Georgetown. It was a little before midnight on a bright moonlit night. He drove quickly, eager to get back to town.
Somewhere along a lonely stretch of road he spotted a figure in the distance. It was a girl. As he approached she waved for him to stop he did. Without waiting for any discussion she opened the rear door and slid in.
“Drive please!” It was all she said.
Robert hesitated then moved off.
“Where are you going?” He enquired.
The girl smiled and pointed straight ahead. Robert sped on. Even though they drove in silence he observed her in the mirror. She was young and beautiful.
He turned the radio on and listened to the music from 98.1 Hot FM. The passenger seemed to be enjoying it too. She rested her head on the headrest and closed her eyes. Her long jet-black hair cascaded down her shoulder into her lap. The taxi sped on.
They were now approaching Mahaica so Robert slowed down as he got closer to the bridge.
Swish!
He glanced into the rearview mirror and got a fleeting look as something exited his car swiftly. He braked rashly and heard a loud splash in the river below the bridge. Spinning around, he got the shock of his life. His beautiful passenger was missing.
In great alarm he exited the taxi and looked over the bridge and into the murky river. There was nothing. His blood ran cold. Had this beautiful girl just committed suicide? What would he tell the police and the girl’s family? What would happen to him and his family? All these thoughts swirled around his head causing desperation to step in.
“Hello!” “Young lady are you there?” “Are you okay?” There was no response to his queries.
Robert scratched his head in puzzlement. How could this happen? The moon pushed it way from behind a cloud and the entire area was bathed in silver.
“Hello!” He tried again. Splash!
Robert stared hard at the water. There were ripples. Someone or something was moving down there.
“Hi there are you okay?” “Speak to me please!” Splash! Splash! Someone broke the surface of the river. He could clearly see a head and on it long dark hair which shimmered in the moon beams and danced on the river tide. It had to be his unlucky passenger.
Thank god she was alive.
“I’ll come down and get you!” He shouted. “No!”
Even though the voice was low it carried clearly to Robert’s ear.
“But…but….” He stammered in confusion.
“I am okay.” Again the voice was low and clear and accompanied by her beautiful smile.
“I just want to make sure you get home safely.” Robert insisted.
“I am home!” That statement really got his attention. There she was neck deep in the river and telling him she was at home. It was insane.
She beckoned him her with her inviting smile.
Robert shuffled towards the end of the bridge that would take him closer to the bank of the river. He was in a trance. All he could see was her smile. Then a minibus approached and the driver made good use of his horn as usual. Peep! Peep!
The sudden loud honking startled Robert out of the trance. He looked around and realised he was heading away from his car. He turned back. Splash!
The memory of the last 15 minutes flooded back. He looked over the side and there she was bright, bold and beautiful.
She beckoned him again. Splash!
Before his very eyes, a large luminous tail came up out of the water and flashed into the moonlight. She patted it as she beckoned to him. It was the sight of the tail that did the trick. Robert recoiled in horror and sprinted back to his taxi. With added motivation, he raced like a “madman” for Georgetown. As he drove he discovered that his taxi now had a new and overwhelming odour: FISH!
Written By Neil Primus