“You say the most unladylike things.” David smiled at her. Sandra knew he struggled to understand her use of certain words, but she guessed he didn’t care.
“Forgive me, but I’ve just been face to face with the child from hell.”
“It was your choice to go down there, Sandra. I did warn you, but now you’ve seen her closer than ever before, you must realize why you should leave and never return.”
“I’ll never abandon you, and if I have to come back here every day for the rest of my life so be it.”
“You are the kindest person I’ve ever met, but you can’t waste your life here. This is my cross to bear, not yours.”
“What do you do to pass the time?” Sandra asked, ignoring David’s last statement.
“I don’t think about time the way I did when I was alive.”
“But you have to be aware of what goes on outside of this lane.”
“I don’t know what the world is like anymore outside of this place. I’ve been here for so long that I’m not certain I can ever leave.”
“Have you ever tried?”
“I was sent back for a purpose, so I’ve never thought of leaving.”
“But you said that she can’t harm anybody during the daylight hours, so why do you remain stuck in this terrible place?”
“It’s all I know. I see the guard here from time to time and talk to him.”
“Does he know who you are?”
“He knows I’ve been here for a long time, but I don’t know what he truly thinks of me. He never gets too close, but he never tries to make me leave.”
“He probably thinks you’ve escaped from the local funny farm.”
“Funny farm?” David looked confused.
“Sorry, I forget sometimes. A funny farm is a place where people with mental problems are sent to live.”
“Then I’m not surprised he keeps his distance.”
“You used to live next door. Surely you wonder what your old house is like now.”
“That life was over a long time ago. I made my choice to return and would never turn back time and make another, even if I could.”
“It’s so much to take in.” Sandra’s head began to hurt. “You should never have agreed to come back here. It’s a burden nobody should have to carry.”
“There is no burden. I loved that little girl when she lived and I still do despite what she became.”
“I do understand that.”
“Maisie can’t help what she became and I like to think that the love I hold in my heart for her will one day save her.”
“You’re a wonderful man, David, but nothing has changed for you in all these years.”
“I have faith, and know that one day I will be reunited with my family.”
Sandra kissed him tenderly on the lips.
“Come with me today.” Sandra pulled herself up from the ground and beckoned for him to follow.
“I don’t know that I can.” He jumped up from the grass and let her lead the way.
“Try.”
“But where would we go?”
“I don’t care. Anywhere as long as it is away from this place. Take a walk with me until sundown then you can return.”
“Nothing would make me happier, but I don’t know if it is even possible.”
“Come on, we can try at least,” she said excitedly.
“Okay, we can try.”
They made their way down the side of the house and approached the gates before slowing down, both holding their breath as they took their first step into the unknown.
“See, you’re free.” Sandra had a huge smile across her face. She was falling deeply for this man.
“I’ve been past the gates before, so I think your optimism is a little premature.”
“Well, come on, let’s walk and see where we end up.”
They held hands and walked past Sandra’s car and along the lane. His expression told her how happy he felt.
“I had no idea I could move this far away from the house.” David looked transfixed by his surroundings.
“Well now you know, there’s no excuse.”
“You’ve been sent by angels,” he said looking down and smiling at her.
“Hils would never agree with you,” she said laughing, as they continued their journey hand in hand.
Sandra guessed David would be too fearful to leave the lane. She knew it had been over a hundred years since he last did. She wondered if he felt strange being so far away from Maisie?
She smiled adoringly at him. She didn’t know why, but she loved him wholeheartedly. She stared at his handsome face and for a moment fought the urge to run her finger across his dimpled chin. She wanted nothing more than to take him away from this place, but she knew he would never walk away from his duty.
A car drove past them. The noise startled David and he jumped. Sandra pulled him closer towards her, but the driver paid him no attention at all. He would be considered quite a catch with his sculpted face, dark brown hair and athletic build. Even the clothing he wore wouldn’t warrant a second glance. Although fashionable more than a hundred years ago, he didn’t look out of place in the modern world.
“I’m sorry, I don’t want to go any further. I should return to the house. Maybe if you come back tomorrow we can try and go a little further?”
“It’s ok, I understand, and of course I’ll be back.” She looked up and smiled at him. “I’ll walk back with you, then I need to get going.”
They walked in silence and kissed when they reached the gates. She whispered goodbye and let go of his hand before walking away.
***
David smiled and made his way back to the rear garden. He walked down the passageway and felt his nerves begin to settle. The memories came flooding back to him as he walked past the doll house and towards the well.
He climbed down and sat staring at the little girl as she slept. His mind took him back over a hundred years as he remembered the day he walked past the Whitmores’ house and heard Maisie’s screams. He remembered creeping around the side of the house to see what was happening.
He pressed his nose up against the glass and could see Maisie cowering in the corner as Samantha Whitmore stood over her daughter yelling.
“You’re an ungrateful little bitch, Maisie, and I regret the day I ever gave birth to you.”
“You don’t mean that, Mummy - I know you don’t.” Tears ran down Maisie’s cheeks.
“Don’t answer me back!” Samantha struck her daughter hard across the face.
Maisie let out another scream.
“Please don’t hurt me, Mummy,” Maisie begged, as she held onto her cheek. “I promise I’ll be good and do as I’m told.”
David watched as Samantha turned her head towards the front door.
Samantha lifted her head and sniffed the air. “Go and play in the back garden and don’t say a word to your father. He’s on his way now. I can smell him.” Samantha grabbed hold of Maisie’s hair and spat the words. “Do you hear me?”
Samantha released the grip on her helpless daughter. Maisie jumped up and ran past her mother as the front door swung open.
“I’m home,” Mark announced in a cheerful voice.
David continued to watch as Mark kissed his wife’s cheek. “Where’s my little girl?” he asked.
“In the back garden playing with her doll.”
David remembered moving away from the window as the back door creaked open. He could see the tears falling down her face as Maisie rushed out of the door. It broke his heart to see her treated so badly.
David held out his arms as Maisie sheepishly walked towards him before burying her head in his chest.
“Don’t cry, little one,” he said, brushing the blonde hair away from her face.
“Why does Mummy hate me so much?” she sobbed.
“I’m sure she loves you in her own way, although I don’t understand why she treats you so badly.”
“You can’t stay here,
David. She will sniff you out.”
“Why do you say that?” David remembered asking.
“She always knows where I go and what I do. I try to hide, but she sniffs for me.”
“I’m not scared of your mother, Maisie.”
She pulled herself out of David’s grip. “You must go. Now Daddy is home it won’t be long before Mummy comes to get me.”
“You know I’m always here for you if you ever need me. Promise you’ll come to me.”
Maisie began to talk in her sleep bringing David back to the present. A tear rolled down his cheek as he briefly remembered kissing her on top of the head before walking away.
Chapter 36
Sandra stopped off at Hilary’s. She was dying for a cup of coffee, and as Tim was at the gym she could have some much needed girly time with her friend.
She had only just sat down when Hilary decided she’d like to throw an impromptu party and wanted to know if Sandra would be free.
“Call your mate and ask if he wants to come,” Hilary instructed.
“Who else will be here?” Sandra asked.
“Just me, the hubby, you and him, if he can make it.”
“Does it have to be tonight? I’m done in.” Sandra moaned. She had been looking forward to an early night in front of the television.
“Yes, tonight. Stop arsing round and call him.” She pointed at Sandra’s phone on the coffee table.
“Yes boss.” Sandra picked up her phone and dialled Stephen’s number.
He answered straight away. “Hiya, Sandra. What’s up?”
“Hiya, handsome. I’m at Hils’ and she’s having a bit of a party tonight, nothing special, just me, Hils and her husband. She wondered if you’d like to come?”
“Can I bring Ian along?”
Sandra looked at Hilary. She’d been listening in and was nodding her head frantically in approval.
“Yeah, course you can. The more the merrier.”
“What time? Ian isn’t home from work until half five.”
She looked at Hilary again as she mouthed the word seven. “About seven.”
“Yeah, sounds good to me. I’ll call Ian at work and tell him not to be late.”
“That’s fine. I’ll call you when I’ve finished here. Can’t wait to meet Ian. See you later.”
Sandra ended the call and Hilary rubbed her hands together in excitement.
Hilary went into the kitchen and returned a few minutes later with two mugs of coffee and a packet of Jaffa Cakes. They made the mistake of settling down on the sofa with daytime television quietly playing in the background. Sandra knew she would struggle to leave the warm living room. The big squishy sofa was far too comfortable.
***
As soon as she had fastened her seat belt, Sandra picked up the phone and dialled Stephen’s number.
It only rang three times before he picked up. “Hello, again.”
“Sorry it took me so long to call you back. I’ve only just left Hils.”
“It’s fine. I was ironing Ian’s shirt for tonight. He’s making every excuse to try and get out of coming, but I’m having none of it.”
“If he doesn’t want to come, I won’t be offended.”
“What else does he have to do – sit in and watch soaps?”
“Look, I know you’re probably mad busy, but I’m at a loose end and was wondering if you were free now?”
“I can be. Why? What do you have in mind?” he asked, sounding intrigued.
“I want to introduce you to, David Price.” She heard a crash. “Are you there?” she laughed.
“Yes, yes, sorry I dropped the phone.”
“I thought so.” Sandra laughed as she imagined him flapping about.
“You really want to introduce me to him?” Stephen sounded like an excited kid at Christmas.
“Yes, but only if you’re happy to go back to the lane.”
“I’m not sure about that. I swore I wouldn’t, but I have to admit I’m more curious than scared – when?”
“Now, if you want.”
“Shit, Sandra, you really know how to surprise a guy.”
“I can be at your place in about ten minutes – it’s up to you.”
“I’m in. I’ll text you my address now. See you soon.”
A minute or so later, the text arrived. She knew where he was – it was just around the corner from the bar where they first met.
She pulled up outside a white washed semi-detached property set back from the road. It looked well maintained with hanging baskets on either side of the bottle green front door. Pristine white net curtains hung in all of the windows.
Sandra laughed. “God, he’s so gay.” She tooted the horn twice.
Stephen rushed out of his house and ran down the garden path, waving at Sandra.
She pushed the passenger door open and he climbed into the car. He was so damn sexy. What a waste.
She leant over and kissed his cheek. “Hello handsome, how’re you?” Sandra didn’t really know much about Stephen, but liked him already.
“Shitting myself if I’m honest.”
“You’ll be fine as long as it’s daylight,” Sandra said confidently.
“Does he know you’re bringing me to meet him?” Stephen sounded nervous.
Thinking about her response. “Erm, no and he won’t be happy about it either, but I want you to see he’s a good man.”
“Not awkward at all then,” he said sarcastically as Sandra started to laugh.
Stephen stared out of the car windows and looked nervous.
“I can’t believe I let you talk me into this.”
Sandra looked at him, faking offense. “It didn’t take much convincing. Besides, when you see how gorgeous David is you’ll be glad you came.”
“I’m a happily married man.” Stephen laughed.
“Have you ever heard of window shopping – you can look, but can’t touch?”
“I don’t know why I bother, you have an answer for everything.” Stephen shook his head and continued to laugh.
“My husband says the same thing.” Sandra shocked herself referring to Nathan as her husband.
“I didn’t know you were married.”
“I am, but not for much longer. He’s a cheating, lying scumbag, and I can’t wait to see the back of him.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. How long have you been separated for?”
“Not long enough.”
“Do you think David will talk to me?”
“Yes, I’m sure of it, but he won’t like you being there, and I’ll have to make sure we’re gone before it gets dark.”
“That’s good. I don’t wanna be there after dark anyway. I just want to speak to him and return this.”
Sandra glanced as he reached inside his rucksack and pulled out David’s diary. “I’m sure he will appreciate that.”
“I hope so. I don’t think it’s right I keep it. After all, it belongs to him. I’m sure he wouldn’t be happy somebody’s reading his private thoughts.”
“You’re a good guy, Stephen.” Sandra smiled at him.
“I want to do the right thing, and I think it’s time I closed the website down too.”
“Why now?”
“Because I don’t want to lead anybody else to the lane. Now I know what’s really going on, I’m putting people in danger. I spoke to Ian about it last night and he agreed with me.”
“I think you’re right. Did you tell Ian what you knew?”
“No way. He doesn’t like that sort of thing and gets scared by horror movies – he watches them through his fingers. Telling him they’re real will play on his mind. He’d never leave the house.” Stephen laughed.
“Probably for the best then.” Sandra laughed with him.
The car turned onto the lane.
“Are you sure you’re ready for this, Stephen?” Sandra asked, looking across and seeing how scared he was.
“No, but I have to do it.”
There was silenc
e between them as Sandra drove down the lane and slowly pulled up outside number six.
“Here we are,” Sandra announced.
“I’m not sure I can do this, you know, now I’m here.”
“It’s ok if you can’t. We don’t have to go in.”
Stephen looked beyond the gates. “My God, is that him?”
David was stood by the front door, a concerned expression on his face.
“Yeah, that’s him, but it’s unusual for him to be waiting there. Hang on and let me go and talk to him.”
As Sandra got out of the car. Stephen handed her the diary. “Give this back and tell him I’m sorry for reading it.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to give it to him yourself?”
“I’m sorry, I can’t. I’m terrified just sitting here.”
“Okay, I won’t be long and then I’ll take you home.”
Sandra got out of the car and made her way towards David.
“Hi, David,” Sandra said sheepishly.
“Sandra, why did you bring him back here? You know he’s been here before – why do you taunt her?”
“I’m sorry, but that wasn’t my intention for bringing Stephen here. I thought we were safe in the daylight.”
“The more people you bring here, the more danger you are putting them and yourself in. Maisie has been more restless than usual since I took you down there. I’ve never seen her so angry. She left the well last night, attacked one of the cats and fed on its remains.”
Sandra didn’t think anything would surprise her after the things she had seen, but the thought of Maisie killing and eating her prey still horrified her.
“She’s been wandering around the cavern all morning in her sleep. I fear it won’t be long before she is able to wake during the day and roam the grounds as she pleases.”
“But you said she couldn’t do that.”
“I know what I said, but I’d swear she’s building her strength and the more I allow you to be here, the stronger, and angrier she becomes.”
“You can leave the property. I can still come and see you, but not here. We can meet outside the gates.”
“I have to stay here. I worry that if I leave too often, she will find a way to escape.”
“What are you saying?” Sandra began to cry.
Promised Land Lane Page 20