Darkness Falls

by Trista Ann Michaels

  “I know,” Lisa said, then sighed. “I’m just tired of being babied. I still don’t remember anything, so to me it all seems silly.”

  “It’s not silly. Whoever attacked you is still out there. The last thing I want to happen is for him to get his hands on you again.”

  Lisa nodded reluctantly, and Alana gave her a hug.

  “At least take a couple of cameras and get some footage. If I can’t be there, I can live through the two of you vicariously.”

  Alana laughed. “Deal.”

  * * *

  Lisa stared at the computer screen and let out a long, tired sigh. Alana and Tray had left over an hour ago. They had a couple of stops to make for supplies, then they were headed to the house. She would give anything to be with them. She had become so tired of sitting on the sidelines, watching one of their best investigations ever from a distance. She hated this.

  One of their many producers, Steve, looked over at her and grinned.

  “That sigh sounded awfully dramatic.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Sorry. I’m just bored out of my mind.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “You’re kidding, right?”

  With a slight smile, she shook her head. “Well, not really. I have to admit, this stuff is amazing. We’ve never gotten anything like this before. It’s just…”

  “You want to be in that house.”

  “Yeah, I do. Unfortunately, whenever I try, I can’t seem to make my feet move,” she replied, sadly. “I still don’t remember much about what happened. I’ve gotten little bits and pieces, but nothing I can really grasp onto. It’s gone as quickly as it comes.”

  “Have you told Alana? About the flashes?”

  She shook her head firmly. “Absolutely not. She worries enough as it is.”

  “She’s your friend; of course she worries. We all worry. You may not remember what happened, but I can assure you, everyone else does.”

  “I need some coffee,” Lisa said as she quickly stood.

  “We’re out.”

  “Great. I’ll run downstairs and get some from the coffee shop across the street.”

  She started toward the door, grabbing her purse as she passed by the table.

  “Whoa,” Steve growled. “Not alone, you’re not.”

  “Oh, come on,” she snapped. “It’s just across the street and besides, Noah sent officers over to keep an eye on me.”

  “When?” Steven asked in disbelief.

  Lisa opened the door showing the two officers standing outside. “That’s who called just after you got here.”

  The two officers turned to look in the room and stared at them in a mixture of interest and confusion. “Where are you headed?” one of them asked.

  “Out…before I lose my mind.” She held out her hand. “I’m Lisa.”

  “Jake,” the young one on the right replied.

  He had blond hair and pretty blue eyes but was a good inch shorter than her, not to mention a few years younger.

  “John,” the other replied as he took her hand, giving it a firm shake.

  John was older with hazel eyes and a hint of gray in his dark brown hair. She loved older guys, especially ones who kept in shape like he obviously had.

  She gave him her best smile. “Nice to meet you. I assume the two of you are going to follow me.”

  “I will,” John said. “Jake will stay here and watch the door.”

  “Fair enough,” she said with a nod as she stepped out the door.

  She headed down the hall toward the elevator without looking behind her to see if John followed. She knew he did, and she also had a feeling he stared at her ass. Peeking around her shoulder, she caught his stare right where she knew it would be.

  His eyes lifted and met hers. He gave no apology, showed no sign he was embarrassed about being caught. Instead, one side of his mouth lifted in a devilish grin that made Lisa’s stomach flutter.

  She turned away as the heat of a blush moved over her own cheeks. What the hell was that about? She never blushed. With a huff, she pushed the button for the elevator, feeling somewhat off-kilter. She had no problem flirting, no problem making the first move, but for some reason this guy suddenly had her feeling as though she were on a Tilt-A-Whirl, spinning out of control.

  Thank God, the coffee shop wasn’t far. She really needed a shot of espresso. Maybe two. Alcohol would be better, but the bar wouldn’t be open until later, and all the stuff they’d brought with them was gone. They all drank way too much.

  The elevator opened, and the two of them stepped inside. He stood next to her, tall, buff, silent. She glanced over at him.

  “How long have you been a cop?” she asked.

  “Ever since I got out of the service. About four years now.”

  Ex-military? She let her gaze wander down his tall form. No wonder he was in shape.

  “Let me guess. Marine?”

  He nodded. “Good guess. I was an officer, planned to go career, but was injured overseas and took the medical discharge. I preferred that to a desk job. After about a year of rehab, physical therapy, and hard work, I was able to get a job as a police officer. It’s a small town; not much goes on here. Until you arrived, that is. Apparently you big city people bring it with you.”

  Lisa chuckled. “I would’ve preferred this time we left it at home.”

  The doors opened, and they stepped out into the lobby. John put his hand at the small of her back and waved toward the front door. His touch felt comforting. She moved just a bit closer to his strong presence as they made their way across the lobby.

  Once outside, the cool fall air hit her arms, and she realized she’d forgotten her jacket. Even though the sunshine felt warm against her skin, the breeze could cut like a knife. Wrapping her arms around herself, she shivered slightly and picked up her pace. John stayed close but didn’t hover as his long stride kept up with her easily.

  She quickly stepped into the front door of the coffee shop and sighed in relief. The temperature felt much better in here than outside, especially with her short sleeves.

  “It gets a little cool here this time of year. I should’ve told you to get a jacket,” John said as he rubbed his hands up and down her arms.

  She jumped in surprise but found his touch to be right, so she didn’t make him stop. Instead she took a step back, moving closer to his heat.

  “Better?” he asked close to her ear.

  The deep timbre of his voice sent tingles up her spine, and she swallowed.

  “Yes,” she croaked, then cleared her throat to try again. “Yes. Much, thank you.”

  She really needed a minute to compose herself. There was a long line at the counter, so she had time to run to the ladies’ room for a second to find her spine. This guy made her feel…odd, and she wasn’t so sure that was a good thing. She liked being in control but with him, she felt small and out of control.

  She spotted the restroom tucked away around the far corner. She pointed with her thumb. “I’ll be right back.”

  He stared at the corner then back to her with a frown.

  “I’m just going to the restroom. It’s right there. I’ll be fine.”

  He appeared hesitant, but finally nodded. “What do you want? I’ll get it ordered while you’re in there.”

  “White chocolate mocha,” she replied. “With whole milk and whipped cream.”

  Yeah, she knew it was fattening, but her mochas were the one thing she refused to skimp on. She quickly turned and headed to the bathroom, anxious for a second or two of breathing room.

  She rounded the corner and for a second had reservations. He couldn’t see her, nor could she see him. She placed her hand against the bathroom door and tried to shake off the feeling of impending doom.

  It’s nothing; just my vivid imagination working overtime.

  John was right outside. He would hear her if she screamed. Taking a deep breath, she shoved the door open and stepped inside. Sunlight shone through the large frosted window, warming the
tiles and the small room. She turned to the mirror and studied her makeup. The breeze had messed up her hair, so she ran her fingers through it, attempting to tame the thick tresses.

  The door behind her opened, and she glanced over her shoulder to smile a welcome at the woman who entered, but it wasn’t a woman. Her heart jumped at the sight of the man she’d met at the library—the man who’d given her the creeps and who now stood before her with a look of utter evil.

  She opened her lips to scream, and he rushed forward, clamping his hand over her mouth. She struggled against his hold as a bite of pain pinched at her neck. A drugging warmth spread through her body, and she sagged against him.

  Fear was gone. The only thing that remained was the pang of regret as his eyes faded from her view, and she slipped into the deep, dark sleep of the damned.

  Chapter Twenty-two

  Alana climbed out of the truck and shut the door. The weather had cooled as it got closer to sunset, and she squinted up at the bright blue sky before turning back to the house. It looked different in the light of day. Not nearly as scary, but thinking about what or who might be inside its walls made her shiver, despite the warmth of the late-afternoon sunshine.

  “We took way too much time at the electronics store. We’re going to lose the light soon.”

  Tray walked around the front of the truck and handed her a handheld camera. She fixed the strap around the back of her hand and opened the side. The camera came on with a loud ding, and she almost flinched as the noise seemed to disturb the quiet of the country mansion.

  “I think we’ll be fine. Besides, they’ve turned the power on if we need it, remember? So it’s not like we’re going to have to cut it short at sunset. Ready?” Tray asked.

  She pursed her lips and took a deep breath through her nose, letting it out loudly. She was beginning to have second thoughts, but wasn’t sure why. A gut instinct maybe. “Noah’s told us never to come here alone.”

  “We’re not alone. We can watch each other’s backs.”

  She stared up at the third-floor windows. She had a strong sensation of being watched and frowned at the curtain blowing through the open window at the far end of the third floor, close to the tower. “Did someone leave a window open last time we were here?”

  Tray shook his head and looked up to see what she looked at. “We don’t normally touch the windows.”

  Her stomach tightened with discomfort at the thought of going through that house. Someone was up there, watching them. She could feel it. It was as though he stood behind them, his hot breath on their necks. She shook her head, trying to dislodge the sensation. “I have a bad feeling about this, Tray.”

  Tray jerked his head around and frowned down at her as though she’d grown another head. “Since when do you get the creeps?”

  “Since today, apparently. It’s weird. It’s as though something…or someone…is telling me not to go in there.”

  Tray turned to fully face her, his expression thoughtful but also disbelieving. “Okay, you gotta explain that one.”

  She leaned her back against the truck door. “I can’t. Sorry.”

  “Do you want to leave?”

  She looked into Tray’s eyes and knew the last thing he wanted to do was leave. He would, of course. If she said she did, he’d go with her. That was just the way he was. He would never make her do something she wasn’t comfortable with. He’d take her back and get one of the cameramen to go with him instead.

  Shoving the unease aside, she bolstered her courage. “Let’s do this.”

  “Yes,” Tray said with a grin and turned to head toward the front steps of the house.

  “Did you bring the key?” she asked, following close behind.

  He jiggled his keys. “Got it.”

  Tray slid the key into the front door lock, and Alana stood behind him, nervously shifting from one foot to another. He eyed her with amusement over his shoulder, and she immediately stopped. “What?” she snapped.

  Tray snickered but said nothing as he pushed the front door open. It squeaked, and Alana once again shivered. The grand staircase came into view, and she immediately understood why Tray and Aiden wanted to turn this into a bed-and-breakfast. It was beautiful, and when all their planned renovations were done, it would be stunning. Add to that the label of haunted, which it most definitely was, and the place would be constantly booked.

  Tray stepped inside, and Alana reluctantly followed. This was stupid. It really was. She’d never in her life been afraid like this. But truthfully, she’d never known anyone who’d been attacked the way Lisa had either. Maybe she should be afraid. Running in headfirst without looking both ways often got you into trouble. If she’d learned anything at all on this trip, she’d learned that.

  She held up the camera and spun it around the entryway as they headed up the stairs. They were halfway up when the sound of a truck outside caught their attention.

  “Who do you suppose that is?” Tray asked.

  Alana tensed. She knew who it was, and he wasn’t happy at all.

  Noah stomped through the front door and stopped in the middle of the room, his hands on his hips and glared angrily up at them.

  “Busted!” he snapped.

  She dropped the camera down to her side and returned his glare. Her own anger rose to the surface as she faced down the more intimidating of the two brothers. “Excuse me?” she replied angrily.

  Where the hell did he get off?

  “Oh, boy,” Tray mumbled from behind her, but she ignored him.

  “Didn’t I tell you not to come here alone?”

  “How did you even know I was here? And I’m not alone.”

  “I saw your truck, and I’m sorry, but Tray isn’t exactly my idea of protection.”

  “This is stupid, Noah. What are you going to do if this guy is never caught? Are you never going to allow anyone to be here alone? What about your guests or your staff?”

  Noah dragged his hands down his face in agitation. “Once construction starts on this place, if someone is hiding out here, he won’t be for long.” He wagged his finger between the two of them. “One strong, resourceful man could easily take down the two of you, and you both fucking know it.”

  “Wow,” Tray drawled. “Ye of little faith.”

  “Don’t be a smart-ass, Tray,” Noah snarled.

  “Don’t treat me like a child,” Tray replied.

  The menace in Tray’s voice surprised Alana, and she glanced with surprise at her friend over her shoulder before turning back to Noah. “Okay, guys. Seriously. Don’t you dare come to blows and make me have to choose who to pull off who.”

  Noah’s eyebrow rose, and he snorted as though he found what she said to be amusing.

  “Don’t make me regret coming to your defense with Alana,” Tray said.

  Noah rolled his eyes. “Tray—forget it. I’ve been trying to get a hold of you for almost two hours now. Where the hell is your phone?”

  “My phone?” Alana replied, then gasped. “Damn. I left it at the hotel to charge.”

  “Where’s yours?” Noah asked Tray.

  “It went dead earlier, and I haven’t had a chance to recharge it. Why? What’s going on?”

  “You two need to come with me. I’ll explain at the station.”

  A blood-curdling scream made everyone freeze. Alana’s heart stopped at the sound of the alarming cry, and she began to glance around the entrance hall to determine its origin. The very sound gave her the chills. It wasn’t loud but sounded more muffled, as though it came from deep within the walls.

  “What the hell was that?” Alana asked, her voice breathy and shaking. It didn’t sound like the other noises they’d heard before. It was human…real.

  “Jeez,” Tray whispered. “You have stuff like that happen when you have guests in this thing, you’ll either be rich or bankrupt.”

  “That’s not funny, Tray,” Alana whispered as she walked over to the wall and placed her hand against the stained wallpaper.
“That wasn’t paranormal.”

  The scream had stopped, and she held her breath, waiting to see if it would start back up again.

  “I agree with Alana,” Noah said as he stood still, listening.

  The scream sounded again, and Alana gasped at the tortured sound. She jumped from the wall then turned, wide-eyed, toward Noah. “It’s coming from inside the walls.”

  Noah pulled his gun. “Both of you out, now.”

  “What?” Tray and Alana cried in unison.

  Lifting the walkie to his mouth, Noah scowled at both of them as he spoke. “This is Noah, I need backup at the mansion.”

  “Backup’s on the way. What’s up?” someone asked on the other end.

  “Not sure yet. Tell them to be prepared for anything.”

  Before Noah could place his walkie back in its holder, Aiden’s voice came over the speaker. “What’s going on, Noah? Did you find Alana?”

  “Yeah, she’s here. Get your ass out here,” Noah replied.

  “What the hell’s going on?” Tray asked as Noah pointed toward the door, indicating he wanted them to leave.

  “Come on, Noah! You can’t make us leave; I know where the entrance is on the second floor. The one we’ve all been searching for.”

  Noah scowled. “Damn it, Tray. We don’t have time for this. Lisa’s missing.”

  Alana gasped. “What? Since when?”

  “Since this afternoon.”

  “Are you kidding me?” she snapped before turning to head up the stairs toward the second floor. “That could be Lisa screaming.”

  “Oh, shit,” Tray said as Noah sped past to catch up with Alana.

  “Tray, I swear to God. You better get your ass out there and let them know where to go when they get here.”

  Alana didn’t wait to hear Tray’s response. Instead, she ignored her fear and headed toward the portion of the hallway where they’d seen their figure disappear earlier on the tape.

  “Lisa!” she screamed.

  Noah grasped her arm, slinging her against the wall as they both came to an abrupt halt. Tears escaped to slide down her cheeks as she stared pleadingly up at an angry Noah. But she could tell, could feel deep down, he wouldn’t be swayed. He was pissed.