Steph hadn’t stopped talking about the chilling altercation at the diner. She spoke of it like a roller-coaster ride she’d just walked away from, a smile on her face and winded. While the others—like Heather—were probably reconsidering their current career choices, Steph acted as if nothing had changed.
“So,” she said after a few minutes of uncomfortable silence. “Some strange fire started and burned some of the woods down. Big deal. Probably just somebody threw a cigarette into some dry brush or something. The rest is just doomster fodder. Nobody knows for sure about the supposed murders. Nobody knows what really happened, other than some dead bodies were found that weren’t burned. So naturally they’re scared. Take that and an old campfire legend and you’ve got an outrageous recipe for mystery. Anything strange or uncertain will be blamed on these things. Just like bizarre cattle mutilations are usually blamed on the chupacabra.”
“Especially if they did it,” said Ted.
“Oh hush, goofus.”
“Damn,” muttered Shaun.
The SUV slowed to a crawl.
Ted ducked his head so he could gaze through the windshield.
A thin gasp escaped Steph.
Debbie’s body tensed.
Heather had to lean to the side so she could see out the windshield. Being crammed in the back blocked her vision. Once she was angled in an uncomfortable position, she saw what had caused her companions’ reactions.
Welcome to Whisper Lake!
“Guess we’re close,” said Shaun without enthusiasm.
Heather could see the entrance to the lake. A chain was draped across the narrow track leading into the woods on either side. To her right was farmland. Though far off in the distance, the abandoned farms were clearly visible.
She saw fallen fences overgrown with weeds that desperately needed to be grazed, old cornfields, tobacco-colored stalks that swayed as if an electric current moved through them. The faint trembling sounds, like a chorus of rattlesnake tails, could be heard outside.
Where the road stretched off and curved ahead of them, a house sat off to the side on a slight rise, like a skull. The front sagged in, the vacant spot where a door should be, two hollow cavities for windows that looked like sockets missing the eyes.
Heather felt her skin tingle. Her turgid nipples pushed painfully against the cups of her bra. She turned so she could see out the back window. Nobody was coming from behind. The road carried on, empty, a faded-gray stripe sketching through browning landscape.
We’re all alone out here.
Sure didn’t feel that way. Felt like they were being watched from all angles. Heather dropped back into her seat, feeling exhausted.
The rustic scene outside vanished and was replaced by charred and twisted skeletal limbs, hardened in painful angles, entwined like deformed appendages. The trunks were fat and blotchy boles protruding from the ground like worms that had cooked on the sidewalk during a stifling summer day. The scorched setting covered much of the area around them. Here and there, Heather saw crispy structures that had once been homes. Now they were blackened skeletons the wildfire had left behind.
Houses, untouched by the flames, sat vacant, cars left in the driveways on deflated tires, windshields painted in heavy layers of dust. Sunlight ricocheted off filthy house windows like dimming flashlights beams. Shutters hung askew beside them, as if frozen in a stroke-stricken wink. Paint had become flaky, breaking off in chips. Siding dangled from the frames.
Heather found it unbelievable there were still people living in this insignificant town.
“We should stop and look around,” said Steph.
Heather shot her a pained look. “Why on earth would we do that?”
“Just to see it, you know? I mean…look at all this.”
Shaun shook his head from the front. His expression was grim. “I have. There’s nothing to see.”
“It would be so creepy to explore, you know?” said Steph, now directing her argument at Shaun. “Wouldn’t you like to say you’ve been here?”
“I can say that now,” he replied. “And not have to get out of the car.”
Steph groaned. “Ted?”
“Huh?” he said. His eyes were trained on the window beside him, a finger rubbing his chin.
“Wouldn’t you like to see what’s out there?”
“Looks kind of overrated to me.”
“Come on, Ted…”
Shaun’s eyes appeared in the rearview mirror. They were narrowed slits, eyebrows angling down into a scowl that caused the bridge of his nose to crease. “Even if he agreed with you—although I don’t think he’s dumb enough to want to sightsee through Doverton—I’m not stopping the fucking car.”
“Shaun,” said Debbie. “Language.”
He held up a surrendering hand. “I’m just saying…it’s my car. I’m in charge of the stops it makes.”
“Yes, Shaun,” said Debbie, “it’s your car. We are at your mercy, oh great traveler.”
Heather waited on Shaun to strike Debbie. She saw it so vividly in her mind that she thought it’d actually happened: His arm flinging out, the back of his hand slapping Debbie’s cheek and sending her head to the side.
It never happened.
To Heather’s surprise and relief, Shaun laughed. It was a genuine, good-humored rejoinder.
“So we’re not stopping?” said Steph with a whine in her voice.
A synchronization of “No!” was fired back at her. Even Ted had joined in.
“Fine!” Steph sank in her seat, crossing her arms across her jutting breasts. “Forget I asked.”
Shaun laughed. “I already have.”
Raimi Road was marked by a wooden sign on top of a slanting pole. The name was carved into the rotting plank and painted in white that had nearly faded away. It was hardly legible, and because of the trees on either side of the narrow driveway reaching across as if trying to hide its existence from the outside, Heather could hardly even see it.
“Are you sure this is it?” said Shaun. “Looks like we’ll drive right off the side of the earth if we take this road.”
Heather smiled. “This is it.”
“Okay,” he said in a wary sigh.
He steered into the mouth of the driveway. Tree limbs engulfed them in a cave of spindly branches, scraping the sides of the car as they traveled down the leafy gullet.
“There goes the paint,” said Shaun, shaking his head.
Though Heather hadn’t physically been here before, it felt as if she were returning home after a long time away. Randy had wanted her to come see the house with him. But the weekend Randy scheduled a meeting with the realtor she had been speaking at a Christian Women’s Conference in Green Bay. Tempted to cancel her appearance, Randy had said it would look bad for her character if she did. He was right. It was there that she’d made the announcement she wanted to be part of a center for people who’d gone through trauma like herself. With the explosion of applause she’d received afterward, she’d known going into this venture with Randy was a good idea.
Heather bounced and bobbed as the SUV dipped into shallow gullies and holes in the driveway. Though the trees seemed to be receding back from the driveway, they were still dense and tall.
“So, nobody’s actually seen this place?” said Ted.
“Randy and Chad have,” said Heather.
“It could be a real bomb,” he said.
“It’s not,” said Debbie. “We’ve seen the pictures, and Randy uploaded a video tour of the place, so we knew what we’re going to see out here. I don’t know about anybody else, but I couldn’t afford the gas to come out here to explore in person.”
“Doesn’t look completely terrible,” said Shaun.
Heather leaned up so she could see. The house was up ahead on the left, sitting off to the side of the driveway. A large field
and old pastures rolled behind it, ending at another wall of thick woodland. Beyond the tree barriers, she could see the faint hint of a dirt road that went way back.
And there’s the infamous Mystic Lane we heard about in the diner.
Heather turned her head so she couldn’t see the dirt road any longer. Her eyes landed on the old barn that needed serious repairs. Breaches where wood had fallen off spread through the barn like missing teeth. There was no longer a door, just an opening that led inside to the stables and the loft above. A chicken coop was far off in the field, its exterior matching the barn in not only color but condition.
Other than the house, the only area that seemed to be easy on the eyes was the large shed across from where the driveway ended.
“I see a lot of work ahead of us,” said Ted. “Randy’s done great with the house so far, but the rest…well…it’s…”
“The pits,” said Shaun.
“It’s perfect,” said Debbie. “Away from civilization. Private. Secluded. No one will bother us here.”
“Away from everything,” said Shaun. He didn’t sound as if he were praising one of its upsides.
“Whose car is that?” said Steph.
Heather looked. Even though the sunlight caused the chrome adorning the raven-black Mustang to blaze, Heather still recognized Chad Bishop’s car parked beside his brother’s Nissan. The shiny chrome rims and accessories glared, hurting Heather’s eyes and making her squint. “That’s Chad,” she said.
“Is he an ass?” asked Ted, leaning back his head to address Heather.
“Not really,” she said. “He’s more of the business manager, I guess. He’s got a say in things, but he won’t be dealing with the guests or really us, for that matter.”
“He’ll write the paychecks,” said Shaun. “And make sure you don’t go over budget. You’ll only see him when money’s tight.”
Probably right about that.
The thought caused a hollow dip in Heather’s chest. Chad wouldn’t stick around too long. There was really no need for him to. After they finished the repairs, he would go back home and she’d rarely see him after that.
That’s how you wanted it to be. He was the one who wanted a relationship.
Now was not the time to dwell on all her emotional hang-ups and how she truly felt about Chad. That could come later.
The house crept by the car windows, towering over them like a dominating giant. It was three stories tall, though the top floor was just an attic that would be used as a storage area.
Shaun parked next to Chad’s Mustang and killed the engine. No one was quick to move from their seats. Shaun opened his door and got out. As if it was what everybody had been waiting for, the others followed him. Steph paused long enough to raise the seat so Heather could climb out from the back.
After the stuffiness of the car, the air outside was crisp, like chilly fingertips tapping lightly on Heather’s skin. It brought water to her eyes that quickly evaporated in the cold breeze.
Shaun made a short circle, taking the property in. He approached the stairs that led up to the back porch. The landing was flat, on stilts that raised it higher up.
It was hard to see Shaun’s eyes behind the sunglasses, but from how his teeth were bared, his disapproval was apparent.
Ted plopped a cigarette in his mouth and lighted it. Exhaling, he gazed up at the house. “Jesus H. Christ. I think we’re at Leatherface’s house.”
“No, that’s in Texas,” said Steph. “We’re at Ed Gein’s. He’s probably got a body hanging by the ankles in the shed.”
Ted groaned. “You had to mention Gein, didn’t you?”
“We can’t talk about him back home,” she said. “Unless it’s Halloween and we’re trying to spook the kids with tales of Gein’s ghost coming for their heads or some dumb shit like that.”
Ted’s eyes widened with surprise. “Back home? You’re from Plainfield?”
“Born and raised.”
“I’m so sorry,” said Ted.
Steph pretended the comment annoyed her, but the smile defeated her leer. “Hardy har har.”
Shaun sighed. “So where the hell is everybody?”
“Get off my land, you yuppies!” shouted a shrill voice. “I’ll put two loads of buckshot in your asses!”
Gasping, Heather tensed, spinning around to face the house. She saw a man standing on the back porch. He stood at the top of the stairs in a casual sweater pulled over a white T-shirt that could be seen through the V of the collar. The jeans were old and faded, with slight tears in the knees and threadbare scuffs on the thighs. His blond hair was neatly styled. Just the tips seemed to waver in the breeze. His wholesome smile matched the handsome features of his face. But what always seemed to melt Heather the most were his eyes that shimmered like the rippling surface of a swimming pool. She easily got lost in their deep-blue halos.
As she was right now, gazing up into them, instead of introducing him to the others.
“You must be Chad,” she heard Debbie say.
“That’s what they tell me.” He started down the stairs. “And you’re Debbie?”
She smiled. “That’s right.”
Pointing at Shaun, he said, “Shaun?”
Shaun nodded.
He reached the bottom of the stairs and stepped down onto the gravel. His shoes made crunching sounds as he walked across the rocks. “And the pretty one has to be Steph.”
Smiling, Steph started to say something, but Ted cut her off.
“Nope. I’m Steph.” He held out his hand. “Nice to meet you.”
Chad snapped his fingers. “I was so close.” He shook Ted’s hand, then turned to Steph. “Ted, it’s a pleasure.”
“Same here,” said Steph.
“That’s pretty good,” said Debbie. “How’d you know who we were?”
“I looked you up on Facebook.”
The others, except for Shaun, laughed as Chad made his way to Heather. Their eyes met and locked. His good-humored smile dropped into a desirous stare. “You, I know.”
Heather felt her lips curling. “Yes, you do.”
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen you—how’ve you been, Heather?”
“Good. You?”
“Better by the minute.”
Heather felt her cheeks starting to burn.
Shaun’s overly loud and intentional clearing of his throat popped through their wistful bubble. Chad blinked as if he’d been in a trance. Turning around, he brought back his perfect beam. It had won him the hearts of several jurors during his early stages of a law career and Heather was confident it would win their hearts as well. Even Shaun’s.
“It’s good to meet you all,” said Chad, putting his hands together to form a tent of fingers. “We were getting a little worried. You’re late.”
Heather noticed the back door swinging open. Randy stepped outside, a wide smile on his face. He held a clipboard in one hand as he leaned against the screen door to prop it open.
“Welcome to isolation,” he called theatrically.
Chad shook his head, rolling his eyes as his brother descended the stairs.
Debbie introduced Randy to Shaun and Ted. Though they’d talked on the phone, this was their first encounter face-to-face.
After the introductions were over, Randy walked halfway up the steps, spinning around to peer down at them from over his shoulder.
Heather laughed. This was Randy in full form, a lighthearted goofball.
Holding out his hands, the clipboard pointing at the SUV, Randy said, “Let’s get you guys unpacked, rooms picked out and give you a tour of the house. After lunch we’ll get started on some minor work before the day ends. Maybe we can squeeze in a quick stroll around the property.”
“Wow,” said Shaun. “Jumping right in.”
“A little,�
�� said Randy. “We’re going to take it easy through the weekend. The hard stuff will come first of next week. We’ll get serious then.” When no one started moving, Randy lightly swatted the back of the clipboard. “Well, let’s get going. Come on.”
On her way to the back of Shaun’s SUV, Heather heard the soft crunch a foot might make on the ground. She turned around, facing the woods. What leaves remained on the limbs fluttered in the breeze, making sounds like maracas. A few pines stood out, fluffy and green against the brown backdrop. She thought she saw a dark shimmer of movement, something flitted behind the trees.
Seeing spooks, kiddo?
“Come on, Heather,” called Chad. “Let’s go.”
Shaking her head, she walked behind the SUV.
By the time they’d finished pulling down the luggage, the shadowy movement had been forgotten.
Maggie
She remained flat on her stomach under a low-hanging branch, concealed by the colorless leaves of the tree.
Stupid stick…
She should have seen it on the ground. It was on a sprinkling of pine needles and forest debris. Anyone would have noticed it there. But she hadn’t, and her foot had come down right on the narrow twig. The crunch had been like a grenade blast in the peaceful moment.
And the woman had heard it.
When she’d turned around and stared into the woods, Maggie had thought she’d been spotted. The woman’s eyes seemed to be targeted directly at her. Eventually she’d turned away and helped the others pull down the suitcases from the top of the truck.
She’d almost screwed up. Warder had asked her to come out here and see what the people were doing. Don’t be seen. That had been his one command and she’d nearly failed his simple order.
Sitting up, Maggie brushed clinging dirt and pine needles off her skin. She looked toward the house. Nobody was outside now, and hadn’t been for several minutes. She didn’t know exactly how much time had passed, but she would guess ten minutes since everyone went inside.
She’d been watching the first man work outside when the black car showed up. The man who got out of the car called him Randy. Before he got here, she’d been so tempted to leave the woods and approach Randy, though she knew it was a bad idea. He would have been scared of her, might have even run away. She didn’t know what she would do if that happened—if he rejected her. Had the other vehicle not come when it did, she just might have attempted communicating with him.
The Lurking Season Page 7