“Dean, hurry up will you. Come and see this doll,” Rachel shouted from the top of the garden.
“Hang on a minute. I just want to look at this old well.” He imagined throwing her into the dark hole.
“Forget the damn well. I want you to come and see this doll. The eyes are bloody freaky.”
Dean knew Rachel would be pissed off and didn’t like to be kept waiting, but he didn’t care and wanted to look down the well. He knew some of the stories surrounding the lane and although he was keen to leave, Dean was transfixed by it.
“Fuck off, you silly bitch,” he muttered under his breath, ignoring her.
The cats began to move around the walls as a piercing cry shattered the silence causing them to scatter.
Dean shrieked out loud, the crying noise scaring him. His hands were trembling -- he couldn’t hold the torch steady to find the source of the noise.
Chapter 26
Sandra rushed to her car and jumped inside, putting her phone in the hands-free holder. She drove off and hit redial again, and banged the steering wheel when Rachel’s voicemail clicked in for the fourth time.
The last thing she wanted to do was encourage anybody to go to the lane, but she knew Rachel would rush in, unaware of the danger she was in. Feeling nervous, she dialled 999.
After giving the relevant details, she was connected to the police.
“Hello, Police. What’s the nature of the emergency?”
“Hi, my name is Sandra Miller and I want to report a trespasser.”
“What’s the address?”
“Number six Promised Land Lane.”
“Are you at the property now?” the voice asked.
“No, I don’t live at the property, but my boss has left me a voicemail. She’s going to Promised Land Lane to have a look around and I’m worried about her.”
“I’m sorry, miss, but is this an emergency?”
“Yes, of course it is. She’s going to the place where Ashley Lee was murdered a few weeks ago.”
“Okay, and what’s the exact nature of the emergency?” the voice responded, sounding uninterested.
“I’ve just told you, my boss is going to that house where the kid was murdered.”
“Do you think your boss is in any immediate danger?”
“I don’t know, do I, but can you send somebody to have a look around? She’s not supposed to be there.”
“I’ll send a car round as soon as I can. Is there anything else I can assist you with this evening?”
“No, but get someone round there as quickly as possible,” she said before disconnecting the call.
Speeding through a number of red lights along the way, Sandra arrived at the house, terrified of what she would find. She ran down the side that linked the front and the back gardens, not realizing she had left her torch in the car.
Adrenaline was coursing through her veins as she reached the back garden. She spotted Rachel immediately and ran towards her. “What are you doing here, Rachel?” Sandra was out of breath.
“I might ask you the same question? You planned all of this, didn’t you?”
“Rachel. Listen to me please. We have to leave now before she comes.”
“Before who comes? What are you talking about?” Sandra had heard this tone before and guessed Rachel wasn’t in the mood to play games.
***
Dean shone his torch towards the well. A hand reached over the circular wall causing him to jump back with fright. He shook his head not wanting to believe what he had just seen and scolded himself for being stupid.
He turned to run when the sound of a child’s anguished cry stopped him in his tracks.
***
“I’ll make sure you never work again after pulling this stunt.” Rachel was incandescent with rage.
Sandra noticed Rachel had hold of the doll. “You can do what you want, but let’s get out of here first.”
“I don’t take orders from anybody, let alone a second-rate journalist like you.”
“I’m not giving orders, you stupid cow. I’m trying to save your life. Didn’t you hear her scream?”
Part of Sandra would be happy to see Rachel brutally murdered.
“I’m not concerned by the sound of mating foxes, Sandra.”
“Trust me, that scream wasn’t from a fox. Did the doll’s eyes open?”
“Of course they did.” Rachel tilted the doll back and forth and watched as its eyes opened and closed. “See. They open.”
“Rachel, listen to me. I’ve not been entirely honest with you, but you need to come with me now.” Sandra stared into the eyes of the doll and was beginning to panic.
“I’m not stupid, Sandra. I know you’ve been hiding information from me. To tell you the truth, it wouldn’t surprise me if you were the one who bumped off your sister. You wanted this story so you could steer people away from the truth. I get it now. Clever I admit, but you’ll never get one over on me.”
“Don’t even go there, or I’ll throw you down that fucking well myself.” Sandra reached boiling point and clenched her fists tightly, her nails digging into the palm of her hands.
“Is that what you did to your sister?”
She knew what Rachel was trying to do, but didn’t care. Her whole body was on alert and her only concern was getting them both safely out of the garden. “No. But I’ll gladly bounce your fat arse down there if you carry on.”
***
David approached from behind the trees startling Rachel. “Sandra, you promised me you’d never come back here after dark. She knows you’re here and is coming for you.”
“Fuck me, is that him?” Rachel asked.
Sandra ignored her question.
Rachel scanned the garden to try and make out where the voice was coming from, but couldn’t see anything.
“Who’s there? Answer me,” Rachel shouted across the garden.
“Rachel, I’m serious, we have to go.” Sandra grabbed hold of Rachel’s coat.
“It’s him, isn’t it?” she said yanking the coat from Sandra’s hand. “The old man said he’d be here. Is he the one who helped you murder your sister?” It was like a light bulb being turned on inside her head. “I know what’s going on here. You bumped off your own sister and the old man is covering for you. Being put on the story was the best thing that I could have done for you…” Her mind buzzed with excitement. “You’ve been having an affair with that man and the kid seen you and him together so you got rid of him. We’ll sell millions,” she said as a smile crossed her red painted lips.
Ignoring her comments, Sandra asked Rachel, “Are you seriously that stupid? Look at what’s going on around you. Don’t you hear that noise?”
“Of course I can hear it. I’m neither deaf, or stupid.”
“Rachel. Listen to me and it might just save your worthless life. When you looked at the doll and its eyes opened, did you notice anything strange about them?”
“Yes, I did, although I fail to see why that’s relevant?”
“I don’t have time to explain, but if you come with me now I’ll tell you everything.”
“Do you really think I’m that naïve? I know what you’re up to. Stood there dithering, pretending to be scared and trying to get me to leave. Well I won’t. Am I too close to the truth? Tell me your side of the story because at this present moment I’m debating whether to call the police and report your part in this so-called mystery.”
David stepped into view. “Sandra, please. You must go and take her with you.” He pointed towards Rachel.
Rachel glared at the man. “Who are you to give me instructions?”
“It’s not important who I am…”
“I’ll decide what’s important,” Rachel interrupted.
“You should all leave.” David gestured towards the well. “She knows you’re both here.”
“Stop talking gibberish,” Rachel said, suddenly feeling nervous. “I’ve had enough of this crap and want to know what’s going on, now
.”
Sandra pointed to Dean standing motionless. “Rachel, we have to get Dean and go.”
“There’s no time to take your friend – he’ll be safe with me. He didn’t look into her eyes.”
***
The child’s cry unnerved Dean. He cautiously turned and shone his torch in the direction of the sound. His hands were still shaking. Unable to believe what he was seeing, he focused the torch light on the well and was horrified to see a small pale hand gripping the wall.
Dean edged further back, watching as somebody slowly began to climb out of the well.
His heart hammered in his chest. He closed his eyes, convinced he was imagining what was before him. When he looked again, he was startled to see a little girl, her head covered in a mass of dirty blonde hair. A smell hit his nostrils causing him to bend over and vomit. He dropped to his knees and continued to retch.
The girl sniffed the air as she walked around him. Her pale hands touched Dean’s leg gently as she leant in. He clenched his body tight as his tears began to fall.
She walked around him in a full circle and briefly stood before him then walked slowly away.
A sob escaped his throat and caught her attention. She turned around and rose her head in his direction. The moonlight cast an eerie glow over the garden, illuminating the little girl. He could just make out the porcelain white skin underneath layers of dirt. Through the matted hair, Dean could see the empty, bloody sockets where her eyes used to be. She smiled at him, revealing a row of jagged and rotting teeth. The girl giggled before letting out a deafening scream.
Dean covered his face with his hands as the contents of his bowels spilled down his legs. He had never felt so terrified in all of his life.
Chapter 27
Sandra shuddered at the piercing scream.
“What the hell was that?” Rachel demanded.
“Have you any idea how much danger we’re all in?”
“Dean.” Rachel stiffened. “Where are you?”
Sandra could sense the change in Rachel – pleased she was finally taking her seriously.
“She’s coming,” David said. “I can’t protect you both. I’m not strong enough.”
“Rachel, I’ll leave you here if I have to.”
They all heard the giggle as Maisie approached. It was the creepiest sound Sandra had ever heard.
“David,” she said in a baby-like voice. “You know you can’t protect them both so make your choice, or I will choose for you.” Maisie walked slowly into view.
The remainder of the cats jumped down from the walls and surrounded Maisie. They hissed at her. She hissed back at them, retreated and crouched down.
David moved towards Sandra as the cats circled them and closed ranks. Rachel was left unprotected.
“So, you’ve made your choice,” Maisie said.
Rachel took a couple of steps backwards. She was clearly angry. “I don’t know what sick game you’re all playing, but it’s over.”
“Rachel, stand there and don’t move,” David demanded.
“You don’t get to give me orders, whoever you are.”
“For fuck’s sake, Rachel,” Sandra said. “If you’re not going to listen to him, run.”
“I don’t take orders from you, or him. Got it?”
Sandra could hear the panic in Rachel’s voice. It was the first time her boss had ever shown weakness.
“Just shut up and listen.”
“Do you really think I’m stupid enough to fall for any of this?” Rachel made her way towards Maisie.
“Rachel, don’t go near her, I beg you,” David said frantically.
Rachel paused momentarily, but continued to walk towards Maisie.
Maisie stood still as Rachel approached. The girl tilted her head to one side and sniffed the air.
“Rachel, for fuck’s sake, stay there and don’t go near her,” Sandra begged. “She’s sniffing so she knows where you are.”
“I’m warning you both,” Rachel snarled. “Stop trying to tell me what to do.”
“You don’t know what she’s capable of,” David warned. “Please, just leave whilst you still can.”
Rachel ignored the warnings and walked directly to Maisie and shone her torch at her. The girl flinched, as though scared by the light.
Showing uncharacteristic tenderness towards the child, Rachel reached out to move the matted blonde hair out of her face.
As she did, Maisie grabbed her arm and bit into it, grinding her teeth as she tore the flesh.
Rachel let out a scream, dropped the torch and pulled her arm away. As the torch hit the floor, the light turned off. She put her other hand over the wound to try and stem the flow of blood.
“Shit! You fucking little bitch. I was only trying to help you.”
Maisie’s melodic giggles filled the night air.
Sandra tried to push past David and help Rachel, but he grabbed her from behind, holding her tightly in place. She struggled to free herself, but it was no use. David was too strong.
“Why do you keep sniffing me?” Rachel shouted at Maisie. “You’re the one that stinks.”
“Are you ready?” Maisie asked, her voice faint.
“Ready for what exactly?” Rachel snapped.
“Ready to come home with me so we can play?” Maisie responded in her baby-like voice.
“I’m not in the mood to play games with you, or anybody.”
“I’ll show you where I take all the others.”
“Maisie please. Don’t do this,” David shouted.
***
The blood seeped through Rachel’s fingers.
“You’re an animal,” Rachel shrieked. She scrunched her face up at the revolting smell coming from the child.
“Rachel, you don’t know what you’re doing. David, stop her.” Sandra shouted.
“Shut the fuck up, Miller. I’ve had enough of this. I’ll deal with you tomorrow.” Rachel’s heart thumped in her chest. For the first time in her life she was utterly terrified. “Where’s that fucking torch?”
Her knees had barely hit the grass before Maisie grabbed hold of her hair. Screaming in agony, Rachel tried to pull away, but her strength was no match for the little girl.
Rachel screamed as she was dragged across the garden. Her feet kicked out and one of her shoes flew off.
“Get your fucking hands off me.” Rachel thrashed about. “My shoe.”
Maisie didn’t respond and strengthened the hold she had of Rachel’s hair, dragging her away from Sandra and David.
“Sandra, for God’s sake help me,” Rachel screamed.
Sandra continued to try and break free from David’s grip. She screamed out of frustration.
“Sandra, help me please,” Rachel begged.
Maisie finally released Rachel’s hair from her grasp.
Rachel scrambled to her feet, but lost her balance and fell flat on the ground. Her instincts screamed for her to run, but she didn’t have the strength. Her whole body trembled.
Maisie knelt in front of Rachel’s face and sniffed. The smell of rotting meat coming from the little girl’s breath made Rachel gag.
Maisie giggled again.
“Stop laughing at me, you little cunt,” Rachel shouted. “Dean, where the fuck are you?” she yelled.
Maisie giggled again then lunged at her.
Rachel felt a searing pain and realized the little girl had scratched her face. She could feel the blood running down her neck. She could hear Dean sobbing close by. “Dean, please, help me,” she begged.
Sniff. Sniff. Sniff.
Maisie crawled towards Rachel and licked her bloodied fingers before whispering into her ear, “It’s playtime.”
“Listen to me you little psycho. When I get up, you’re going to wish you’d never been born.”
Maisie ignored her and picked up a small rock. “Do you want to sing a song with me?”
“No, I don’t want to sing a fucking song.”
“It’s playtime,”
she repeated, as she swung the rock and smashed it against the side of Rachel’s head.
White hot pain filled her head and Rachel let out an unearthly scream. She tried to scramble to her knees and get away from the little girl, but felt dizzy and fell back onto the grass.
Rachel was vaguely aware of Sandra’s screams in the background, but was dazed and couldn’t think straight.
Maisie grabbed hold of her hair again and with amazing strength dragged her kicking and screaming across the garden and past Dean. She reached out so he could help her, but he stood there shaking, unable to move.
Rachel lay helplessly on the floor as the child let go of her hair again. Struggling to get to her feet, she still felt disorientated, but managed to drag herself up. She leant against the wall of the well. Her head hurt, but she had a little time to gather her thoughts. Rachel wondered how the child could be so strong? She reached up to feel her head and flinched as she touched the open wound. There would be hell to pay tomorrow, but for the moment she had to focus on getting out of the garden and calling the police.
“Help me! Sandra help me, please,” Rachel called into the darkness.
“Rachel, you have to run now.” Sandra shouted back, sounding terrified.
Rachel’s heart banged in her chest as she heard the familiar giggling sound again.
“Quick. She’s coming back,” Sandra screamed.
Rachel was about to make a run for it, but froze as the little girl reappeared. She braced herself as Maisie ran at her and knocked her off balance forcing her backwards into the well. She frantically grabbed for anything to stop her falling, but there was nothing.
Rachel screamed as she fell further and further into the darkness of the well and hit the bottom with a massive thud. She lay there with the wind knocked out of her. Strangely, she felt no pain.
A few minutes passed and Rachel’s eyes began to acclimatize as she heard the giggling sound from the evil child approaching.
Promised Land Lane Page 16